May is traditionally represented by the emerald, a gemstone steeped in history and symbolism. However, modern interpretations also include green onyx as a birthstone option for this month. This article will explore the significance of both emerald and green onyx, particularly as they are featured in popular stud earring designs, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The emerald has a long and storied past, frequently associated with rebirth and new beginnings, making it a fitting symbol for May, a month representing the flourishing of spring. While the provided sources do not detail the ancient history of the emerald, they do highlight its enduring appeal as a gift for those born in May, signifying a connection to these themes of renewal. The sources emphasize the emerald’s role in celebrating “meaningful moments and personal style,” and as a “thoughtful gift” for May birthdays.
Green onyx, while not as historically prominent as the emerald in birthstone lore, is presented as a viable alternative. The sources do not elaborate on the historical significance of green onyx specifically, but its association with the color green inherently links it to themes of growth, vitality, and nature, aligning with the spirit of May.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide some details regarding the gemological properties of emeralds used in stud earrings. Specifically, ALOA Jewelry notes that the emeralds they use are “genuine” and “rose-cut,” measuring 4mm in size. This indicates a specific cutting style designed to enhance the gem’s brilliance. The sources do not provide information on the emerald’s chemical composition, hardness, or refractive index.
Green onyx, featured in earrings by Honeywillow, is presented simply as a color variant of onyx. The sources do not detail the specific geological properties of green onyx, such as its formation process or chemical composition.
A comparison of materials used in earring construction is provided by Oh Clem, detailing the use of “Medical-grade Stainless Steel” and “18K gold PVD-coating” for durability and sensitivity. Made by Mary utilizes “gold vermeil” for their emerald CZ stud earrings. Simple & Dainty uses “14k gold filled” material. These details highlight the variety of metals used in creating stud earring settings, catering to different preferences and sensitivities.
Stud Earring Styles and Materials
The provided sources primarily focus on the availability and features of May birthstone stud earrings. A common theme is the emphasis on comfort and suitability for sensitive ears. Oh Clem specifically markets their earrings as being “made for sensitive ears,” “tarnish-free,” and “irritation-free.” They offer both regular post and screw-back options, explaining the differences in post thickness and security.
Several sources highlight the use of high-quality materials designed for everyday wear. Simple & Dainty and Honeywillow emphasize the durability of gold filled materials, noting that they are “tarnish resistant” and suitable for wearing during activities like showering and sleeping. Gold filled is described as having “100x more gold than gold plated” and being hypoallergenic.
The sources showcase a range of materials and finishes, including sterling silver, gold filled, and solid 14K gold (ALOA Jewelry), as well as gold vermeil (Made by Mary). This variety allows consumers to choose earrings that match their personal style and budget.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources directly link the emerald to “intuition” (Made by Mary) and the broader concepts of “rebirth and regeneration” (Littleskystone). This aligns with traditional beliefs surrounding the emerald as a symbol of hope, growth, and renewal. The connection to intuition suggests the emerald is believed to enhance inner wisdom and perception.
While the sources do not explicitly state metaphysical beliefs associated with green onyx, its green color inherently carries symbolism related to nature, healing, and prosperity. The sources do not provide any specific details on the metaphysical properties of either stone.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer limited information on the care and cleaning of May birthstone stud earrings. However, the emphasis on durable materials like gold filled and stainless steel suggests that these earrings are relatively low-maintenance. The description of gold filled as “tarnish resistant” implies that regular cleaning may not be necessary. The sources do not provide specific instructions for cleaning emeralds or green onyx.
Purchasing Considerations
The sources provide insights into purchasing considerations, including shipping options and return policies. Several sources (Simple & Dainty, Honeywillow) offer free shipping for orders exceeding a certain amount. Made by Mary offers a “Try Risk Free” guarantee with free returns or exchanges. Oh Clem notes that screw-back earrings may be slightly thicker and could potentially stretch piercing holes, advising customers to consider this when choosing between regular posts and screw backs.
The sources also highlight processing and shipping times, which vary depending on the material (sterling silver/gold filled vs. 14K solid gold) and the vendor.
May Birthstone Options: A Summary
The following table summarizes the key information gleaned from the sources regarding May birthstone options for stud earrings:
| Gemstone | Material Options | Key Features | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald | Rose-cut, 4mm | Genuine, Intuition | Rebirth, Renewal, Hope |
| Green Onyx | N/A | Color variant | Growth, Vitality, Nature |
| Earring Settings | Stainless Steel, 18K Gold PVD, Gold Filled, Gold Vermeil, Sterling Silver, 14K Gold | Durable, Tarnish-resistant, Hypoallergenic | Comfort, Style |
Conclusion
The May birthstone, traditionally the emerald, offers a rich history and symbolism of rebirth and intuition. Modern interpretations also embrace green onyx as a beautiful alternative. The provided sources demonstrate a wide range of stud earring designs featuring these gemstones, crafted from durable and comfortable materials. Whether seeking a classic emerald stud or a vibrant green onyx pair, consumers have numerous options to celebrate a May birthday or simply embrace the beauty and significance of these captivating gemstones.