The Allure of Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings: A Stunning Alternative to Diamonds

Getting engaged is an exciting time for anyone. Emotions are high for couples at the prospect of the upcoming wedding and starting a new chapter in their lives. One of the most exciting parts is the engagement ring. The ring is a symbol of a couple's love and commitment. The ring should fit the wearer's lifestyle and taste and be something they will want to wear for the rest of their lives. So it's important that the design is carefully chosen.

While diamonds are the classic that everyone always thinks of when they picture engagement rings, colored gemstone engagement rings are on the rise in popularity. And it's no secret why.

The Appeal of Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings

While diamonds are obviously stunning, there's something special about having a unique and vibrant colored gemstone on your engagement ring. Gemstones can come in so many different colors, from deep blues to bright reds.

These amazing colors can be used to convey your personal style and preferences. Certain colors may match your wardrobe or just give you a chance to show off your favorite color in a beautiful ring.

Colored gemstones often have symbolic meanings attached to them as well. For example, amethyst is often seen as the stone of peace, associated with calm and healing. Aquamarine, on the other hand, is commonly associated with the sea because of its color and was used as protection for sailors, fishermen, and travelers. When looking for the perfect gemstone for an engagement ring, it can be fun to look into the symbolic meaning of each stone and find one that aligns with your life.

Types of Colored Gemstones

There are a variety of options when looking at colored gemstones, which is one of the reasons that they're a great alternative to diamonds. There is a stone to fit each person and their unique personality. Below is an overview of some of the most popular colored gemstones.

Sapphire

Sapphires are part of the corundum family and are best known for their deep blue coloring. But they also come in a variety of other colors, including pink, yellow, green, and more. Some sapphires even appear to change color depending on the lighting. In fact, red is the only color of corundum not considered a sapphire. That color is reserved for the ruby. Sapphires are durable and are the birthstone for September.

Emerald

Emeralds are a variety of beryl known for their brilliant green coloring. However, they do come in a blue-green variety as well. These gemstones are durable and are often cut into rectangular step cuts known as emerald cuts. They are the birthstone for May.

Ruby

Rubies are part of the corundum family, like sapphires. But rubies are the most valuable variety, typically seen in vibrant red. They come in purplish red as well. Rubies are very durable and are often cut as mixed cuts, with brilliant-cut crowns and step-cut pavilions. This stone is the birthstone for July.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz known for its reddish-purple to vibrant purple coloring. Amethyst are often cut into a variety of different cuts and are fairly durable. This stone is the birthstone for February.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is in the beryl family, along with emeralds. This stone is characterized by its dark blue to greenish blue coloring. Because the aquamarine's color is typically light, the type of cut is essential to show off the color. This durable stone is the birthstone for March.

Historical Significance

There is a rich history of colored gemstone rings. The first known instance of "betrothal rings" was seen in ancient Greece, but engagement rings as we know them rose in popularity during the 14th and 15th centuries among royals and wealthy families. Sapphires were a favorite because they were thought to symbolize love, commitment, and truth.

There are many famous colored stone engagement rings throughout history, including Princess Diana's sapphire ring, which featured a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, and Jackie Kennedy's art deco engagement ring, which featured an emerald cut diamond alongside an emerald.

Customization and Personalization

Custom gemstone engagement rings are gaining popularity because they allow you to select the gemstone, cut, band, and overall style that fits you and your life best. Choosing a jeweler to help you design your ring is the best way to ensure your custom jewelry fits your personality and relationship. A jeweler will walk you through the process and help you select the materials and style that will suit you best. This will include establishing a style and color scheme that fits your wardrobe and selecting materials that are durable enough for your day-to-day life.

Practical Considerations

There are several factors to consider when looking at gemstone vs. diamond engagement rings. For each gemstone, make sure to research their durability and hardness. While opal and pearl are not suitable for everyday wear, sapphires and rubies are durable and can be worn daily with proper care.

Another factor to consider is gemstone care and maintenance. Before committing to any gemstone, discuss proper maintenance with your jeweler, plan for home care, and make a schedule to bring the ring in for regular maintenance. This will help you know what to expect in terms of care.

Celebrity Influence

Celebrities often act as fashion icons and have a heavy influence on trends. So, it's no surprise that we have seen the rise in popularity of colored gemstone jewelry as many celebrities have decided to show off their own pieces.

From Katy Perry's beautiful oval-cut ruby ring to Victoria Beckham's stunning sapphire ring, it's no secret that celebrity engagement rings are a hot topic and heavily influence jewelry trends.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Colored gemstones are great alternatives to diamonds because they cost less per carat. So, for the same amount of money, you can generally get a larger colored stone. Or multiple colored gemstones, depending on your budget!

Many of the most popular stones, including sapphires and rubies, are highly durable and will stand up to everyday wear with the correct care. For those who are looking for durability, colored stones might be a better alternative to diamonds.

Carats and Stones: Your Place for Colored Stones

Colored gemstone engagement rings are becoming more popular daily. These budget-friendly gemstones let you explore and express your personality in ways that diamonds can't. The durability of many popular gemstones puts them on par with diamonds, while the variety of colors available opens up a whole world of opportunity. You can easily see their versatility in their rich history and celebrity influences today.

So if you’re looking at places that make custom jewelry, don’t pass up a custom design from Carats and Stones. We will work with you to express your personal, custom style and make your experience memorable.

That’s where our newest shopping appointments will make your experience even more special! Choose from forty-five to 120-minute appointments where Caracts and Stones provide our jewelry experts (Linda herself is an option!) for consultations and try-on sessions, a High-Tea or Charcuterie experience, bring a friend, and much more.

Discover why four generations of jewelry connoisseurs shop with Caracts and Stones! Book your special appointment today.