In the past year we’ve seen a few celebrities opting for different colored stones in their engagement rings. So far, emeralds have been the trend-setting stone for 2013. The alluring deep green of emeralds seems irresistible and we’re certain to see many more rings featuring the precious stone.
The Centerpiece
Halle Berry got a beautiful Colombian emerald engagement ring from Olivier Martinez last year. Most celebrities prefer to make their engagements and weddings unique; emeralds are one way to diversify their special day. This doesn’t mean you can’t put a little frosting on the ring. In fact, Berry’s ring has two small diamond side stones that really ties it all together.
Any ring that uses an emerald for the center stone must use a high quality gem. Just like diamonds, the quality of the emerald will affect the way the stone looks. A good emerald has a vivid, green color; the intensity of the green is by far the most telling feature of a high quality emerald. An emerald with a dull or lackluster color will not be a very attractive centerpiece to the ring.
Emeralds as Side Stones
Another option is to use emerald side stones with a diamond as the center stone; emeralds accent a diamond perfectly. While some celebrities choose birthstones for their rings, not all birthstones will complement a diamond. Sapphires and rubies will enhance a diamond center stone, but the red of a ruby may be too bold a choice for brides who want to wear their ring on a daily basis. Sapphire blue is also a nice choice, but there’s something earthier and far more luxurious about emeralds in rings.
Heritage? Fashion? Both!
If you have a little Celtic heritage, with green being associated with the luck of the Irish, emeralds can also be used as an homage to your roots. Even outside of Celtic traditions green represents prosperity and fertility, both good qualities in a marriage. For those less concerned with heritage and more style oriented, emeralds’ natural rectangular shape creates a modern design with sharp, clear edges. The current trend of white gold or platinum rings make for the perfect setting of a modern-styled emerald. You will never see a princess cut emerald like you might see in a diamond; emerald cuts are more angular and work with the stone’s habitual cubic shape. When emeralds are paired with diamonds, you get the glamor and the fire all in one package.
While they are not yet broadly popular, as the magic of emeralds is discovered by more people, they are sure to rocket into the limelight. For now, emeralds are a rare choice made by a bride-to-be who wants something with bold visual impact; not just your run of the mill diamond ring.