Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald? A Guide to Gemstone Engagement Rings

Blue & Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings

Once the preferred gemstone for engagement rings, Sapphires are now coming back in a back way thanks to the royals – Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenie. Long associated with loyalty and trust, Sapphires are also known as the 45th wedding anniversary gemstone.

Where Do Sapphires Come From?

Blue Sapphires

Like Rubies, Sapphire gemstones belong to the corundum mineral species. The blue colour of the stone is a result of iron and titanium traces; the more iron in the mineral, the darker the blue. The most valuable Sapphires originate from Myanmar, but they can also be sourced in Madagascar, Australia and Sri Lanka.

Pink Sapphires

In addition to the traditional blue stone, Corundum also includes “fancy sapphires” in violet, green, yellow, orange, purple and most popularly – in pink. Caused by traces of Chromium, Pink Sapphire can come in many shades including shocking pink, blush, the rare orange-pink Padparadscha and much more. Pink sapphires used to be considered exceptionally rare, however the discovery of new deposits in Madagascar in the late 1990s greatly increased the availability of these charming gemstones.

Caring For Your Sapphire Engagement Ring

• The durability of sapphire makes it a great choice for active brides, but it can still chip and fracture if handled roughly.
• Avoid exposure to heat, as this could affect the colour of the stone.
• To clean, rinse with warm, sudsy water and dry with a soft cloth.
• When not in use, wrap your sapphire ring in a cloth to prevent it from scratching other jewellery.

Ruby Engagement Rings

Sported by such glamazons as Eva Longoria, Victoria Beckham and most famously by Elizabeth Taylor, ruby engagement rings have long been the ultimate symbol of passion and romance.

The beautiful ruby stone has been imbued with many different meanings throughout the ages. In Sanskrit (a language of ancient India), the word for ruby translates to the “king of precious stones.” In ancient Hinduism, some believed that those who offered rubies to the god Krishna may be reincarnated as emperors. In China, rubies were associated with good fortune and were often placed beneath the foundation of buildings for good luck. In Europe of the Middle Ages, rubies were thought to bestow health, wealth, wisdom, and romantic success on the wearer and as such they were a popular choice for royalty.

Where Do Rubies Come From?

A precious form of the mineral species Corundum, the stunning red colour of rubies comes from traces of the element chromium. The hues of the stone can vary from orange-red to purple-red, with the finest rubies boasting a pure, vibrant colour. Most of the world’s supply can be found in Myanmar, Vietnam, Mozambique and Kenya.

Caring For Your Ruby Engagement Ring

• Keep your ruby ring in a soft cloth to lessen scratching and wear.
• To clean, rinse with warm, sudsy water and dry with a soft cloth.

Emerald Engagement Rings

Famously favoured by Cleopatra, the Emerald has ancient associations with royalty and luxury. It’s no surprise therefore, that more and more brides are choosing to adorn their engagement rings with the enchanting hues of this breathtaking gemstone.
One of the more unique elements of the emerald stone is its jardin or garden. In contrast to diamonds which are prized for their clarity, the striking patterns which are unique to each emerald are one of the more desirable features of the stone.
Emeralds are the official birthstone of May and are known as the gem of spring. This stunning green gemstone was also a symbol of Venus – the ancient Roman goddess of love and beauty. In addition to its historical associations with romance, emeralds are also the gem of the twentieth and fifty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

Where Do Emeralds Come From?

Emerald is a variety of the mineral Beryl; its unique colour is brought about by traces of chromium or vanadium. Very specific geological conditions are required to produce this stone and as such it can only be found in very few places on Earth. For over 500 years, Columbia has been the premier source of prized emeralds followed more recently by Brazil, Zambia and Afghanistan.

Caring For Your Emerald Engagement Ring

• Avoid contact with heat as this can damage the stone by extending existing fractures.
• To clean, gently scrub with warm, soapy water coupled and
• Store in a soft cloth, to everyday wear and tear.

Make An Appointment

We have a great selection of gemstone engagement rings in stock at our shop in The Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Please let us know if you wish to make an appointment to view.