Gemstone Engagement Rings: What Your Color Really Means

Learn about the meaning behind colored diamonds, sapphires, topaz, and more.

Kate Middleton Engagement Ring

Getty Images/Chris Jackson

From Kate Middleton's swoon-inducing giant sapphire to Blake Lively's oval cut pink-hued stone, gemstones in every color of the rainbow are quickly becoming a girl's best friend. The classic white diamond, while beautiful, isn't as uncommon as you may have previously thought. Diamonds aren't actually all that rare and haven't been since the 1870s when huge South African diamond mines were discovered, notes crystal intuitive Julie Abouzelof.

Meet the Expert

Julie Abouzelof is the founder and owner of Moonrise Crystals, which provides an encyclopedia of information about crystal healing, science, and sourcing.

Many of the colored gemstones, including colored diamonds, are much rarer than white diamonds. According to Abouzelof, their meanings date back thousands of years. "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 select 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, that rock actually has a much deeper meaning.

Scroll through to find your particular colored engagement ring and see what it says about you and your relationship.

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Almandine Garnet

Almandine Garnet

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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.

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Aquamarine

Aquamarine

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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 on a daily basis—be it through words or actions.

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Blue Sapphire

Blue Sapphire

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These regal 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

Blue Topaz

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A symbol of peace and tranquility, loyalty and eternal love, blue topaz will serve as a reminder to stay true to yourself. Keep your unique sparkle alive and your partner will always be intrigued.

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Champagne Diamond

Champagne Diamond

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The unofficial name for golden brown diamonds, champagne diamonds are both elegant and modern. They represent a commitment to always finding reasons to celebrate together and being each other's biggest cheerleaders.

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Citrine

Citrine

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Also known as 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 entire heart and soul into marriage.

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Emerald

Emerald

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

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Moonstone

Moonstone

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At first glance, moonstone may appear pure white, but move them slightly and an iridescent blue rainbow flashes across the surface. It signifies that your love will last a lifetime while guiding you throughout life's many changes.

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Morganite

Morganite

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These ultra-feminine gemstones are, dare we say it, having a wedding moment. 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

Opal

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

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Peridot

Peridot

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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

Pink Diamond

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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

Pink Sapphire

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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

Pink Tourmaline

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Tourmalines are available 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

Prasiolite

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The green variety of quartz, prasiolite, is also sometimes called green amethyst (when the green color is not naturally occurring but by heating amethyst). It stands for the hope that true love exists and that you have found it in each other.

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Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz

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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

Ruby

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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

Tanzanite

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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

Tsavorite

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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 a never-ending adventure.

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Yellow Diamond

yellow diamond

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If white diamonds signify pure love, then consider yellow diamonds the exclamation point to every love story. It promises you will always be best friends and playmates, as well as lovers.

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