Celestial Stones Colorful birthstones are replacing traditional diamonds in engagement and wedding ring sets, infusing the bands with personality and standout style.
By Alyssandra Barnes
Diamonds may iconically be a girl’s best friend, but rich garnet, luxe emerald and handsome sapphire come in a close second. The latest trend popping up when lovebirds pop the question is replacing the traditional diamond with birthstones, adding that unique personalization of the ring that so many couples covet.
But don’t let the stars be your only guide. Colored gems have long been a nontraditional option that infuses the soon-to-be bride or groom’s own style into the piece. Bonus: These precious stones are often less expensive than diamonds, so go ahead and splurge for that larger carat.
We’ve curated a set of gem-ornamented bands and rings for each zodiac to inspire star-crossed lovers in searching for that single standout stone, in a wide variety of styles and prices.
Garnet (January)
Kay Jewelers presents a beautiful 10K White Gold Garnet and Diamond ring for an affordable $229. The oval cut of the purple-red gem, surrounded by two round diamond side stones, would be perfect for a lady love.
For a gentleman’s design with similar elements, Gordon’s Jewelers has a 10K White Gold Garnet and Diamond ring, priced at $449. This ring has a square cut garnet, offset by diamond accents on each side.
Amethyst (February)
Amethyst’s vibrant pastel-like hues are absolutely captivating, a seen in the beautiful 10K White Gold Amethyst ring, which is offset by white sapphires, available at Jared’s for $700. The cushion cut of the gem adds a special flare.
Amethysts also look marvelous on yellow gold. Jewels for Me, a prominent gemstone online store, sells a lovely men’s 14K Gold Amethyst and Diamond ring for $349. The gold surrounding the gems allows the oval cut to be very eye-catching.
Aquamarine (March)
This 14K White Gold Aquamarine ring is sure to compliment any skin type. The emerald cut, light blue gem beautifully stands against the 42 accent diamonds and is available from Gemvara for $1,656.
Leon’s Jewelry offers a simple aquamarine Gypsy design for $750. The round cut aquamarine is individually placed in a band of 14K Green Gold, which creates a minimalistic look.
Diamond (April)
Tiffany and Co.’s reputation for exquisite diamond jewelry can be seen in its marquise cut diamond ring. Valued at $21,100, the ring houses a 1.5-carat diamond on a simple silver band.
Diamond’s International also houses a beautiful gem collection. The 14K White Gold diamond band, $1,855, has eight round cut diamonds, sure to capture any man’s heart.
Emerald (May)
Sun Jewelry captures the luxurious feel of emeralds with a beautiful diamond combination. An emerald and diamond 14k White gold, valued at $6,000, features an alternating pattern of emeralds and diamonds.
Aston Royal offers a similar ring for men, without the dominant diamond. The princess cut emerald and diamond ring in 14K White Gold is priced at $1,990.
Pearl (June)
Ivanka Trump’s Deco Scroll Ring, available for $14,000, presents a 16-millimeter pearl surrounded by diamonds and black onyx on an 18K White Gold band. The ring demands attention, and rightfully so.
For an extra masculine touch, a black pearl ring is a beautiful engagement ring. Tahitian Black features a simplistic black pearl and sterling silver ring for $380. This 10-millimeter pearl housed in a square ring bed contributes to the timeless design.
Ruby (July)
For a trendy vintage look, Ziva offers an antique-style diamond engagement ring with ruby accents. The two pear-cut rubies accent the oval diamond perfectly, pricing it at $2,880.
A stunning men’s 18K White Gold ruby and diamond ring is displayed by CleverEve for $3,586. The row of six small square cut rubies, outlined by two rows of six round diamonds, is a masculine yet beautiful look.
Peridot (August)
The beautiful pale green of peridot is accented perfectly in a Roman Art Deco Peridot and Diamond ring by Apples of Gold. The 14K White Gold band houses a hexagonal gem plate with a round peridot, offset by two diamonds, priced at $925.
My Peridot Jewelry sells a stunning masculine ring. This ring’s oval peridot gem is brought to attention by the diamonds on either side, and is an affordable $358.
Sapphire (September)
Jared’s offers a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring for $1,400. The 14K White Gold band alternates between round diamonds and round sapphires for a distinctive look.
The varying colors of opals make them one of the most intriguing gems. Opals Down Under features an 18K White Gold oval cut opal ring for $2,300.
A square cut opal on a gold band, accented by four diamonds, is provided by Alaska Jewelry for $2,500. The square cut Australian opal is sure to impress.
Topaz (November)
Blue Topaz Jewelry offers this 14K White Gold blue topaz diamond ring. The art deco style ring displays a princess-cut topaz, offset by two round, dark blue iolites, with 46 diamonds. Available for $1,443, this ring is truly unique.
A stunning 14K White Gold topaz ring, displaying an emerald cut gem, is featured on Rakuten for $529.
Turquoise (December)
Turquoise is typically a breathtaking blue gem. Saks Fifth Avenue offers a beautiful turquoise and diamond women’s ring for $530. The oval cut of the gem and the wide sterling silver band creates a tasteful vintage look.
This silver-and-turquoise Sunburst ring, from Just Men’s Rings, is a unique design which is available for $200. The square setting on a silver band truly emphasizes the beautiful blue color of the stone.
