Engagement rings have long been associated with symbolism, serving as tangible expressions of love and commitment. Beyond their obvious sparkling appeal, the choice of gemstone can hold thoughtful significance, reflecting the sentiments and values cherished by couples throughout history. Read on to delve into the timeless allure of antique gemstones in engagement rings, deciphering the meanings behind these cherished relics of love!
Popular Gemstones Symbolism
From the big four to some engagement ring wildcards, take a peak at our favourite engagement rings and their symbolism their gemstone holds…
Diamond:
An engagement classic, the diamond is renowned for its durability and brilliance, symbolizing everlasting love and strength in union. Its timeless beauty has made it a classic choice for engagement rings, suiting all skin tones and hair colours.
Sapphire:
Sapphires are thought to represent loyalty, trust, and sincerity. Widely favoured by royalty and nobility, this gemstone evokes a sense of regal elegance and unwavering fidelity, making it the perfect engagement ring gemstone.
Ruby:
Radiating with passion and vitality, the ruby symbolizes intense love and desire. Its rich red colour conveys romance and is thought to give the wearer enhanced confidence.
Emerald:
As the gemstone of growth and renewal, the emerald embodies harmony, balance, and new beginnings. Its lush green hue signifies hope and prosperity, promising a future filled with abundance and vitality.
Aquamarine:
This stunning clear blue gemstone is often thought as a ‘good luck’ stone, providing balance and harmony to the wearer. Originally believed the keep sailors safe at sea, the aquamarine is considered a mermaids treasure.
Opal:
In some cases, an engagement ring wild card, yet the opal holds abundant symbolism. Known for its iridescent beauty, the opal is a symbol of creativity, imagination, and spontaneity. Its captivating play of colours reflects the dynamic nature of love, celebrating the unique bond shared between partners.
Amethyst:
A gemstone often associated with royalty due to it’s deep purple hues, the amethyst is viewed as a stone of peace, with many believing that the gemstone brings a calming effect to the wearer. It’s purple hues have also been linked to deep and romantic love, as well calm confidence.
Celebrity Antique Engagement Rings
Celebrities often turn to antique engagement rings for a unique twist, opting for rings with rich history. Here are a few notable celebrities who have embraced antique or vintage engagement rings:
Kate Middleton
One of the most iconic vintage engagement rings is stunning sapphire cluster received by the Duchess of Cambridge, having once belonged to Princess Diana. This iconic ring features a large oval sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. Dating back to the 1980s, this cherished heirloom passed has been down from one icon to another!
Mary-Kate Olsen
Fashion designer Mary-Kate Olsen received a vintage Cartier engagement ring from her then fiancé husband, Olivier Sarkozy. The stunning vintage Cartier ring features an impressive 4 carat Old European cut diamond set in a sapphire halo and classic gold band with intricate detailing. With its vintage charm, this engagement ring perfectly suits Mary-Kate’s eclectic yet sophisticated style.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry received a stunning 19th century floral engagement ring from Orland Bloom in 2019. The cluster ring is ornamented with a central ruby, with baguette cut diamonds acting as the petals. and surrounded by a halo of diamonds. Although the couple have held off their wedding for now, they are still very much in love!
Famous Antique Engagement Rings
Of course, there are many historical engagement rings to take note of that would now be considered antique or vintage!
Prince Rainier III famously gave the American actress Grace Kelly not one but two engagement rings in their 1950s engagement, with the second being a $4.6 million, 10.47-carat, emerald-cut solitaire. Their first engagement ring was a Cartier eternity ring, featuring rubies and diamonds, a design that thoughtfully paid homage to the colours of the Monegasque flag.
Queen Victoria famously had a snake ring for her engagement ring in the 1830s. Representing eternity with endless coils, the snake ring was embellished with emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The snake became synonymous with the Victorian era, seen as a key motif in many antique pieces.
Jackie Kenney’s Toi Et Moi ring is widely imitated today. The dual-stone ring features a 2.8 carat emerald and a 2.8 carat diamond flanked by clusters of a baguette diamonds in an Art Deco style. The First Lady later added an additional 2 carats worth of diamonds to the ring, creating a wreath like cluster.
Tips for Choosing a Meaningful Gemstone
If you are considering choosing a meaningful gemstone for your engagement ring, here are our top five tips:
1. Consider Personal Significance
We would recommend choosing a gemstone that resonates with your partner’s personality, values, and preferences. For example, if your partner is fairly artistic why not choose a beautiful opal, symbolic of creativity and inspiration, for your perfect engagement ring!
2. Birthstones
Consider the option of going for your future fiancés’ birthstone. Birthstones hold personal significance and can add a unique and meaningful touch to a traditional engagement ring. In some cases you are able to find rings that hold both of your birthstones, in a unique combination that will eternally symbolise your union!
3. Explore Historical Context
Throughout history, various cultures have attributed specific meanings and values to different gemstones, often based on folklore, mythology, and spiritual beliefs. For example January’s birthstone, the garnet, has held a multitude of meanings across cultures!
Egyptians referent to it as the symbol of life, whilst Victorian’s took it back to its Greek mythology namesake, ‘granatus’ meaning ‘seed’, associated with the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades, in which pomegranate seeds refer to marriage and eternal life.
4. Embrace Uniqueness:
Opt for antique or vintage gemstones to add a touch of history and individuality to your engagement ring. Unlike modern engagement rings, antique and vintage pieces are embedded with rich history and unique charm that a new ring will never be able to compete with! Each gemstone has a story to tell, having been passed down through generations or sourced from a specific era.
5. Consult with a Jeweller:
Seek guidance from a trusted jeweller to explore different gemstone options that complement your vision for the perfect engagement ring. At AC Silver, we are more than happy to offer advice and suggest pieces we think might be your perfect match!
If this blog has inspired you in your search for a symbolic engagement ring, explore our antique and vintage engagement rings collection today!
