Finding the right engagement ring for your birthstone
If you like the idea of an engagement ring featuring your birthstone but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. From gemstones that work best in rose gold engagement rings to those best suited to a particular style or cut, here is your comprehensive guide to birthstones for engagement rings!
January birthstone – Garnet
Garnets come in a range of colours including shades of green, yellow, orange and red. Red garnets are a particularly vibrant choice of gemstone, perfect for those born in January. Symbolising vitality, red garnets work best with yellow gold in a solitaire, round cut design. This simple style draws attention to the vivid tones of the centre stone. As garnets are only a 6.5-7.5 on the Moh’s scale their softness makes them vulnerable to wear. Ensuring that you have a strong, protective setting for your garnet engagement ring will help to prevent damage that may come from daily use.
February birthstone – Amethyst
The stunning violet shades of amethysts make them a striking and unusual addition to any engagement ring. The purple hue comes in a range of shades from pale lavender to deep violet. These stones are symbolic of balance, which can be captured using pale amethysts within a three-stone setting and white diamonds on a silver, white gold or platinum band. Amethysts of darker colouring make eye-catching centre stones in large oval or cushion cuts. As they are only a 7 on the Moh’s scale they require a sturdy setting to avoid damage.
March birthstone – Aquamarine
With colouring alike to tranquil water, aquamarine is a calming and refreshing choice of gemstone, once believed to be the treasure of mermaids. The pale blue tone is truly breathtaking within a halo diamond setting on a silver, white gold or platinum band. The subtle beauty in the shade of aquamarine with the pure sparkle of white diamonds creates the perfect blend. With a score of 7.5-8 of the Moh’s scale they are harder than some other precious gemstones but still benefit from a solid setting to protect from the damage daily wear can cause.
April birthstone – Diamond
Diamonds have been the ultimate choice of engagement ring gemstones for generations. The versatility, sparkle and durability of this stone sets them apart from the rest. They fit effortlessly into every style with a strength and purity that is unmatched. The reasons for the popularity of diamond rings in Australia is clear and they are likely to remain a popular choice for brides from all over the world, for many years to come. They rank higher than all other gems on the Moh’s scale with a rating of 10, making them secure in most types of setting. However, the hardness of diamonds also makes them brittle and vulnerable to chipping which is difficult for even the best jewellers in Sydney to fix.
May birthstone – Emerald
Emeralds make an interesting and powerful choice of engagement ring gemstone as they signify growth, both in the individuals themselves and in their relationship. The vivid colouring of emeralds works best in the emerald cut as it is not designed for sparkle but to give depth to the stone. This depth doesn’t distract from the magnificent colouring and looks absolutely stunning with diamond baguettes. As emeralds are only a 7.5-8 on the Moh’s scale they are susceptible to damage and must be held in a secure setting to prevent any damage that may be caused by daily wear.
June birthstone – Pearl
Pearls have been valued for centuries as the ultimate symbol of purity and luxury. As they are available in a variety of colours, they work beautifully in anything from platinum to rose gold engagement rings. Pearls require special care as they are at the bottom of the Moh’s scale with a hardness of 2.5-4.5, making them extremely vulnerable to damage in comparison to other gemstones. This vulnerability means that they are rarely the choice of gemstone for engagement rings which are constantly worn and aren’t likely to be available in most engagement collections. However, if you have your heart set on pearls, many established jewellers provide custom engagement rings to design the dream ring for every bride.
July birthstone – Ruby
Rubies capture a passion and adoration unlike any other precious gemstone. The colouring of rubies makes them perfect for the striking designs of the art deco era. The contrast between white diamonds and rubies complements the sharp lines and symmetry featured in art deco style rings. With a hardness of 9 on the Moh’s scale, rubies are a durable stone making them a solid choice for a ring worn constantly. For a birthstone that captures the intensity of love, the ruby is a spirited choice for any engagement ring.
August birthstone – Peridot
Peridot is one of the lesser known precious gemstones but has a presence as captivating as the rest. The olive-green tones of peridot gemstones make a remarkable choice on a white gold or platinum band. A pear-shaped peridot within a halo setting creates a unique charm that captures the joy it is said to represent. With only a 7 on the Moh’s scale, the halo setting not only benefits appearance, but provides a secure setting for the centre stone. For those born in August after a design unlike most, a peridot gemstone would make an utterly delightful engagement ring.
September – Sapphire
Sapphires rings are quickly becoming one of the most popular choices amongst coloured engagement gemstones. Their royal significance, along with links to serenity and honesty make them a symbolic choice to start a life together. Sapphires have a hardness level of 9 on the Moh’s scale securing their reputation as a durable alternative to diamonds. Oval and cushion cut sapphires on silver, white gold or platinum bands are especially breathtaking. For a ring fir for royalty, those born in September are in luck!
October – Opal
Opals are a different and charming choice as the featured gemstone for an engagement ring. Their availability in a wide range of colours makes them suitable for yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum bands. Different opals will match different settings as there is a lot of variety in appearance and character. As opals rate 5.5-6.5 on the Moh’s scale they require a secure setting and extra care. An opal in the right setting will radiate mystery and capture the hope they are believed to symbolise.
November – Topaz
Topaz comes in a variety of colours but in engagement ring designs, is most common in it’s white and blue forms. White topaz is an affordable alternative to diamonds, but with a score of 8 on the Moh’s scale they are more than 6 times more likely to get scratched. Blue topaz is believed to symbolise affection and stability. Within a protective setting, such as a halo or bezel, it is much less vulnerable to damage.
December – Tanzanite
Tanzanite is similar in colouring to sapphires but lacks their durability making them a rare choice for engagement rings. Having a hardness of only 6.5-7 on the Moh’s scale makes it considerably more vulnerable to damage than both sapphires and blue topaz. However, within a secure halo of white diamonds the colouring is enchanting. For those born in December, a tanzanite engagement ring could be an affordable alternative to sapphires with a vibrant appearance.
If you and your partner are feeling bold and daring, why not even try incorporating these stunning birthstones in women and men's wedding rings? It's definitely a nice and unique touch.
