Jewelry Care 101: Keeping Your Treasures Shining
The Most Popular Gemstone Rings for Weddings in 2024
If you’re planning a wedding in 2024, you might be wondering what kind of ring will make your finger sparkle and your heart sing. After all, a ring is not just a piece of jewelry, it’s a symbol of your love and commitment. And you want it to be as unique and beautiful as your relationship.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the perfect ring for your wedding? Well, you’re in luck, because we teamed up with the experts at Molly Jewelry Us to help you navigate the dazzling world of gemstone rings. Gemstones are one of the hottest trends in wedding rings right now and for good reasons. They offer a variety of colors, shapes, and meanings, allowing you to express your personality and style. They are also more affordable, ethical, and durable than diamonds, making them a smart and sustainable choice.
But which gemstone is right for you? That depends on your taste, your wedding budget, andyour preference. To help you decide, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular gemstone rings for weddings in 2024, and the pros and cons of each one. I’ve also included some personal anecdotes and insights from my own experience as a wedding blogger and a gemstone lover. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the sparkling sea of gemstone rings!
1. Opal Wedding Rings
Opal is a gemstone that is known for its stunning and spectacular play of colors, which can range from white to black, and from red to green, and everything in between. Opal is a type of hydrated silica, which is a common mineral, but it has a special structure that diffracts light and creates a rainbow effect. Opal was named after the Latin word “opalus”, which means “precious stone”. Opal is also considered to be a lucky and protective stone in many cultures, and it is believed to have healing and energizing properties, such as enhancing creativity, passion, and joy.
Opal Wedding Rings. Photo courtesy of Molly Jewelry Us
Opal rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and settings, depending on the type and quality of the opal. You can find opal rings in white, black, fire, boulder, crystal, or jelly, and in round, oval, pear, or cabochon cuts. You can also find opal rings in solitaire, halo, or inlay styles, and in silver, gold, or rose gold metals. One of the most famous opal rings in history is the one that Queen Victoria gave to Prince Albert, which featured a large black opal surrounded by smaller diamonds. This ring was a symbol of their love and devotion, and it is still a royal treasure.
Pros:
- Opal is a dazzling and diverse stone that has a magnificent and mesmerizing play of colors, which adds personality and flair to your wedding ring.
- Opal is a very lucky and protective stone, representing the opulence and optimism of life. It can also enhance your creativity, passion, and joy, and bring happiness and prosperity to your marriage.
- Opal is a very rare and precious stone, making it a special and unique choice. You can find opal rings in different patterns, colors, and flashes, and each one is different and one-of-a-kind.
Cons:
- Opal is a very fragile and delicate stone, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is lower than most other gemstones. This means it can easily scratch, chip, or crack, and it needs to be handled with care.
- Opal is a very porous and sensitive stone, meaning it can absorb moisture, oils, and chemicals, and lose its color or fire. It needs to be cleaned and treated regularly, and avoided from contact with heat, light, or water.
- Opal is a very unpredictable and variable stone, meaning it might not suit everyone’s taste or style. It might change its appearance or intensity depending on the angle or the light, and it might clash with your other jewelry or outfits.
2. Moissanite Wedding Rings
Moissanite is a gemstone that is often mistaken for a diamond because it has a similar appearance and sparkle. However, moissanite is actually a different mineral, with its own characteristics and advantages. Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by a French chemist named Henri Moissan, who found it in a meteor crater in Arizona. He initially thought it was a diamond, but later realized it was a new material. Moissanite is very rare in nature, so most of the moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created, which makes it more affordable and ethical than mined diamonds.
Moissanite Wedding Rings. Photo courtesy of Molly Jewelry Us
Moissanite rings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and settings, just like diamonds. You can find moissanite rings in round, oval, pear, cushion, and other fancy cuts, and in solitaire, halo, three-stone, and other styles. You can also find moissanite rings in different colors, such as white, yellow, green, or blue, depending on the type and quality of the moissanite. One of the most famous moissanite rings in history is the one that Napoleon Bonaparte gave to his wife Josephine, which featured a 6.1-carat moissanite surrounded by smaller diamonds. This ring was sold at an auction in 2013 for $949,000, which shows how valuable and desirable moissanite can be.
Pros:
- Moissanite is a brilliant and beautiful stone that rivals the sparkle and fire of a diamond.
