Antique Style Color Gemstone Rings

While it’s true that most people regard diamonds as the only choice for their engagement jewelry, it can be rewarding to consider other gemstones, especially for antique or vintage engagement rings. The couple who does so will be in the company of royalty and movie stars! Princess Diana chose a deep blue sapphire for her ring, as did Ivana Trump! Camilla Parker Bowles wed Prince Charles with an emerald accented by baguette diamonds. Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor emeralds which had been owned by the Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia. Marlene Dietrich owned a dramatic suite of huge cabochon emeralds. President Kennedy purchased a 47-carat kunzite for Jacqueline.

If the decision has been made to buy an antique style gemstone engagement ring, the next choice will necessarily be what color to consider. Perhaps this will be determined by birthstone. Or maybe the determinant will be eye or hair color. Possibly a wardrobe of predominantly one color will be a clue to a favorite hue. Or will the symbolism of the gemstone be the decisive factor?

The triumvirate of precious gemstones which are the most prized are sapphire, ruby and emerald—blue, red and green. In addition to the value of these gems, they also have both psychological and cultural symbolic significance as well. For example, in the United States, yellow on a traffic light means “caution” and is also the color of taxi cabs. But in Egypt, yellow is the color of mourning, and for the Japanese, yellow is the color of courage!

In many folklores and literature, the color green is associated with fertility and rebirth, the color of spring and is the holy color of Islam. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a late 14th century romance is an example for speakers of English. For ancient Egyptians, the god Osiris was shown having green skin. Someone who works with plants is said to have a green thumb. And in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy has to go to the Emerald City to get back home. The cost of emeralds can rival that of diamonds, especially the deep green and clear stones. Emeralds are the birthstone of May and a traditional gift for a 55th anniversary! An emerald, set in a yellow gold antique ring, makes a wonderful engagement ring, with its symbolism of new birth, springtime and prosperity.

While sapphires come in many colors, we most often think of the blue of the sky, the blue of water, the source of life. Blue promotes calmness, stability and meditation. Blue is the color of spirituality and devotion. Blue is actually the most-chosen favorite color! The sapphire is also the birthstone of September. And because it symbolizes trust, loyalty and constancy a sapphire makes a trulyregal and impressive Antique engagement ring.

For thousands of years, the ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gems on the Earth, suitable for kings and queens. It has magnificent color and outstanding brilliance. And fine rubies are exceedingly rare. When we think of the color red, many qualities come to mind: passion, warmth, love. Red roses symbolize romantic love. In antiquity, Neolithic peoples covered their dead with red ocher, which was associated with life-giving power. In ancient Egypt red was the color of the desert and the destructive god, Seth, who embodied evil. Old Norsemen believed that red had protective qualities and painted objects, trees and spears with red pigment to protect them. And Roman gladiators, to take over the strength of a dead opponent, drank their blood! For the Chinese, red is associated with success, fortune, fertility and summer. Brides wear red dresses, and red paper is used to wrap gifts. In Japan, red is the traditional color for a heroic figure. And in the Indian sub-continent, red is the symbolic color for married women.

A ruby engagement ring can be an auspicious symbol for a couple. A powerful and intense color, red represents love and passion, warmth and intimacy. Ruby is the birthstone for July, and is also given for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Called the Lord of the Gemstones by ancient Hindus, the fiery glow of rubies is believed to come from its internal and eternal flame. It makes a perfect engagement ring gemstone.