Emerald Rings: How to Go Green With Emerald Engagement Rings (2024)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS--
An emerald ring is a great way for couples to “go green” not only with a gorgeous color, but with an environmentally-friendly ring that can even save green as well. But how can couples be sure an emerald engagement ring is the best choice to symbolize their commitment?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About Emeralds
- Emerald Meaning and Symbolism
- How Emerald Engagement Rings Are Eco-Friendly
- Recycling
- Mining
- Emerald Mines
- Saving Green With An Emerald Ring
- Affordability
- Vintage Rings
- Emerald Cut Emerald
- Is an Emerald Ring Right For Me?
About Emeralds?
An emerald is a precious gemstone known for its vibrant green color. It is a variety of the mineral beryl, and its green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Emeralds have been highly valued for thousands of years and are considered one of the four major precious gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
Emerald Meaning and Symbolism
Emerald is the green form of the mineral beryl, and comes in a range of stunning shades from light yellow-green to lime green, grass green, forest green, and even deeper green hues with blue undertones. This lets couples who enjoy green choose just the shade that suits them best, both with skin tone and personal preference.
Emeralds are the traditional birthstone for May, but these gorgeous gems are much more symbolic than just representing a birthday. The rich greens of emeralds symbolize nature, fertility, and rebirth, and can help bring peace and serenity to those who wear emeralds. The gems are also said to represent loyalty, help with mental acuity, and offer a calming influence.
Many celebrities have sported emerald engagement rings, associating a bit of Hollywood glamour with these stunning gems. Megan Fox, Jacqueline Kennedy, Halle Berry, and Grace Kelly have all worn luscious emeralds on their left ring fingers.
How Emerald Engagement Rings Are Eco-Friendly
Beyond the color, however, just how are emerald engagement rings a “green” choice? These gems, which measure an eight on the Mohs scale of gem hardness, are quite durable and long-lasting, making an emerald engagement ring suitable for daily wear and an excellent choice for an eco-conscious couple.
• Recycling
For the ultimate in recycling with minimal ongoing impact on natural resources, vintage and antique engagement rings are a spectacular choice. These rings pre-date most modern conflicts, making them free of blood associations with terrorism, civil uprisings, and wars.
“I've purchased two vintage rings from Suzanne over the past decade and my wife has loved both. Great service, communication and speedy delivery.”
• Mining
Because many emeralds are mined from small scale operations, even newer emeralds have less immediate environmental impact when considering the habitat destruction, pollution, and resource consumption of large scale modern diamond mines. Mining emeralds generally requires less water and ultimately uses fewer resources and produces fewer emissions than diamonds.
• Emerald Mines
Emeralds can be mined all over the world. While the bulk of jewelry-quality emeralds are mined in Colombia, these gems are also found in Brazil, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Australia, India, South Africa, Austria, China, Ethiopia, Germany, Norway, Canada, and the United States. With such widespread options for emeralds, it is easier to find local or regional gems that will not require extensive transportation, which would burn more fossil fuels and use more resources. This makes emeralds an even greener choice, no matter what exact shade of green the stone shows.
“Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
— Chloe G verified buyer
Saving Green With an Emerald Ring
• Affordability
Not only are these green gems a green option with respect to resources and emissions, but they can also be a more affordable option for many couples, keeping more green in the overall budget. Emeralds can be less expensive then diamonds, particularly if couples opt for lighter green shades, which are generally the most affordable type of emeralds.
• Vintage Rings
Antique and vintage engagement rings featuring emeralds are also more affordable options, often because they are not generally marketed as engagement rings and therefore have no incidental markup for the bridal or wedding market. Buying emerald engagement rings in May can also be much more affordable when emerald is widespread as a birthstone, and there will be a greater selection to choose from and different jewelers may have a variety of related sales.
• Emerald Cut Emerald
Yet another way to make the most of emeralds is to opt for an emerald-cut emerald for a stunning engagement ring. The rectangular emerald cut with its step-like terraced facets will not only maximize the apparent carat size of the gem, but will reflect its bold color and allow for a deeper view into the gem, making a center stone truly eye-catching. Using smaller diamonds as side stones or around a center emerald adds a bit of bling and sparkle to the overall ring design.
Is an Emerald Ring Right for Me?
Emeralds are a beautiful and colorful alternative to diamonds, and an emerald engagement ring is not only a gorgeous green piece of jewelry, but can also be green for the planet and help couples keep more green in their budget. With so many reasons to chosen emeralds, no couple needs to be green with envy and can instead enjoy an emerald engagement ring of their own.
Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored gemstones have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring that tells the world that you’re passionately in love, a vintage garnet ring is a stunning choice. Find your dream ring today!
Find The Perfect Antique Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of emerald engagement rings today!
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.!
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If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.
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