Hidden Meanings in Your Engagement Ring: What Your Gems Symbolise
We all know that engagement rings are a stunning symbol of love and loyalty. But it’s not just the ring that holds meaning – the gemstones adorning them hold their own symbolism, too. From blue topaz to traditional diamonds, read on to get clued up on the most popular engagement ring gemstones, and find advice on how to choose the right one for you.
23 NOVEMBER 2023 | H.SAMUEL EDITOR
Whether you’re already engaged, or you’re just planning ahead for the future, deciding on the gemstone in your engagement ring can seem like a massive task. Most go for diamonds – but did you know there’s an array of gemstones you can choose from, each with their own meaning? Don’t worry, we’re here to take you through everything you need to know…
The Power of Diamonds
No surprises, diamonds aren’t going anywhere. Associated with love, commitment and eternal beauty, diamonds are the most popular gemstone choice for engagement rings. And if you’re considering one, it’s worth noting that they come in different colours and aren’t just colourless. Called 'fancy diamonds', each colour has a different meaning:
Yellow diamonds: Positivity and optimism
Pink Diamonds: Beauty, romance, fun
Blue diamonds: Passion, trust, loyalty
Green diamonds: Growth, health, nature
Orange diamonds: Youth, emotion, harmony
Black diamonds: Power, sophistication, elegance
Adding Meaning with Gemstones
An engagement ring is sentimental, so personalising your ring with your favourite colour can make it feel even more special. The earth naturally forms gemstones as minerals, usually in the form of crystals. These minerals are rare, with some classed as precious and semi-precious. The most common engagement ring gemstones (apart from diamonds, of course) are sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. So, if you’re after something that reflects your personality a little better, here’s a quick round-up of gemstone meanings to help you decide:
Precious Gemstone Meanings:
Sapphire - nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness
A sapphire engagement ring is said to bring great fortune to any newly-engaged couple. The most iconic is Princess Diana’s diamond and sapphire design, which is now worn by Kate Middleton.
Emerald - patience, compassion, prosperity
Icons Megan Fox and Victoria Beckham have both chosen beautiful emerald engagement rings. Emerald rings are said to bring luck, love, peace, and hope, so you know you’re in great hands with a stunning green orb on your finger.
Ruby - passion, romance, wealth
A sign of integrity, happiness, and vitality, a ruby engagement ring is a fresh option. Worn by none other than Katy Perry, you know it’s one you’ll want sitting on your ring finger for the rest of your life.
Semi-Precious Gemstone Meanings:
.
Amethyst - calmness, clarity, peace of mind
If purple’s your colour, amethyst is for you. Known as the stone of peace,
amethyst engagement rings aren’t just pretty, they have meaning, too.
Topaz - protection, honesty, eternal love
As a symbol of health, love, and strength, topaz engagement rings are said to protect you from ailments, so they’re a great option for peace of mind.
Onyx - protection, balance
Onyx is a symbol of strength and perseverance due to its durability. Onyx engagement rings are also said to be a protector of good relationships, making it the perfect choice for an alternative engagement ring, or to sit alongside a stunning diamond.
Are Gemstones The Same as Crystals?
Heard the phrase ‘a gemstone can be a crystal, but a crystal cannot be a gemstone?’ A crystal is classified based on the pattern of atoms and such, which means that things like salt and ice are technically crystals. Gemstones are polished versions of crystals and other minerals that can then be made into jewellery.
If you’re unsure what gemstone to pick, consider combining a few of your favourites.
Now we’ve covered the hidden meanings behind gemstones, browse our engagement rings to find one that will work with your personal style, and that you’ll love forever. Not sure where to start? Book an appointment with our experts today.