The Meaning of Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings

 

 

Boucheron classic 3.91 carat briljant cut diamond platinum engagement ring

While diamond engagement rings remain as popular as ever, some people prefer colored gemstone engagement rings as a vibrant alternative. Each precious gemstone has its own meaning, with their symbolism often being a factor in selection. Here are some of the meanings behind colored gemstone engagement rings.

A true classic, for men and women: Tiffany & Co Jean Schlumberger 16 Stone Diamond Platinum Gold Band Ring

Ruby engagement rings are said to symbolize love, passion and courage – perfect for a colorful engagement ring that represents your relationship. For those born in July, ruby rings are particularly poignant. If your loved one’s birthstone is the ruby, it is worth considering whether a ruby center stone or side-stones would be a gorgeous choice for their engagement ring.

Tiffany & Co 18kt yellow gold, ruby and diamond engagement ring

Blue sapphire engagement rings  represent loyalty and devotion. As such, sapphires are a stunning and particularly meaningful choice for bridal jewelry. September’s birthstone is formed in a wide range of colors, from the popular blue to more unusual pink, yellow and purple. At 9 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are at 10, they are the third hardest mineral and are therefore durable. This means they can be worn daily, as long as they are cared for over time.

18kt White gold, blur sapphire and diamond halo ring

Representing truth and trust, pink sapphire engagement rings are a distinctive alternative to blue sapphires. These romantic gemstones are most stunning when set in rose gold, as the coppery hue of this metal accentuates the warm tones in the center stone.

18kt Rose gold, pink sapphire and diamond halo ring

The green gemstone peridot is associated with rebirth, renewal, prosperity and compassion. This makes is a stunning , yet rare, choice for gemstone engagement rings, symbolizing the next chapter in the wearer’s life. Women with August birthdays might enjoy receiving a peridot engagement rings, in particular.

Peridot diamond gold engagement ring

Blue topaz engagement rings have traditionally been believed to encourage clear, calm communication, personal growth and the desire to learn. Since communication is key in any marriage, it’s clear to see why topaz might be a wise choice for your engagement ring. November’s birthstone is naturally formed in a wide variety of colors and intensities, so it’s likely you’ll find the perfect gemstone ring for you.

14kt White gold, blue topaz and diamond engagement ring

From fiery orange to mysterious green, garnet gemstones are naturally found in a variety of vibrant hues and tones. A garnet engagement ring is said to ensure good health, prosperity and enduring happiness. Red garnets are often compared to rubies, representing passion and love with their depth of color. Orange garnets (called Spessartite) is said to channel the energy of the sun, suitable for creative dreamers. Green garnet is believed to instill confidence in the wearer. As January’s birthstone, garnet engagement rings are particularly sought after those born in the first month of the year.

18kt Rose gold, cushion cut spessartite garnet and diamond halo ring

Purple amethyst engagement rings are said to promote happiness, contentment and peace. If you and your partner value a calm relationship, free from tension and disagreement, an amethyst ring might be a style to consider. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and thus would be extra meaningful for those born in the month.

Vintage milgrain 14kt yellow gold, amethyst and diamond engagement ring

Do you love colored gemstone engagement rings? Which gem’s meaning is most significant to you?…..

by Jean Amr

 

January Birthstone: Garnet

Garnet in its famous red form (Click photo to enlarge).

Garnet, the birthstone for January,  signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend.  Garnet, derived from the word granatum, means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone’s resemblance to a pomegranate seed.  References to the gemstone dates back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays jewelry.

Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of tsavorite (Click photo to enlarge).

Today, the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India. From fiery orange to mysterious green, garnet gemstones are naturally found in a variety of vibrant hues and tones. A garnet engagement ring is said to ensure good health, prosperity and enduring happiness. Red garnets are often compared to rubies, representing passion and love with their depth of color. Orange garnets (called Spessartite) is said to channel the energy of the sun, suitable for creative dreamers. Green garnet is believed to instill confidence in the wearer.

Cushion-cut spessartite garnet and diamond halo ring, 18k rosé gold.

As January’s birthstone, garnet engagement rings are particularly sought after those born in the first month of the year.

by Jean Amr

Birthstones by Month

Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while lucky babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone. The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Verdura 18kt Yellow Gold ‘Pebble’ Amethyst Bracelet

It’s uncertain how the specific months became connected with the various stones. However, some speculate that their origins date back to biblical times when the breastplate belonging to a priest was decorated with 12 assorted colored gems. As time wore on, the 12 gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it.

This started the tradition of wearing a colored stone each month as a sort of good luck charm. Initially people wore all twelve stones, rotating according to the month of the year to derive the greatest benefit of each stone. Believing that the various gems held magical powers for the individual born within a given month, people started to wear the stone associated with their birth month for the entire year. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers designed a list dedicating different gems to various months. What was once thought to be controversial based on its commercialism is now widely accepted as the official birthstone list.

 

 

A vintage 14kt white gold, turquoise, emerald, blue sapphire and diamond necklace, the clasp of which can be worn as a brooch.

The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then, the tanzanite was added to December. There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers.

For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.

More on birthstones and their fabulous jewels here at Yakymour at the first of every forth comming month….

by Jean Amr