Diamonds have been the gemstone of choice for couples tying the knot for a long time to remember. In fact, the tradition is claimed to have started in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian betrothed Mary of Burgundy in Vienna and sparked a trend for European royalty.
Due to aggressive marketing by De Beers, diamond rings were popularized by the public in the 1930s. Recently, however, coloured gemstones became popular because of their affordability, beauty, and superstitious meaning.
Whether it is the sensual flare of a ruby or the beauty of a deep blue sapphire, you can find a charming ring selection that matches your partner’s personality. In this article, we will discuss some popular coloured gemstones and the meanings behind them.
Sapphire
The use of sapphires for engagement rings started when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with an 18K sapphire ring. This is the same ring Prince Charles gave him when he proposed to Princess Diana in 1981.
Sapphire engagement rings are thought to bring good luck and wisdom. It represents loyalty and trust, therefore signifying an enduring love affair for life. Despite its royal connotation, sapphire rings are cheaper than diamonds, even though they’re a rarer gem.
Ruby
Many regard ruby as the perfect gemstone for engagement rings. Ruby’s deep red color symbolizes and encourages the sensual pleasures of marriage. It promotes passion, intimacy, and has been linked to deepening a partner’s love and even increasing the chances of conception.
Ruby Stone is deeply rooted in Asian culture and religion. Hindus regard ruby as the most precious gemstone. In Sanskrit it’s called ruby ‘Ratnaraj’ or ‘King of Precious Stones’. In Chinese legend, it is claimed that Emperor Kublai Khan, founding father of the Yuan dynasty in 1271, offered entire cities in exchange for rubies.
Centuries later, rubies are still prized possessions in their purest red color fetching over $1,000,000 per carat.
Image by starbright from Pixabay
Topaz
Topaz comes in many various colours. It is normally golden-yellow brown in its natural state but is commonly treated to turn a lovely blue, also known as Topaz blue. Topaz is not as popular as a gemstone for engagement rings, but demand for it tends to increase during the vacation season – as it’s the birthstone for December.
This makes it the perfect choice for couples born in December. Topaz is claimed to impart healing and protective powers to its bearer by balancing emotions and protecting the wearer from bad dreams and anger.
Image by starbright from Pixabay
Similar to many gemstones, Topaz has a history of admiration that goes back centuries. The Egyptians called it the “sun gem”, where the sun god Ra gave it a golden hue.
Emerald
Legend has it that the emerald can change its hue when it detects danger, thereby warning and protecting the wearer. This may sound far-fetched by today’s standards, but emeralds mean a lot when related to a loving partner.
According to the Romans, these stones were sacred to Venus, the goddess of sex, love, beauty and fertility.
Given its dark green color, it’s not surprising that it’s related to emeralds fertility. Giving a lady an emerald symbolizes good luck and longevity in your relationship.
