Four Elements: Harmonious Emeralds in the Rough

May 2

What's your birthstone? It's kind of like your birthday but in gorgeous gemstone form. It's something to celebrate. The ancient Greeks believed everything was made of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. We believe every birthstone month deserves (at least) four jewelry wishes. Happy birthstone!

Uncut gems

May’s birthstone, emerald, is said to promote balance in every aspect—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Emeralds symbolize mercy, compassion and universal love, making them the stone of the heart. (No wonder they were a favorite among legendary lovers, like Cleopatra).

When you think of an emerald, you probably think of an intensely lush green, faceted and polished to perfection. (It’s such a common state to find the stone in, the classic “emerald cut” has even been translated to other gems, like diamonds). But emeralds in their raw, unpolished state also have a lot to offer, as designers across the globe already know. These uncut gems lean toward an organic aesthetic that lets the natural balance of this harmonious stone shine.

**EARTH**

Ela Rae was founded in New York City by Pamela Rachel Mufson while still in college. The brand is inspired by talismans from around the world, and reflects those cultures in a mix of bohemian and modern styles.
Ela Rae “Heart Shape” earrings with emeralds, $118 at Siebke Hoyt

**FIRE**

Combining previous careers in banking and fashion with a family lineage of gold coin dealers and estate jewelers, Lika Behar created her eponymous jewelry brand. Each piece is made in Turkey with stones that originate in the United States. The result? Uniquely modern jewels, inspired by ancient jewelry traditions.
Lika Behar "Pompei” ring in 22k gold with emerald cabochon, $4,400 at Walters & Hogsett
*This item is sold out.

**AIR**

The former women’s-wear and jewelry buyer at luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, designer Jia-Jia Zhu’s experience helped her “learn how to build a jewelry business from the ground up.” That knowledge, mixed with her passion for one-of-a-kind crystals and stones, has resulted in Jia Jia—a fine jewelry brand with deep roots in nature.
Jia Jia “Atlas” bracelet in 14k gold with emeralds, $540 at Jia Jia

**WATER**

The co-proprietor of the 1940’s NYC nightclub called Versailles, and an avid collector of Greco-Roman art and antiquities, Jean Prounis’s great-grandfather, Otto, is the inspiration behind her designs, many of which feature ancient goldsmithing techniques and precious and semi-precious gemstones.
Prounis pendant in 22k gold with emerald, $7,680 at Prounis

Editor: Rebecca Daly
Market Editor: Johannah Masters

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).