Many modern brides seek non-traditional elements for their weddings, including their engagement rings. Over the years, both customers and jewelers have ventured into using a variety of gemstones as alternatives. Among these, emerald engagement rings have swiftly risen to fame in recent years. An emerald offers both a striking charm for custom, unique engagement rings as well as an elegant simplicity for vintage-style emerald rings.
History of Emerald Engagement Rings
Emerald rings on the left ring finger have ancient origins with the Sumerians, who believed in the gemstone’s anti-inflammatory properties, particularly beneficial for eye ailments. Traditionally, they would gift emerald rings for swollen eyes or related concerns. Globally and historically, emerald engagement rings have maintained their popularity, especially with Victorian and vintage-inspired designs gaining prominence.
Symbolism of Emerald Engagement Rings
Emerald engagement rings carry profound meanings. Historically, emeralds were seen as symbols of gods and goddesses, holding sacred significance in various cultures. Today, they represent successful love, symbolizing enduring commitment, luck, peace, and longevity in marriage.
Metals That Complement Emeralds
Emerald engagement rings can be crafted with any metal, but due to the gemstone’s clarity and delicate nature, some metals are more suitable. Silver, while economical, can tarnish and is more fragile. Experts recommend metals like rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum. Both gold options are robust and enhance the emerald’s brilliance, while platinum pairs excellently with emeralds and diamonds.
18 karat metals are a perfect balance for emerald engagement rings, offering substantial support without compromising the gemstone’s radiance or strength.
Emerald Engagement Rings: With and Without Diamonds
Emerald solitaire rings are timeless classics. Their elegant simplicity is enhanced by platinum or white gold bands. Adding diamonds can elevate the sparkle, making the ring even more spectacular. While emerald halo rings exist, they often feature diamond halos to complement the emerald’s natural beauty rather than overshadow it.
Popular Emerald Cuts and Shapes for Engagement Rings
The emerald cut stands out for engagement rings, renowned for its elongated form that exudes elegance. Round cut emeralds also make exceptional solitaire rings, and pair well with other gemstones in various designs. Oval cuts, similarly elongated, enhance the emerald’s size and flatter petite fingers.
Princess cut emeralds, particularly in tri-stone arrangements, exude a regal charm. Cushion cut stones, with their soft square shape, are ideal for vintage-style rings, imparting a delicate, antique aesthetic.
Styles of Emerald Engagement Ring Settings
For solitaire and tri-stone designs, prong settings (3-6 prongs) are common, accentuating the emerald’s beauty through its cut and metalwork. Halo settings also bring a vintage flair, ideal for those seeking a blend of antiquity and modernity. The emerald-and-baguette setting offers a neo-vintage appeal, suiting many brides’ tastes. Pave settings enhance the gemstone’s facets, allowing for unique custom rings.
Famous Emerald Engagement Rings
Colored stones, including emeralds, are gaining traction in the celebrity world. Jackie Kennedy’s emerald-and-diamond ring from J.F. Kennedy and Halle Berry’s handcrafted 4-carat emerald ring are iconic. The late Duchess of Windsor’s nearly 20-carat emerald ring and Grace Kelly’s 12-carat emerald ring from Prince Rainier are historical masterpieces epitomizing emerald engagement rings’ beauty and elegance.