- Moissanite is very hard and durable, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is higher than sapphire and ruby, and slightly lower than diamond. This means it can resist scratches and abrasions, and maintain its luster and clarity.
- Moissanite is more affordable and ethical than diamond, as it is lab-created and does not involve any mining or conflict. You can get a larger and higher-quality moissanite for a fraction of the price of a diamond.
Cons:
- Moissanite is not a natural or traditional stone, so it might not have the same sentimental or historical value as a diamond or other gemstones. Some people might prefer a natural or organic stone for their wedding ring, as it represents their connection to nature and their heritage.
- Moissanite can sometimes show a rainbow or disco-ball effect, especially in bright sunlight or artificial lighting. This can make it look too flashy or artificial, and detract from its elegance and sophistication. Some people might prefer a more subtle or classic sparkle for their wedding ring, as it reflects their taste and personality.
- Moissanite can sometimes be too perfect or flawless, which can make it look less natural or authentic. Some people might prefer a stone that has some inclusions or imperfections, as it adds character and uniqueness to their wedding ring, and makes it more personal and meaningful.
3. Emerald Wedding Rings
Emerald is another popular gemstone for wedding rings, and it’s a great choice for those who love green and nature. Emerald is a vibrant green stone that symbolizes growth, harmony, and prosperity. It’s also the birthstone of May, making it a great choice for spring weddings. Emerald is a very rare and valuable stone, ranking among the most expensive gemstones in the world. This means it can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your wedding ring.
Emerald wedding ring. Photo courtesy of Molly Jewelry Us
Emerald rings come in a variety of styles, from modern bezels to antique clusters. You can also find emerald rings in different shades of green, from light to dark, depending on the origin and quality of the stone. One of the most famous emerald rings in history is the one that John F. Kennedy gave to Jackie Kennedy, which featured a 2.84-carat emerald and a 2.88-carat diamond. This ring was a symbol of their love and glamour, and it’s still a coveted piece of jewelry.
Pros:
- Emerald is a stunning and rare stone that adds a splash of color and sophistication to your wedding ring.
- Emerald is a very valuable and prestigious stone, making it a worthy investment and heirloom.
- Emerald is a very meaningful and symbolic stone, representing growth, harmony, and prosperity.
Cons:
- Emerald is a very fragile and delicate stone, ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is lower than sapphire and diamond. This means it can easily crack or chip if bumped or dropped, and it needs to be handled with care.
- Emerald is a very expensive and scarce stone, making it a costly and difficult choice. You might have to compromise on the size, quality, or design of your ring to fit your budget.
- Emerald is a very porous and sensitive stone, meaning it can absorb moisture, oils, and chemicals, and lose its color or clarity. It needs to be cleaned and treated regularly, and avoided from contact with heat, light, or water.
4. Ruby Wedding Rings
Ruby is a third popular gemstone for wedding rings, and it’s a great choice for those who love red and passion. Ruby is a fiery red stone that symbolizes love, courage, and power. It’s also the birthstone of July, making it a great choice for summer weddings. Ruby is a very hard and durable stone, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just like sapphire. This means it can resist scratches and abrasions, and maintain its brilliance and beauty.
Ruby Wedding Rings. Photo courtesy of Molly Jewelry Us
Ruby rings come in a variety of styles, from simple bands to elaborate settings. You can also find ruby rings in different shades of red, from pink to crimson, depending on the amount of chromium and iron in the stone. One of the most famous ruby rings in history is the one that Edward VIII gave to Wallis Simpson, which featured a 19.77-carat ruby and a personalized inscription. This ring was a symbol of their controversial and romantic relationship, and it’s still a remarkable piece of jewelry.
Pros:
- Ruby is a gorgeous and powerful stone that adds a touch of drama and romance to your wedding ring.
- Ruby is a very hard and durable stone, making it a reliable and resilient choice.
- Ruby is a very rare and sought-after stone, making it a special and unique choice.
Cons:
- Ruby is a very expensive and limited stone, making it a pricey and challenging choice. You might have to settle for a smaller, lower-quality, or synthetic ruby to fit your budget.
- Ruby is a very heat-sensitive and color-changing stone, meaning it can lose its hue or intensity if exposed to high temperatures or different light sources. It needs to be protected from heat and stored in a consistent environment.
- Ruby is a very conspicuous and attention-grabbing stone, meaning it might not suit everyone’s taste or style. It might clash with your other jewelry or outfits, or draw unwanted attention.
