Junior Rasmussen
Gemstones are a popular choice for wedding rings, with many couples opting for a stone that symbolises their unique bond. Diamonds are the most popular stone used in wedding rings, representing eternal love and commitment, but there are many other gemstones that are rich in meaning and symbolism. For instance, sapphires represent wisdom, faith, and loyalty, while rubies are a symbol of passion and energy. Pearls, on the other hand, express devotion, tenderness, and love, and are considered a symbol of marriage in India. For those seeking a unique and historical gemstone, lapis lazuli, with its deep blue and gold flecks, is ideal. Each gemstone is unique, with its own distinct flair and personality, making it a meaningful representation of love and commitment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gemstones that score 7.5/10 and above on the Mohs Hardness Scale are durable enough to be worn every day. |
| Symbolism | Sapphires symbolise wisdom, faith, and loyalty. Rubies symbolise passion and energy. Pearls symbolise devotion, tenderness, and love. |
| Colour | Sapphires are dark blue. Rubies range from bright red to dark red and purple-red. Pearls have a delicate, light colour. |
| Cost | Gemstones are often a fraction of the cost of a similarly-sized diamond, allowing couples to afford a larger centre stone. |
| Size | Gemstones often grow in large crystals, allowing for unique shapes and sizes. |
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What You'll Learn
- Diamonds: symbolise eternal love and devotion, and are durable and practical
- Blue sapphires: symbolise loyalty, truth, and love, and are a tough stone
- Rubies: symbolise passion and energy, and have a hardness of 9 out of 10
- Pearls: symbolise devotion, tenderness, and love, and are delicate and fragile
- Moonstones: symbolise love, calmness, and femininity, and have a hardness of 6-6.5 out of 10
Diamonds: symbolise eternal love and devotion, and are durable and practical
Diamonds have long been regarded as a symbol of eternal love and commitment. The ancient Greeks believed that Cupid, the god of desire, affection, and erotic love, had arrows tipped with diamonds that could draw hearts together and inspire romantic love. The fire in diamonds was also thought to reflect the constant flame of love. The word "diamond" itself comes from the Greek "adamas", meaning "unalterable" or "unbreakable", much like the love in a marriage.
Diamonds are also a symbol of devotion. When someone proposes with a diamond ring, they are pledging their lifelong devotion to their partner. The rarity of diamonds, which have been mined since ancient times, makes them a special gift, representing a rare and unique love.
Diamonds are also highly durable. They are one of the hardest known substances, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes them ideal for everyday wear as they can withstand impact and scratching. Their durability also makes them a practical choice for jewellery that is intended to be worn for a lifetime.
In addition to their symbolic value, diamonds are also aesthetically pleasing. Their sparkle and brilliance have been celebrated for centuries, with Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, comparing the sparkle of a diamond to "a drop of water from a mountain stream [that] sparkles in the light of the sun".
The use of diamonds in engagement rings can be traced back to 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy upon their betrothal. This influenced the wealthy and noble to follow suit, giving diamond rings to their loved ones.
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Blue sapphires: symbolise loyalty, truth, and love, and are a tough stone
Blue sapphires are renowned for their rich symbolism and breathtaking beauty. They have captivated the hearts of jewellers, gem enthusiasts, and jewellery lovers alike for centuries. They are a variety of the mineral corundum, with trace amounts of iron and titanium giving them their captivating blue colour.
Blue sapphires symbolise loyalty, truth, and love. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to hold protective properties, and royalty favoured them for their calming properties. In love, blue sapphires hold a deep and enduring meaning. They are considered a jewel steeped in the history and lore of nearly every religion. To the ancient and medieval world, the heavenly blue colour signified the height of celestial hope and faith, and it was believed that sapphires brought protection, good fortune, and spiritual insight. They were also a symbol of power and strength, as well as kindness and wise judgement.
The colour of a blue sapphire is one of its most important properties. As natural gemstones, their colour can vary from light to dark. Blue sapphires with vivid colour and good clarity are considered the best gems. However, it is also important to choose a colour tone that resonates with you, as colour is closely associated with emotion.
Blue sapphires are also known for their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes them the second most durable gemstone, after diamonds. Their remarkable hardness makes them an excellent choice for everyday jewellery and family heirlooms.
Blue sapphires are a meaningful and beautiful option for wedding rings, symbolising loyalty, truth, and love. Their durability and rich symbolism make them a timeless choice for couples seeking a gemstone that reflects their lasting love.
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Rubies: symbolise passion and energy, and have a hardness of 9 out of 10
Rubies are a popular choice for wedding rings, as they symbolise passion and energy. The vibrant red colour of rubies reflects the colour of passion, energy and life. They are also believed to encourage a passion for life, bringing fire into your life and intensifying your feelings.
