Franklin Dean
Wedding rings with stone settings are a popular choice for couples looking to add a touch of sparkle and symbolism to their nuptial jewellery. The practice of incorporating gemstones into wedding bands dates back to the Middle Ages, with sapphires, diamonds, and rubies being the most common selections. Today, there is a wide variety of stone settings available, each with its own unique appeal. From the classic prong setting that elevates the stone to the more intricate pavé, where diamonds are set in a line, there is a stone setting to match every taste and lifestyle. Couples can also opt for non-traditional gemstones such as emeralds, morganite, or Oregon sunstone, which come in a variety of colours and are believed to possess healing properties. Whether it's a custom design or an ethically sourced set, stone-set wedding rings offer a brilliant way to showcase one's personal style and beliefs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ring setting | Cathedral, channel, halo, hidden halo, pavé, French pavé, micropavé, three stone, prong, bezel |
| Gemstones | Diamond, emerald, morganite, ruby, sapphire, Oregon sunstone, moonstone |
| Materials | Platinum-plated sterling silver, 10k white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, copper, alloy, rhodium |
| Design | Solitaire, side stone, eternity, vintage, modern |
| Stone shape | Princess-cut, round, hearts and arrows heat-treated |
| Stone size | 6.5mm centre stone, 3.5mm side stones, 5x5mm, 3x3mm, 1.2x1.2mm, 2 carats |
| Stone quality | Color grade I-J, clarity grade I2-I3, brilliant and clear |
| Other | Conflict-free, ethically sourced, durable, adjustable, breathable, medical-grade |
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What You'll Learn
The history of stone-set wedding rings
In the 15th century, diamonds began to gain popularity in wedding rings, though they were cut into smooth, rounded cabochon shapes. It wasn't until the late Victorian era that large diamonds became widely available, coinciding with the opening of South African diamond mines in 1870. During this period, engagement rings often featured the bride's birthstone, while gemstones like amethyst, chalcedony, garnet, ruby, and topaz were also favoured. The use of platinum for ring settings emerged during the Late Victorian Period from 1890 to 1901, marking a shift from handcrafted rings to mass-produced machine-made jewellery.
The diamond's prominence in wedding rings can be largely attributed to De Beers, the world's largest diamond company, which launched its enduring "A Diamond is Forever" campaign in 1947. This slogan changed the way couples viewed diamonds, associating the stone's durability with the idea of everlasting love. The popularity of diamonds was further reinforced by their prominence in Hollywood movies, on movie stars, and through royal brides who donned extravagant diamond rings.
Today, stone-set wedding rings continue to evolve, with coloured stones and unique cuts gaining traction. Couples also place greater emphasis on personal flair and lifestyle when selecting their rings, reflecting their individual preferences and personalities. Men, in particular, are gravitating towards rings with more intricate patterns, textures, and even stones, including diamonds.
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Popular stones for stone-set wedding rings
The most popular stones for wedding rings are those that symbolise the values and aspirations of the couple, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls.
Diamonds are the most popular choice for wedding and engagement rings due to their symbolism and timeless beauty. They represent strength, endurance, and purity. Diamonds are also very durable and practical for daily wear, which is an important quality for frequently worn rings. They come in a variety of cuts, including round, princess, oval, and emerald, and can be set in different types of metals, such as platinum, white gold, and rose gold.
Sapphires are the second most popular choice for wedding rings. Blue sapphires, in particular, have been a symbol of loyalty, truth, and love since ancient times. They gained even more popularity after Princess Diana's iconic blue sapphire engagement ring, which is now worn by Kate Middleton. Sapphires come in a range of colours, including pink, purple, yellow, orange, green, and white. Pink sapphires are a popular choice for their romantic colour, which can range from soft pink to vibrant purple-pink.
Rubies are another popular choice for wedding rings as they represent love and passion. They are known for their deep red colour.
Emeralds are among the most coveted gemstones for fine jewellery and engagement rings. They exude a vintage feel and are available in a variety of cuts, settings, and shapes.
Pearls are also popular for wedding rings as they symbolise purity, honesty, and faith. However, they are quite soft and easy to scratch with normal wear, so they may need to be replaced occasionally. Other stones that are gaining popularity for wedding rings include moissanite, morganite, and aquamarine.