5. Moonstone Wedding Rings
Moonstone is a gemstone that is known for its mesmerizing and mysterious glow, which changes depending on the angle and the light. Moonstone is a type of feldspar, which is a common mineral, but it has a special optical phenomenon called adularescence, which is a milky or bluish sheen that appears on the surface of the stone. Moonstone was named after the moon, because it resembles the moonlight and its phases. Moonstone is also associated with the moon goddess in many cultures, and it is believed to have magical and spiritual properties, such as enhancing intuition, creativity, and fertility.
Moonstone Wedding Rings. Photo courtesy of Molly Jewelry Us
Moonstone rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and settings, depending on the type and quality of the moonstone. You can find moonstone rings in white, gray, peach, pink, blue, or rainbow, and in round, oval, pear, or cabochon cuts. You can also find moonstone rings in solitaire, cluster, or bezel styles, and in silver, gold, or rose gold metals. One of the most famous moonstone rings in history is the one that John Lennon gave to Yoko Ono, which featured a large blue moonstone surrounded by smaller diamonds. This ring was a symbol of their love and peace, and it is still a cherished piece of jewelry.
Pros:
- Moonstone is a captivating and unique stone that has a magical and ethereal glow, which adds charm and romance to your wedding ring.
- Moonstone is a very meaningful and symbolic stone, representing the moon and its cycles, and the feminine and mystical aspects of life. It can also enhance your emotional and spiritual connection with your partner, and bring harmony and balance to your relationship.
- Moonstone is a very affordable and accessible stone, as it is widely available and relatively inexpensive. You can get a beautiful and high-quality moonstone for a reasonable price, and save money for other wedding expenses.
Cons:
- Moonstone is a very soft and delicate stone, ranking 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is lower than most other gemstones. This means it can easily scratch, chip, or crack, and it needs to be handled with care.
- Moonstone is a very sensitive and reactive stone, meaning it can absorb moisture, oils, and chemicals, and lose its color or glow. It needs to be cleaned and protected regularly, and avoided from contact with heat, light, or water.
- Moonstone is a very subtle and understated stone, meaning it might not suit everyone’s taste or style. It might not have the same sparkle or impact as other gemstones, and it might blend in with your skin tone or outfit. Some people might prefer a more vibrant or noticeable stone for their wedding ring, as it reflects their confidence and charisma.
6. Sapphire Wedding Rings
Sapphire is the most popular gemstone for wedding rings, and it’s easy to see why. Sapphire is a stunning blue stone that symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness. It’s also the birthstone of September, making it a great choice for fall weddings. Sapphire is very hard and durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below diamond. This means it can withstand everyday wear and tear, and last for generations.
Sapphire Wedding Ring. Photo courtesy of Molly Jewelry Us
Sapphire rings come in a variety of styles, from classic solitaires to vintage-inspired halos. You can also find sapphire rings in different colors, such as pink, yellow, or green if you want something more unique. One of the most famous sapphire rings in history is the one that Prince William gave to Kate Middleton, which belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. This ring sparked a huge demand for sapphire rings, and it’s still a popular choice for royal and celebrity weddings.
Pros:
- Sapphire is a beautiful and meaningful stone that suits any skin tone and style.
- Sapphire is very hard and durable, making it a long-lasting and practical choice.
- Sapphire is more affordable and ethical than diamond, as it’s easier to source and less likely to be involved in conflict.
Cons:
- Sapphire is not as rare or valuable as diamond, so it might not have the same prestige or wow factor.
- Sapphire can be prone to scratching or chipping if not properly cared for, so it needs regular cleaning and polishing.
Final Verdict…
As you can see, there are options of Gemstone Rings for Weddings, and there are many pros and cons to each gemstone ring. The best choice for you depends on your personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. However, if I had to pick one, I would go for sapphire, because I think it’s the most versatile, practical, and beautiful option. Sapphire is a timeless and elegant stone that suits any occasion and personality. It’s also a durable and ethical stone that can last for a long time and cause no harm. And it’s a meaningful and symbolic stone that represents wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness, which are the qualities I value in a marriage.
But that’s just my opinion, and you might have a different one. And that’s okay, because the most important thing is that you choose a ring that makes you happy and reflects your love. After all, a ring is not just a piece of jewelry, it’s a piece of your heart. And that’s priceless.