Rubies are also associated with love. In fact, ruby jewellery is often exchanged between couples on Valentine's Day, as well as on the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. For thousands of years, rubies have been considered the stone of love, symbolising the powerful feelings between two people.
Rubies are also believed to bring good luck. In ancient times, rubies were used as amulets to ward off poison, plague, evil thoughts and wicked spirits. They are also said to restore vital life forces, increase energy and protect from misfortune.
In addition to their symbolic value, rubies are a practical choice for wedding rings due to their hardness. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rubies score 9 out of 10, making them one of the hardest natural gems. This means that ruby wedding rings are durable and long-lasting, ideal for symbolising lasting love.
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$884
Pearls: symbolise devotion, tenderness, and love, and are delicate and fragile
Pearls are a unique gemstone, as they are formed in the shells of mollusks—usually oysters—which secrete a layer of nacre around a foreign object that invades its shell. This process can take years, making pearls rare and expensive. Pearls have a special symbolism; they express devotion, tenderness, and love. In India, pearls are a symbol of marriage, and in ancient Greece, they were synonymous with love and believed to bring protection to newlyweds.
The association between pearls and weddings remains strong in many cultures today, with Asian bridal customs incorporating pearl necklaces as fertility symbols and folk traditions suggesting that pearls can prevent newlywed brides from crying. Pearls are also considered a symbol of purity and innocence in many cultures, with white pearls embodying these qualities in Western cultures. In some cultures, pearls are also seen as symbols of wisdom, wealth, and feminine qualities.
The organic origin of pearls adds to their significance, underscoring themes of natural beauty and serenity. Their connection to the ocean and water also marks them as symbols of fertility and feminine energy. Pearls are believed to promote a sense of calm and emotional balance, with healing properties that soothe and manage emotional fluctuations.
The hardness of pearls is 3-4 on the Mohs scale, so they are delicate and fragile. The durability of different pearls may vary depending on the layer of nacre, so careful selection and storage of pearl jewellery are important. While pearls are fragile, their delicate beauty has captivated people for centuries, and they have been worn by some of the most famous women in history.
Overall, pearls symbolise devotion, tenderness, and love, making them a meaningful choice for wedding rings, despite their delicate nature.
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Moonstones: symbolise love, calmness, and femininity, and have a hardness of 6-6.5 out of 10
Moonstones are believed to symbolise love, calmness, femininity, and new beginnings. They are also associated with intuition, emotional balance, and protection. The stone is believed to aid in self-discovery, soothing emotional instability, and providing guidance. Moonstones are also said to have physical health benefits, including aiding the digestive system, stimulating the pineal gland, and balancing hormonal cycles.
Moonstone is composed of orthoclase and albite, two species from the feldspar group, and exhibits a soft, watery opaqueness and a silvery-white reflection called chatoyancy. It is also known for its distinctive opalescent or pearly sheen, which is caused by an optical phenomenon called adularescence, resulting in a unique play of colour and shine. The hardness of moonstone is 6 to 6.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, which is considered above average. However, due to its relative softness, moonstone requires regular care and is prone to scratching, so it is recommended to have it regularly polished by a jeweller.
Moonstone is a popular choice for engagement rings due to its symbolism of love and calming energy. It is also believed to strengthen relationships and enhance women's energy and intuition. The stone's hardness of 6-6.5 makes it relatively durable for everyday wear, but it may require more care and maintenance than harder gemstones.
When choosing a gemstone for a wedding ring, it is essential to consider the hardness and durability of the stone. While moonstone's hardness of 6-6.5 is above average, it may not be as durable as some other gemstones with a higher hardness rating. For example, rubies have a hardness of 9 out of 10 and are favoured for engagement rings due to their durability and symbolism of love and passion. Emeralds, with a hardness of 7.5, are another durable option that symbolises growth and energy.
Ultimately, the choice of gemstone for a wedding ring depends on personal preferences, the desired symbolism, and the level of durability required. Moonstones, with their symbolism of love, calmness, and femininity, can be an ideal choice for a couple seeking a unique and meaningful gemstone that also offers a range of emotional and spiritual benefits. However, it is important to be mindful of the stone's durability and provide it with the necessary care to ensure its longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Diamonds are the most popular choice for wedding rings and are a symbol of eternal love and devotion.
Yes, sapphires are a popular alternative and have been a symbol of love, wisdom, faith, truth and loyalty since ancient times.
Rubies are a symbol of passion and energy. They range from bright red to dark red and even purple-red. Pink rose quartz is also known as the truest stone of love.
Yes, emeralds are a beautiful green stone that symbolises hope, renewal and growth. Pearls are another option, which are delicate and symbolise devotion, tenderness and love.
Moonstone is a feminine stone that surrounds its wearer with warmth and love. Lapis Lazuli is another unique option, with its deep blue colour and gold flecks, symbolising wisdom, truth and royalty.
