8 Best Unique Gemstone Rings
Apr 08, 2025
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS--
Diamonds may be the most popular and familiar option for engagement rings, but gemstone engagement rings actually have a much longer, fascinating history of representing love, romance, and commitment.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About Gemstones
- Affordability
- Symbolism
- Meaning
- Gemstone History
- 8 Best Gemstone Rings
- Emerald
- Opal
- Ruby
- Sapphire
- Aquamarine
- Amethyst
- Garnet
- Topaz
- Choosing a Gemstone Ring
About Gemstones
Any gemstone can be a lovely, meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines, pearls, and more can all be stunning center stones in an engagement ring, whether they are set as solitaires or are part of more elaborate rings. Diamond accents may be used with gemstone engagement rings, or coordinating gemstones can create an even more colorful and unique engagement ring design.
Affordability
Couples may choose a gemstone ring for many reasons. Depending on the overall ring design and stone quality, a gemstone ring can be much more affordabl than a similar diamond engagement ring.
Symbolism
The symbolism of a gemstone engagement ring may also capture a couple’s relationship more thoroughly, or a colored stone may simply be a matter of personal style preference and fashionable flair. Whatever the reason, choosing a gemstone engagement ring gives a bride-to-be a beautiful connection to the wonderful and rich history of gemstone rings.
Meaning
Gemstones are often associated with healing properties, both physical and emotional. Different stones are believed to help with various ailments, from promoting physical health to providing emotional balance and mental clarity.
History
Many couples don’t realize that gemstones have traditionally been much more popular than diamonds for engagement rings throughout much of history. Different gems are more widely available and accessible than diamonds, as well as more affordable and easier to work to create stunning cuts and shapes. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that diamond engagement rings began to be more popular – before then, gemstone rings were much more prominent in jewelry fashion, including engagement rings. Different gemstones have been popular as engagement rings throughout the ages, including…
8 Best Gemstone Rings
1. Emerald
Representing beauty, love, fidelity, and healing energies, the rich emerald green of this gemstone has been admired since ancient Persian, Egyptian, and Roman times. Emeralds have also been favored by royalty, including Cleopatra of Egypt and the Russian Imperial family. Art Deco emerald engagement rings are especially appealing for their geometric designs, contrasting diamond accents, and intricate platinum or white gold settings.
2. Opal
The multi-hued shimmer of an opal has long been associated with love, passion, confidence, and creativity. Opals were admired by ancient Romans and have a rich history of symbolism across cultures. Vintage opal engagement rings offer romantic character, with natural opals set in original gold or platinum settings that reflect the craftsmanship of their era.
3. Ruby
The rich, lustrous red of a ruby has long been associated with passion, love, and vitality. Rubies have been treasured for centuries and became especially popular in vintage engagement ring designs. Art Deco ruby engagement rings from the 1920s and 1930s often feature striking red gemstones, geometric settings, and diamond accents. Ruby engagement rings also remained popular during the 1940s, making them a distinctive choice for lovers of authentic vintage jewelry.
4. Sapphire
Symbolizing innocence, honesty, and strength, sapphires have long been cherished in engagement rings. Popular in Greek and Roman cultures, these gemstones were also favored during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Victorian sapphire engagement rings often feature rich blue gemstones set in yellow gold, sometimes accented with old mine cut diamonds, reflecting the romantic craftsmanship of the period.
5. Aquamarine
Aquamarines represent tranquility, clarity, and harmony. Their blue color is often linked to the sea, and they are believed to protect sailors and travelers. The Art Deco movement embraced bold, geometric designs and vibrant colors. Aquamarine's clear, bright blue hue made it a favorite gemstone for Art Deco jewelry
6. Amethyst
Amethysts symbolize peace, balance, and courage and are often associated with spiritual growth, protection, and inner strength. Vintage amethyst rings became particularly fashionable during the Victorian era, when richly colored gemstones were prized for their beauty and symbolism. Queen Victoria's appreciation for colored gemstones helped influence jewelry trends of the period. Victorian amethyst rings often featured intricate gold settings, ornate engraving, and delicate decorative details.
7. Garnet
Garnets are associated with commitment, passion, and regeneration. They are believed to inspire love, devotion, and provide protection. The popularity of garnet during the Victorian era can be attributed to its rich symbolism, the prominence of Bohemian garnets, its affordability, versatility in jewelry design, and historical significance.
8. Topaz
Topaz symbolizes affection, love, and healing. It is believed to bring joy, generosity, and good health. The Victorian era saw a surge in the use of colored gemstones, including topaz, in jewelry.
Choosing a Gemstone Ring
Today, gemstone rings can offer couples much more personalization and extra meaning than even the most sparkling diamond. The layers of meaning and shades of beauty in gemstone rings can highlight a couple’s unique story and the bride-to-be’s personality, showing off individual flair as well as a couple’s connection. When flanked with diamonds for extra sparkle and accents, a gemstone engagement ring can be the glorious beginning of a couple’s personal history, adding another chapter to the rich and romantic history of gemstone engagement rings.
Suzanne Sachs
