What Color Engagement Ring Would You Choose?

From antiquity to modern times, betrothal and promise rings, and what we eventually called engagement rings have featured different stone colors, many of which have symbolic meanings. This was particularly true in the 17th through 19th centuries. For example: blue sapphires signified fidelity and loyalty, rubies represented passion and lust, and emeralds stood for hope and prosperity. Then add to the mix beautifully colored gemstones such as multi-colored spinels, aquamarines, Padparadscha sapphires and in the late 20th century, the discovery of Paraiba tourmalines. Should we stop there? There are also a range of multi-colored tourmalines, sapphires and garnets—a color wheel of engagement ring gemstones from which to choose.

Here is a mix of antique and modern rings you might want to consider for when your partner pops the question but you want to choose the ring:

S.J Philips’ Early 20th-century ruby and diamond cluster ring, c.1910, with a central oval cut Burma ruby with milgrain detailing, diamond line border, tapered ruby baguette shoulders, mounted in platinum.

Omi Prive’s platinum ring features a 5.32-carat oval Paraíba tourmaline, accented by diamond baguettes and round diamonds.

Estate Diamond Jewelry Antique Art Deco Sapphire Engagement Ring. Circa 1925 The center sapphire is accented by French-cut diamonds, French-cut sapphires, old- mine diamonds with milgrain detailing. The center sapphire is no heat and is approximately three-carats.

A La Vieille Russie Antique Aquamarine and Diamond Ring with approximately 32-carat emerald-cut aquamarine, set in platinum with lunette and baguette diamond shoulders, American, ca. 1910.

Single Stone Maria 4.61 carat Colombian emerald surrounded by approximately 1.65 TCW of French cut diamonds set in a handcrafted 18K yellow gold ring.

M.S. Rau’s rare Padparadscha sapphireof pinkish-orange hue. At three-carats, the cushion-cut sapphire is certified by the Gemological Institute of America as being a natural Padparadscha that is completely untreated. Set in platinum and 18K yellow gold, the stone is accented by diamonds.