What's Hot in Jewelry

Here Comes the Bright

Today, the term "engagement ring" almost invariably implies "diamond engagement ring." Diamonds have become so synonymous with marriage proposals that, unless stated otherwise, it's just assumed that this most prized of gems will grace the ring finger of the betrothed. From three-stone princess-cut to round brilliant solitaire, sizes and styles vary widely and no one really agrees on what the "perfect" engagement ring should be -- so long as it's diamond. However, recent trends are showing an increase in the number of couples choosing colored stones to symbolize their commitment. Whether it's a question of price, consumer consciousness or personal aesthetics, more and more brides are sporting gems in a wide variety of hues.
    But how come engagement equals diamonds in the first place? Historically, the diamond engagement ring is a fairly recent development. The tradition of engagement rings has been documented as far back as ancient Rome, where brides would be given rings of iron (or gold if the groom could afford it) to symbolize their commitment to their husbands-to-be. But the first documented instance of a diamond engagement ring dates back to 1477 when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned a diamond engagement ring to mark his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy. This sparked a bit of a trend among European nobility, but diamonds were far too rare and valuable at this time to become traditional.
    It wasn't until the mid-nineteenth century, when large deposits of diamonds were discovered in Africa, that diamond engagement rings began to take hold in the market. Still, they were largely seen as a luxury reserved for celebrities and aristocracy. This all changed in the 1930s when DeBeers launched an aggressive marketing campaign in favor of diamonds as a tradition, coining the popular slogan "A Diamond is Forever" in 1947. By the mid-1960s, 80% of married American couples had invested in a diamond engagement ring.
    In the 2010s the tide is slowly turning. Why? For one, diamonds are becoming more difficult for the average consumer to afford — the average price of a diamond engagement ring in 1992 was $1500, while as of 2012 it had skyrocketed to $5200. Couples are finding it far more economical to purchase, for instance, a sultry pink sapphire that's half the price of a diamond of the same size. Choosing a colored gemstone allows a bride to don a bolder bauble at a much more reasonable price.
    But it's not just thrifty fiancés who are springing for more vibrant gems. Celebrities are also breaking tradition in favor of colored stones. From Zoe Saldana's emerald engagement ring to Jessica Simpson's ruby sparkler, Hollywood's finest are showing their commitment with gems of all hues. Obviously these couples are not worried about cost; in these circles, it's all about standing out. A diamond engagement ring can be -- and is -- gorgeous. But saying yes to a bold colored stone can be unforgettable. Some colored stone engagement rings, like Princess Diana's (and now Kate Middleton's) haloed sapphire, become iconic in the public eye. And, of course, what are most of these rings accented with? Diamonds, naturally!
    Still other couples eschew the diamond tradition for more personal reasons. Diamonds, for all their beauty and value, can be a rather controversial purchase. The diamond industry, it's well-known, has been at the center of some nasty political and human rights struggles for decades. Because of this, some couples wish to be more socially responsible when choosing jewelry to symbolize their commitment. A groom may, for instance, select an emerald from Brazil or a raspberry sapphire from Montana, places where miners work in better conditions and where the gem trade isn't so politically charged. A couple can feel good, not just about their beautiful and unique piece of jewelry, but also about making a socially conscious purchase to begin their life together.
    From icy aquamarine to smoldering ruby, the wide variety of colored gems available makes it so easy for couples to personalize their engagement. The diamond standard has held for the better part of a century, but with so many tempting gemstone hues out there, who can resist the temptation to break with tradition?
    [LINK]23 Colorful Engagement Rings for the Non-Traditional Bride