What Your Colored Engagement Ring Really Means

If the ring fits! Now that you've met your perfect match on the outside, it's time to delve beneath the surface to discover its true colors

by Elizabeth Mitchell
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Elizabeth Mitchell is a journalist, editor, and author of three books with over 20 years of industry experience. She was previously an Assistant Adjunct Professor at Columbia University.
Updated 12/07/15

Orchard Cove Photography Illustration by Christina Park

Shine bright like a...yellow diamond? That's right! Your guy knew that if he liked it he should put a colored ring on it and for very good reason. They're all the rage these days, after all. From Kate Middleton's to-die-for giant sapphire to the Simpson sisters' super unique ruby rings, gemstones in a rainbow of shades are quickly becoming a girl's best friend.

The classic white diamond, while beautiful, yes, isn't as uncommon as you may have once thought. Diamonds aren't actually rare and haven't been since the 1870s, when huge South African diamond mines were discovered, notes crystal intuitive Julie Abouzelof, owner of Moonrise Crystals. "The mines are owned by De Beers, who continues to monopolize the diamond trade today and can be credited for coming up with one of the most successful marketing schemes in history, 'Diamonds are Forever' and every bride needs one." But honestly, do they?

Many of the colored gemstones, including colored diamonds, are much more rare than white diamonds, believe it or not. And their meanings date back thousands of years, according to Abouzelof. "The oldest known reference to gemstone meanings can be found in the Egyptian Book of the Dead (1500 BCE). The ancient Egyptians were also responsible for the idea of wedding rings," she reveals. "They believed that the ring finger of the left hand had a special vein, which the Romans later dubbed the vein of love, running directly to the heart." Thus, when you choose a gemstone for your engagement or wedding ring, you're asking for certain energies to enter your life, and most importantly, your marriage.

So while you may have just loved the color blue at the time, turns out, that rock has a much deeper meaning, and by now you must be dying to discover it. Well, you're in luck because we've got you covered! Click through to find your particular colored engagement ring and see what it says about you and your relationship.

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Almandine Garnet

Courtesy of Jude Frances

These deep, wine red gemstones have a very special symbolism — the unity of passion and serenity. Wearing one is a promise that you will unconditionally love and protect your partner and vice versa.

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Aquamarine

Courtesy of Gemvara

Also called blue beryl, aquamarine is the bright vivid color of a tropical ocean. Symbolizing courage and communication, this gemstone reminds you to express your love for one another, be it through words or action, on a daily basis.

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Blue Sapphire

Courtesy of Omi Gems

These chic gemstones are fit for royalty! Princess Diana and Kate both chose this blue stone over traditional white diamonds. Meaning: You'll always be honest and loyal to each other.

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Blue Topaz

Courtesy of Jane Taylor Jewelry

Sometimes people "lose themselves" after they partner up. But with blue topaz on your hand, you'll always stay true to yourself. Keep your unique sparkle alive and your partner will always be intrigued.

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Champagne Diamond

Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

The unofficial name for golden brown diamonds, champagne diamonds are both chic and modern. They represent a commitment to always find reasons to celebrate together and be each other's biggest cheerleader.

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Citrine

Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Also called lemon quartz, this yellow gemstone sparkles with joy. Symbolizing happiness and prosperity, it encourages you to live life to the fullest and to pour your heart and soul into the marriage.

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Emerald

Courtesy of Danhov

The green variety of beryl, natural emeralds always have a little garden of fine inclusions. One of the most auspicious gemstones for a wedding ring, emerald symbolizes a happy and successful marriage.

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Moonstone

Courtesy of Twist

At first moonstone may look pure white, but move them slightly and a subtle blue rainbow flashes across the surface. It signifies that your love will last a lifetime and guide you throughout life's many changes.

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Morganite

Courtesy of Adel Chefridi

These ultra feminine gemstones are a popular choice for wedding rings right now. Sometimes called pink emerald, morganite is a variety of beryl. It means that your match was made in heaven and that the two of you will live happily ever after.

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Opal

Courtesy of WWAKE

These seductive stones shimmer with a fiery rainbow. They have long been associated with desire and passion, love and loyalty.

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Peridot

Courtesy of Danhov

This merry green stone seems to light up with laughter. A secret message between you and your lover, it playfully says, "I know who you are, I trust you, and I love you dearly!"

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Pink Diamond

Courtesy of Forevermark

Among the rarest of gemstones, pink diamonds symbolize love and creativity. Wear it with confidence, knowing that your wedding will be flawless and your marriage full of pleasant surprises.

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Pink Sapphire

Courtesy of Kwiat

Perfect for the feminine bride who dreams of true love and lifelong romance. This pink gemstone signifies that you will always be kind, loving, and thoughtful toward one another.

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Pink Tourmaline

Courtesy of Yael Designs

Tourmalines come in every shade of the rainbow, but when it comes to engagement rings, nothing compares to pink tourmaline. This vivid pink gemstone serves as a constant reminder to always trust in the power of love.

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Prasiolite

Courtesy of Sylvie Collection

The green variety of quartz, prasiolite, is also sometimes called green amethyst. It stands for the hope that true love does exist and that you have found it in each other.

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Rose Quartz

Courtesy of Leo Ingwer

This beautiful pink gemstone embodies unconditional love. For the true romantic, this stone carries all the highest and most loving energies.

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Ruby

Courtesy of David Alan

Did you know that a ruby is actually a red sapphire? The most precious form of Corundum, red ruby is the ultimate symbol of passionate love.

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Tanzanite

Courtesy of Mark Patterson

This rare purple/blue gemstone has only been found in a single mine in Tanzania, Africa. It has been called the "stone of magic" and wearing it on your ring finger means your life together will be a real life fairytale.

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Tsavorite

Courtesy of Parade Design

The most expensive type of garnet is this green variety found on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, near the Tsavo National Park. It reminds you that you deserve to be happy in love and that life is an adventure!

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Yellow Diamond

Courtesy of Kwiat

White diamonds signify pure love, but yellow diamonds add an extra wink and nod. It promises you will always be best friends and playmates, as well as lovers.

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