8 Best Unique Gemstone Rings

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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 green of an emerald has been an ideal engagement ring since ancient Persian, Egyptian, and Roman cultures. Emeralds have also been favored by royalty, including Cleopatra of Egypt and the Russian Imperial family.

2. Opal

The multi-hued glitter and shimmer of an opal symbolizes love, passion, confidence, and creativity. These gems were favored to represent engagements and romantic commitments for ancient Romans, as well as nomadic Bedouin cultures in the Middle East.

3. Ruby

The rich, lustrous red of a ruby is intimately connected with passion, and also represents vibrancy and balance. This gemstone has long been popular as an engagement ring in Asian cultures, and became popular in western Europe during the 1600s and 1700s. Rubies were also very popular engagement rings in the 1940s, making them even more popular as vintage engagement rings today.

4. Sapphire

Symbolizing innocence, honesty, and strength, the elegance of a sapphire engagement ring is unmatched. This gemstone was popular in both Greek and Roman cultures, as well as during the Victorian and Edwardian eras when colored gems were particularly favored.

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. They are often associated with spiritual growth, protection against negativity, and inner strength. Amethyst experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era, partly due to Queen Victoria's fondness for gemstones. The stone was often used in intricate jewelry designs characteristic of the period.

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

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