Wedding Ring Gemstones

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n these modern days of choice and freedom of expression, many brides still follow "tradition" and choose a diamond to enhance their wedding ring. But who is to say that a wedding ring is not a true wedding ring if it does not sparkle with a diamond? This widespread belief of social significance is not a long-held tradition but is primarily a result of the highly successful marketing campaign launched by the De Beers company in the 1940's.

The true value of a wedding ring is in it's symbolism of love and commitment. More than just a financial expenditure, your wedding ring represents an emotional connection to your husband or wife and your marriage together. While many couples may prefer the look of diamonds, there is also an increasing number of brides and grooms who want to forgo the common trend and make a more personal choice.

Couples are choosing colored gemstones for their wedding rings for a wide variety of reasons. For some, they simply are not fond of diamonds. For some, they prefer the significance or beauty of a particular colored gemstone. For others, it may be a financial decision. While a gemstone is defined as a stone that possesses certain attributes such as beauty, durability, rarity, or color, ultimately, a gemstone's desirability is decided by the taste of the individual. The gemstone you choose for your wedding ring should be the one that speaks to your heart.

Overview of Gemstones and Birthstones

Garnet - January Birthstone - 2nd Anniversary Gemstone
Garnet signifies eternal friendship and trust. The gemstone was named for it's the resemblance to a pomegranate seed; garnet was derived from the word granatum which means seed. While garnet is usually thought of as a semi-transparent, dark-red gemstone, garnet comes in a rainbow of colors from a deep red to a vibrant green.

Platinum Solitaire by Blue Nile

Amethyst - February Birthstone - 6th Anniversary Gemstone
Amethyst is a symbol of faithfulness and sincerity. It is also thought to calm the emotions, create a clarity of thought, and help the wearer fully embrace his or her spiritual destiny. Amethyst is a clear purple or bluish violet quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red undertones.

Aquamarine - March Birthstone - 19th Anniversary Gemstone
Aquamarine is thought to cool the temper and allow the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. In relationships, it is said to help in understanding difficult situations from a love-filled viewpoint. It is also said to symbolize intelligence and courage. The name aquamarine means sea water, derived from the Latin words aqua (meaning water) and marina ( meaning the sea). Aquamarine is a transparent light blue or greenish blue gemstone.

3-Stone Diamond Ring from Mondera

Diamond - April Birthstone - 10th, 60th, and 75th Anniversary Gemstone
Diamonds are often chosen as a gift for a loved one. They are said to represent marital happiness, innocence, and to protect the wearer from evil spirits. Diamonds usually appear colorless, but fancy diamond colors are yellow, red, pink, blue, and green.

Emerald - May Birthstone - 20th and 35th Anniversary Gemstone
Emeralds are a symbol of domestic harmony and success in love. They are believed to bring healing to the physical and emotional body and represent rebirth. The word emerald is derived from the word smaragdus, the Latin word for green. Emeralds are a transparent green stone.

Pearl - June Birthstone - 3rd and 30th Anniversary Gemstone
Pearls are a reflection of health and longevity. Pearls are unique as a gemstone since they are the only gems that come from a living sea creature. They require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. The two alternate birthstones for June is Alexandrite and Moonstone.

Ruby - July Birthstone - 15th, 40th, and 80th Anniversary Gemstone
The ruby symbolizes love and contentment. Rubies are believed to open the heart and allow love and joy to enter. Ruby is the name given to the red version of the mineral corundum, which is the same mineral as sapphire. Ruby is a very durable gemstone and durable enough for everyday wear and wedding rings.

Peridot - August Birthstone - 16th Anniversary Gemstone
Peridot is signifies a pure heart and mind, innocence and faith. Peridot is bright green to green-yellow in color and is a member of the olivine gem family.

Sapphire - September Birthstone - 5th, 45th and 70th Anniversary Gemstone
It is said that sapphire represents truth and faithfulness and will bring it's wearer good health and good fortune. Legend also says that sapphire will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. Sapphires are commonly associated with the blue tones, which range from very light to very dark blue, but also comes in clear and all shades of the rainbow; pink, purple, green, orange, and yellow. Sapphire is the mineral type corundum, which is the same mineral family as ruby. Sapphire is a durable gemstone and durable enough for a wedding ring that will be worn everyday.

Diamond Solitaire from Blue Nile

Opal - October Birthstone - 14th Anniversary Gemstone
Opals symbolize hope; they help the wearer see possibilities and consider new perspectives. Opals are an iridescent mixture of colors with a soft, milky white background or a vivid, fiery background. The alternate birthstone for October is Tourmaline, which is available in a wide variety of colors.

Yellow Topaz - November Birthstone - 23rd Anniversary Gemstone
Topaz represents fidelity. While topaz is a gemstone that is available in a wide range of colors, the yellow gems are usually associated with the November birthstone. The most prized color of topaz is the Imperial topaz which is a magnificent orange color with pinkish undertones; the Imperial topaz is the color associated with the 23rd wedding anniversary. The blue topaz is the color for the 4th wedding anniversary. Citrine, a golden colored gemstone, is an alternate gemstone used for the November birthstone.

Tanzanite - December Birthstone - 24th Anniversary Gemstone
Tanzanite is said to uplift and open the heart as well as represent prosperity. Tanzanite is a violet-blue colored gemstone, discovered in Tanzania in 1967. In 2002, it was made the modern birthstone for December, joining Turquoise and Blue Topaz as birthstones for December.