Kim G

Throughout time, different gemstones have come to represent different meanings. Some are said to ward off evil, bring luck to the wearer, and even protect against intoxication. Some gems are fabled to be favorites of royalty, pirates, or sailors due to their mystical properties. Somewhere along the line, specific gemstones have been chosen for their special meanings to represent the traditional gifts given on specific wedding anniversaries.
The most commonly known milestone anniversaries are the 25th (silver) and the 50th (gold). What many overlook is the numerous gemstone anniversaries; the first of which is the 14th anniversary – the agate. While many argue that an agate is a rock, it is indeed a gemstone; in fact it is the Minnesota state gemstone. Ranging in color from browns, reds, and grays, the agate is known for its bands with an eye in the middle; similar to tree rings. Agates can be made into display pieces or fashioned into jewelry and is said to symbolize watchfulness and protection due to the eye in the center. Another lesser known gemstone is given for the 16th anniversary. The peridot is bright olive green in color and is fabled to be the favorite gem of pirates. Geographically, peridot can be found wherever there are volcanoes. This makes them a wonderful symbol for a marriage that has survived trials of the first years together and has come thus far sparkling. Aquamarine is the traditional gift for the 19th anniversary. The gemstone of sailors and mermaids, the word ‘aquamarine’ literally means ‘sea water’. For this anniversary, the gem represents the sea into which the mermaid has called the sailor to remain with her for all time.
We then skip eleven years and find ourselves at a milestone anniversary, the 30th, for which the traditional gift is pearl. The symbolism of pearls is highly overlooked when given as gifts. Often given to young brides, the pearl is actually the ideal gift for an established marriage because it is one of the very few gemstones that are not ‘stones’ at all. Grown rather than mined, the pearl forms slowly and its true beauty is only revealed when sought out from deep within the water. This gem is the perfect symbol for the depth of love and understanding that a couple can only reach after a significant amount of time together.
Other milestone anniversaries include the 40th (ruby) and the 45th (sapphire). Actually formed from the same mineral corundum, rubies are the traditional color of love and sapphires the color of serenity.  Turquoise is given for the 55th anniversary and is a reminder of an oasis that is couple-hood. Turquoise can only be found in the desert, and only then near water. It is this natural state that reminds the couple of the sanctuary that can be found within their love.
A couple reaching their 60th anniversary is revered for their commitment to grow old together. The gem symbolizing this growth is the emerald; an everlasting emblem of renewal. Known for its deep green color, the gem can be found in almost every region in the world and is a reminder of the beauty of nature and growth of the most basic level that is life on this planet. No matter the trials and tribulations, nature continues to reinvent itself – as does the couple reaching 60 years together.  The most powerful gemstone symbol of endurance and strength is, of course, the diamond.  Representing the 65th and the 75th wedding anniversaries, the diamond is the gem by which all others are measured.  No natural substance on the face of the earth can compare to the strength and brilliance of the diamond. A sign of beautiful transformation over time, the diamond represents the aged married couple in a way that is unsurpassable and leads to the affirmation of the quote: “Is there anything more beautiful than young love? Yes; old love.”  When searching for anniversary gifts, seek out the possibilities that lie within giving a traditional gem. The thought you’ve put into giving a gift that is symbolic of your love and life together with be treasured always.

Kim G

While diamond wedding rings tend to take stage in the United States and across the world, there are a few notable exceptions both in style and symbolism.

The first appearance of wedding rings has an arguable start. Some claim the Egyptians began giving wedding rings; another claim states that wedding rings were not common until the 11th century. Whatever the time frame, wedding rings have become a symbol of commitment to marriage throughout many cultures.

Although a plain gold band continues to be the most popular type of wedding ring throughout the world, there are a few variations. In France and many French speaking countries, it is common for the wedding ring to consist of three interwoven rings symbolizing love, hope, and faith. These rings are commonly made of three different colors of gold; yellow, white, and rose gold. In Greece and Italy, it is common for men to receive a type of puzzle ring made of gold to wear as a wedding band. The idea here is that they must prove their commitment by solving the puzzle and prove their faithfulness by wearing the ring constantly so as not to dislodge the puzzle.

The world over, women’s wedding rings most commonly contain diamonds as a sign of indestructible love, however other gem stones have also had a stay. In medieval Europe, the ruby was commonly used because they were red, like a heart. Sapphires were also used to symbolize the heavens, from which love came. Posey rings became popular in France in the 17th century.

These rings were inscribed with poems and love verses either inside or outside to declare adoration. Engraved wedding bands remain a very popular choice today. Wedding rings containing aquamarine represent marital harmony, where as pearl engagement rings were considered bad luck because the shape of the pearl was similar to that of a tear. In Victorian England, snake rings complete with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands because the coil winding around the finger symbolized eternity.

