Diamonds have been a traditional engagement ring since the 15th century, when in 1477 Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a small diamond ring with the diamond-encrusted initial “M” on it to Mary of Burgundy as a symbol of their engagement. The royal couple sparked a trend that remains to this day. But diamonds are not the only gem worn in engagement rings. We are seeing more alternative gemstones in engagement rings, with the famous, as they do, leading the way.
Sapphires and Rubies have been a go-to alternative in engagement rings for several centuries now. One of the most famous engagement rings in the past century is the Ceylon sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds, once worn by Princess Diana, which was passed down and today resides on the finger of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. Princess Eugenie wears a rare Padparadscha Sapphire as her engagement ring, and as American royalty, Jackie Kennedy famously wore a classic Toi et Moi emerald and diamond engagement ring.
Sapphires, Rubies, and Emeralds regularly feature in traditional and non-traditional style engagement rings. Yet they are not the only gemstone alternatives to diamonds. Aquamarine (light blue), Morganite (light Pink), Amethyst (purple), Tanzanite (violet blue), and even Moonstone (luminous milky-white) and Opal have been found on the fingers of many brides-to-be. The list does not end there, as there are many other possibilities.
When choosing to wear an alternative gemstone as the engagement ring, there are considerations regarding wear that must be taken. Many women wear their engagement rings more than any other piece of jewelry they own, and often, they do not take them off. Durability is a factor, even for diamonds, when it comes to everyday wear. Other gemstones can more easily get scratched and damaged if care is not taken with this special ring. Always consult your jewelry professional for a guide to care and cleaning.
Modern brides who love the idea of being non-traditional, yet want the wearability of a diamond, can choose a fancy-colored diamond. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood got engaged with Cognac and fancy Canary yellow diamonds. Or like Mariah Carey and Blake Lively, you could opt for pink diamonds. Jennifer Lopez received fancy colored diamond engagement rings from Ben Affleck both times around, 1st a Pink, and then a much rarer green diamond for the second round.
When you choose something different for the engagement ring, whether the style is traditional or avant-garde, there are many choices out there to help you make that ring uniquely yours.
Sapphires and Rubies have been a go-to alternative in engagement rings for several centuries now. One of the most famous engagement rings in the past century is the Ceylon sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds, once worn by Princess Diana, which was passed down and today resides on the finger of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. Princess Eugenie wears a rare Padparadscha Sapphire as her engagement ring, and as American royalty, Jackie Kennedy famously wore a classic Toi et Moi emerald and diamond engagement ring.
Sapphires, Rubies, and Emeralds regularly feature in traditional and non-traditional style engagement rings. Yet they are not the only gemstone alternatives to diamonds. Aquamarine (light blue), Morganite (light Pink), Amethyst (purple), Tanzanite (violet blue), and even Moonstone (luminous milky-white) and Opal have been found on the fingers of many brides-to-be. The list does not end there, as there are many other possibilities.
When choosing to wear an alternative gemstone as the engagement ring, there are considerations regarding wear that must be taken. Many women wear their engagement rings more than any other piece of jewelry they own, and often, they do not take them off. Durability is a factor, even for diamonds, when it comes to everyday wear. Other gemstones can more easily get scratched and damaged if care is not taken with this special ring. Always consult your jewelry professional for a guide to care and cleaning.
Modern brides who love the idea of being non-traditional, yet want the wearability of a diamond, can choose a fancy-colored diamond. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood got engaged with Cognac and fancy Canary yellow diamonds. Or like Mariah Carey and Blake Lively, you could opt for pink diamonds. Jennifer Lopez received fancy colored diamond engagement rings from Ben Affleck both times around, 1st a Pink, and then a much rarer green diamond for the second round.
When you choose something different for the engagement ring, whether the style is traditional or avant-garde, there are many choices out there to help you make that ring uniquely yours.