In the moments leading up to your proposal, there are a million and one things to be thinking about. The secret to taking some of the stress off your shoulders? Knowing you have the perfect engagement ring for your future-fiancée in your pocket! If you’re in the market for a verdant and timeless design worthy of your unique partner, it’s time to take a look at emerald engagement rings.
What is an Emerald?
Known for their vibrant green hue, emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl. When chromium and vanadium sneak into the metamorphic rock during formation, the chemicals mix together, resulting in its signature color. Emeralds are considered one of the four official precious gemstones (alongside diamonds, sapphires, and rubies), making them an extremely sought-after gem in the fine jewelry world.
Where Are the Best Emeralds Found?
Natural emeralds can only be formed in extremely specific geographic conditions, taking, in most cases, millions of years to crystallize. In modern times, the best emeralds for your wedding jewelry are mined in:
- Colombia: famed for warm and pure primary green hues and minimal secondary tones
- Zambia: known for darker hues and fewer inclusions than Colombian stones
- Brazil: recognizable by lighter yellow-green tints and an inclusion-free appearance
Why Choose an Emerald Over a Diamond for Your Engagement Ring?
Diamonds have been the traditional choice for engagement rings for many decades, and while they will always have a place in our hearts (and showcases), we recognize that some brides may prefer something a bit more colorful and contemporary. Emerald engagement rings are the perfect solution! If you and your partner are deciding between the two distinct gemstones, it’s important to consider both aesthetics and durability.
With a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds offer a superior hardness, making them extremely suitable for everyday designs. Emeralds, on the other hand, rank a 7.5 to 8—but don’t let the slightly lower number turn you off! The rating just means an emerald gold engagement ring will require more gentle handling to avoid scratches and impacts.
The main difference between the two precious gemstones comes down to aesthetics and style. If you prefer something brilliant and sparkly, diamonds never fail to impress. If you’re looking to add rich and captivating color to your hand, emeralds are the way to go. Can’t decide between the two? Shop around for a diamond and emerald engagement ring to experience the best of both worlds!
What Do Emerald Engagement Rings Represent?
Proposing with an emerald engagement ring is more than a romantic gesture—it’s layered with meaning. The green gem has symbolized fidelity, growth, and unconditional, true love in various cultures around the world for centuries. Some even link the enchanting stone to fertility and good fortune, ensuring your emerald engagement ring will bring luck to your matrimony!
If your future bride was born in May, she may love sporting her birthstone, the emerald, in her wedding ring stack! It’s been said that wearing your birthstone brings you protection and luck throughout the day. Talk about double meaning!
How to Find the Perfect Emerald Engagement Ring in 3 Simple Steps
If you think an emerald engagement ring suits your blushing bride, then it’s time to start shopping! With the help of your knowledgeable jeweler, finding the right design is easy—especially when you follow these three steps:
Step 1: Discover an Emerald Shape and Cut You Love
When it comes to buying an emerald engagement ring, the shape of the center stone should always be considered first. Each cut has its own unique benefits and aesthetics, and while it mainly boils down to personal preference, certain emerald shapes are considered better than others. The “best” cuts for this green gemstone include:
- Emerald: made up of long, rectangular step-cut facets designed specifically to highlight an emerald’s natural beauty and minimize the visibility of flaws
- Round brilliant: features a circular shape on top with a pointed culet at the bottom, maximizing the stone’s overall sparkle, creating a “hall of mirrors” effect within
- Oval: resembles an elongated round brilliant diamond, known for its symmetrical, rounded edges, exaggerated length, and visual illusion of making fingers appear more slender
- Pear: also referred to as a teardrop cut, combines a rounded end and pointed end to resemble a pear, drawing attention to the stone’s vibrant hue and flattering any hand
- Cushion: describes a square shape with rounded corners, providing an emerald with a soft and romantic look
Step 2: Decide on an Appropriate Setting
The setting of an emerald engagement ring affects both its style and security. Since emeralds are softer than other more traditional gemstones for wedding jewelry, it’s important to pick a ring setting that ensures the stone’s protection and complements the shape you choose. Popular settings include:
- Prong
- Halo
- Cathedral
- Three-stone
- Bezel
Step 3: Choose a Complementary Metal
When you take a look at any emerald jewelry throughout time, you’ll notice that the vibrant green gemstone manages to work with every kind of metal on the market! If your partner wears staple pieces every day, make sure to choose an emerald engagement ring that matches.
We recommend browsing gold emerald engagement rings first and foremost. Yellow gold and rose gold both amplify the warmth of the precious stone, while white gold leans a bit sleeker and more contemporary. If you want to highlight the cool tones in the stone, look for sterling silver and platinum diamond and emerald engagement rings.
Bonus Step: Add a Personal Touch to Your Green Gemstone Engagement Ring
Your partner deserves a ring as special as they are. Once you’ve selected an emerald engagement ring, make sure to discuss custom design options with your jeweler to transform the piece into something truly one-of-a-kind. This can include personalized engravings on the internal band, extra gemstones added into the setting, and so much more!
Make Your 55th Anniversary One to Remember with an Emerald Anniversary Ring
Years after your first proposal, show your partner how much you care with a traditional 55th anniversary present: an emerald. Whether you’re updating her current engagement ring with an emerald design or investing in an emerald stacking ring to add to her current set, she’s sure to appreciate the gesture of your enduring love for such a special milestone.
With verdant hues and endless styles available, emerald engagement rings stand the test of time. Whether you’re shopping together or planning the perfect surprise, don’t hesitate to ask to see the beautiful, green emerald rings at your local jeweler!
