Marilyn, Madonna, and Britney have all been photographed while dripping with ropes of the finest Harry Winstons (or so we were led to believe), but is the message true? Are diamonds really a girl’s best friend? When Prince William proposed, he didn’t do it with a diamond, and his decision started a fashion craze that will live on for generations. But before you run right out to get a Kate Middleton replica ring, explore other non-diamond Robbins Brothers engagement rings that are unique, beautiful and deeply meaningful.
1. Sapphire
Blue sapphires are a huge trend in wedding jewelry because of the famous royal wedding between William and Kate, but sapphires also appear in white, yellow, purple and green. White sapphires look very much like diamonds, and could be a cost-effective engagement solution for some couples. Sapphires represent truth and serenity, two good themes for any marriage. Actress Penelope Cruz also famously wears a blue sapphire engagement ring. Jean Harlow, a well-known glamour girl in the 1930s, received a 150-carat sapphire engagement ring from beau William Powell. The fantastic piece of jewelry can be seen in her movie Saratoga.
2. Pink Sapphire
The word sapphire means blue, but pink is always the color that’s used to represent femininity. And what’s more fitting than a pink sapphire engagement ring? Pink sapphires give brides a little bit of Kate Middleton, a little Sex & the City and a perfectly sweet, unique engagement ring that will turn heads. Pink is a popular color in Hollywood engagements as well. Ben Affleck famously proposed to J-Lo with a pink diamond.
3. Chocolate diamonds
Sometimes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, especially when they are chocolate. Chocolate diamonds are chocolate brown in color, and make for a stunning contrast against ring settings and light-colored stones. Big-name diamond retailers are starting to feature entire lines of jewelry made with chocolate diamonds. The brown color of the diamonds is natural, though some stones may be heat-treated in order to enhance the rich, chocolate look.
4. Emeralds
Emerald is the gemstone of Venus, goddess of love. The rich green color of emeralds is bound to draw attention, and emerald engagement rings also have a royal connection with United States royalty, anyway. John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie with a 2.88-carat diamond and emerald ring. Jackie Kennedy became a style icon during her husband’s term as president, with millions copying her hair and clothing styles.
5. Ruby
Rubies are the gemstones of royalty, historically speaking. Rich in color, rubies have graced many a tiara, but they also make gorgeous engagement rings. Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson, more popularly known as “Fergie,” with a jaw-dropping ruby and diamond engagement ring
6. Citrine
Citrines have a deep, buttery-yellow color that brings to mind images of sunlight and happiness. What’s more perfect for an engement ring? The gemstone citrine represents brightness, energy and courage, and it is believed that the stone takes away sadness and stress. Citrine engagement rings are also more affordable that diamond engagement rings in any color.
7. Pearl
Pearls are perhaps even more traditional at weddings than diamonds. To ancient Romans, the lustrous pearl was a strong symbol of wealth and prestige. Greeks included pearls in their wedding traditions; any bride without pearls would not have a happy marriage. White is the color of brides, and no gemstone is prettier in white than pearls. Colored pearls also make a strong statement and create a truly unique look for engagement rings.
8. Aquamarine
Aquamarine is named for its beautiful, blue-green color that, to many, represents the sea. The stone stands for lasting love, fidelity and happiness, which makes it a very meaningful gem to use in an engagement ring. The birthstone for the month of March, aquamarine may be the perfect gem for a bride who was born or is getting married in that month.
9. Opal
Opals are white, but when you start to look more closely you’ll find the gems actually contain every known color within their depths. The rich look of opals makes them a beautiful showpiece when they’re featured in engagement rings. In Victorian times, opals were said to bring good fortune to a newly engaged couple.
10. Black Diamonds
Black is the new white, and what better way to get a unique engagement ring look than to do the exact opposite of tradition? Instead of a classic white diamond, go for drama with black diamonds. Carmen Electra has worn a huge black diamond engagement ring on her finger since promising herself to Rob Patterson, and she says the ring is “perfect” for their relationship.
11. Tourmaline
For the bride who wants something truly one-of-a-kind, only a tourmaline will do. The name translates to “stone of mixed colors,” and that description fits. Tourmalines are available in almost every imaginable color, and some stones display dazzling color mixtures rather than solid shades. You will never find two tourmalines that are exactly alike, which is why they make a very unique engagement ring choice.
Diamonds are an engagement tradition, but not all girls are traditional. Carrie Bradshaw asked longtime boyfriend Mr. Big not to give her a diamond when they became engaged, and near the big finale of the Sex & the City movie he famously proposed with a shoe. But you can’t wear the same shoes every day! Colored gemstones last for ever.
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