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The meaning of different stones in wedding rings
Gemstones in wedding rings carry their own unique meanings and significance. Couples are increasingly opting for alternative gemstones to diamonds, infusing their choices with personal significance.
For instance, the pink sapphire is a luxurious stone that represents passionate love, good fortune, loyalty, and trust. The ruby, with its bold red colour, symbolizes love and passion, as well as royalty and importance. Morganite, with its light caramel hue, represents deep love and tenderness, serving as a reminder of the affection that forms the foundation of a relationship.
Tanzanite, a regal-looking stone native to Tanzania, is known for its rich and deep blue colour. It symbolizes a new beginning, making it a perfect choice for modern marriages as it aligns with the new chapter of life that begins with matrimony.
The type of stone chosen can also depend on various factors, such as durability, personal preference, cultural context, and the numerical symbolism of the number of stones.
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The setting of a stone in a wedding ring
There are various types of settings for wedding rings, each with its own unique characteristics and visual appeal. Here are some of the most common settings:
- Prong setting: This is the most classic and well-known setting for solitaire engagement rings. Small metal spikes or bars securely hold the gemstone, allowing it to be viewed from all angles.
- Cathedral setting: This setting features two arches that slope up on either side of the center stone, lifting it up and providing maximum light return.
- Channel setting: This setting is commonly used for side accents or on wedding bands. It involves setting a line of diamonds in a crease in the band, making them appear as if they are between two strips of metal.
- Halo setting: A halo setting features a layer of diamonds that surrounds the center stone, adding extra sparkle and making the center stone appear larger.
- Pavé setting: Pavé, named after the French word for cobblestones, is commonly used as an accent. It consists of a line of tiny diamonds set closely together, often in a band or shank, creating a brilliant display.
- Three-stone setting: In this setting, the center diamond or gemstone is flanked by two smaller accessory stones, usually diamonds, creating a unique and eye-catching design.
When choosing a stone setting for a wedding ring, it is important to consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the durability and maintenance requirements of the ring. Some settings, such as eternity rings or stone-set rings, cannot be resized, so it is crucial to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, the choice of gemstone can be personalized, with options like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and morganite gaining popularity as alternatives to the traditional diamond.
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The band of a stone-set wedding ring
Prong settings are a classic and popular choice for wedding rings. They feature small metal spikes or bars that secure the gemstone, allowing it to be viewed from all angles and maximising light return. A bezel setting, on the other hand, involves framing the gemstone with metal, providing a more secure setting. Channel settings are often used as side accents or on wedding bands, creating a line of diamonds between two strips of metal.
When choosing the band for a stone-set wedding ring, it is important to consider the wearer's lifestyle and personal preferences. Some bands may be more durable and suitable for everyday wear, while others may be more delicate and require special care. Additionally, the type of gemstone chosen for the centre stone and any accent stones can also influence the design and material of the band.
Overall, the band of a stone-set wedding ring is an important aspect of the ring's overall design and should be selected with care to ensure it reflects the wearer's style and lifestyle while complementing the chosen gemstones.
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Frequently asked questions
Stone set rings are rings that have a gemstone or diamond set in the band. The setting refers to how the stone is mounted or held in place.
Some popular types of stone settings include:
- Prong setting: The gemstone is held secure by small metal spikes or bars, allowing the jewel to be viewed from all angles.
- Cathedral setting: The center stone is lifted by two arches that slope up on either side, giving maximum light return.
- Channel setting: A line of diamonds set in a crease in the band, appearing to be between two strips of metal.
- Halo setting: A layer of diamonds that surrounds the center stone.
Some unique stone settings include:
- Hidden halo: The center stone rests on the halo and is only visible from the side profile.
- French pavé: Diamonds are set in V-shaped grooves cut into the band.
- Micropavé: Tiny diamond pavés, usually stacked on top of each other for a spectacular display.
- Three-stone setting: The center diamond is flanked by two other stones, usually diamonds.
Popular gemstones for wedding rings include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Couples may choose a gemstone that represents their values and beliefs, such as a ruby for love and passion or a sapphire for strength and faithfulness.