In renaissance Italy, silver betrothal rings became popular. These were highly ornate rings that were usually engraved and filled with black enamel so the pattern would contrast with the metal. Later, when gold became the popular metal of choice, the Italian silver betrothal ring was given first to be followed by a duplicate ring made of gold given at the wedding itself. This is most likely how the idea of separate engagement and wedding rings came into play, a tradition that continues today.

Tradition states that wedding rings are to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand (including the thumb) because it was thought that that particular finger contained a vein which leads directly to the heart. This is not traditional throughout the world however, as is the case in Norway and Russia where the wedding ring is to be worn on the same finger of the right hand. Wearing two rings, the engagement ring and the wedding ring, on the ring finger has become the norm in North America. The engagement ring in this case usually holds the diamond which is given as a symbol of love and a promise from the man to the woman to take care of her. In Sweden, the bride wears three rings after her wedding; an engagement ring, a wedding ring, and a ring for motherhood, a promise to bring forth a family.

Most Christian weddings include an exchange of rings with the exception of the Quakers who may or may not exchange rings during or after the ceremonial Meeting. Quakers do not consider the traditions of wedding rings to be as much of a necessity as do other denominations. Early on, the Protestant Puritans claimed that wedding rings were a pagan ritual and were not to be used. Further, they were enraged with the Catholic claim that Mary and Joseph wore wedding rings made from onyx or amethyst.

Most religions throughout the world now consider the exchange of wedding rings to be a powerful and romantic symbol in a marriage ceremony. As a matter of fact, Irish folklore indicates that it is bad luck to be wed without a gold ring, even to the extent of considering the marriage illegal without one. Whatever the stone or metal choice, the exchange of wedding rings symbolizes the same ideal the world over; unending love and commitment.

Kim G

There are a few problems with those folks who tell you that the average man will spend two month’s salary on an engagement ring for his fiancé. One; they don’t care if you go into debt, and with that kind of money in mind, you probably will. Two; they are counting on you to believe it is the all-American average thing to do, and it’s not. If an average guy listened to ‘them’, he would spend over $4,000 on at least a 1 carat diamond ring that she would immediately declare her ideal ring, and he would be expected to pull off the perfect surprise proposal no less. Likely? Not hardly. More and more these days, the idea of what is average is being redefined in the engagement department. Men, breathe a sign of relief, you are about to be given a much deserved break.

First of all, not all brides wear diamonds. In fact, only 75% of first time brides sport them, so going to look for diamond may not even be the right first step when considering proposal. Many women prefer other precious gems, semi-precious gems, or no gems at all. If it is determined that a diamond is the way to go, don’t add up two months worth of your salary just yet. The average amount spent is going to vary demographically. What one person would spend in New York is going to be completely different than what someone would spend in Gainsville. On average, an engagement ring purchase has been around $2,000 and has been shown to add up to approximately 12% off the overall cost of the wedding. Weddings in this country have grown into a 50 billion dollar a year industry. Guys, we know that you want to impress your fiancé, but going broke isn’t the way to do it. Remember, your married life together begins after the wedding; everything else is a preamble. Set a realistic budget for your engagement purchase. Spending more doesn’t mean you love her more…it just means you have less money to start out your life together, and what’s more important?

I know you’re thinking “How can I get her that all-important 1 carat ring that all of her friends have, on a budget?” and the answer is this; you don’t have to. The average size diamond engagement ring is not a 1 carat – it’s a 1/3 carat. Keep in mind that a beautifully set 1/3 carat diamond will take her breath away just as much as a larger stone, and besides, bigger isn’t always better. Think quality, not size. Also, it is important to note that most jewelers have a trade-up policy. If you should come into a more comfortable means of income in the future, you can trade-in her stone for a larger one and just pay the difference. It has been my experience, however, that no matter what the size of the original stone, your bride will want to keep the ring you propose with forever.

The surprise proposal has also become a bit of a relic. Men are no longer under such a high degree of pressure to pick out the perfect ring alone. If you have gotten to the point in your relationship that you are thinking of marriage, the odds are that you have already discussed this with your intended. If not, you will shortly, I assure you. More and more, women are heavily involved in the proposal process. Ladies will accompany their gents to the jewelry store. They will be actively involved in the decision of design, size, and yes even cost of their engagement ring. Women of the 21st century are seeing marriage as an equal partnership, one in which they should have a say in all aspects, and this is where men can really be thankful. To maintain a small element of the surprise tradition, men might pick out the final diamond alone after the setting has been agreed upon. Or he might arrange for a formal evening in which he prepares just the right thing to say to officially ask for her hand in marriage. Romance isn’t dead in proposals, after all.

The point is this; forget the idea of what is average, and concentrate on what is right for you and your fiancé. That’s all that really matters.

Click here to browse our large selection of Engagement Rings.