Colored gemstone engagements rings are a refreshing change from age-old traditions. Choosing a gemstone that is beyond unique can really add a unique and colorful twist to a typically traditional event.
Sapphire Engagement Rings
One of the most infamous gemstone engagement rings is one worn by the stunning Duchess, Kate Middleton. Formerly belonging to Princess Dianna, the stunning engagement ring features an 18 carat blue sapphire. The sapphire alone is claimed to have an estimated market value of $300,000 - $600,000 USD. The official origin of the deep intense blue sapphire remains a guarded secret, but speculators believe that the sapphire is a Ceylon sapphire (Sri Lanka). Ceylon blue sapphire is the most sought after of all sapphire varieties (and origin).
Penelope Cruz has a very notable 3 carat blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Elizabeth Hurley also owns a gorgeous, flawless blue square sapphire engagement ring, along with Nicole Ritchie, who owns a brilliant pink sapphire engagement ring.
Emerald Engagement Rings
Jacqueline Kenney Onassis was presented with a 2.84 emerald and diamond engagement ring, presented by John F. Kennedy. The ring was purchased in 1953 through Van Cleef & Arpels, but it was not John F. Kennedy who selected the ring. John's father, Joe Sr. was the one responsible for this magnificent and monumental choice in rings. The ring was originally set with a 2.88 carat emerald cut diamond featuring baguettes accents, but later in 1962, the historical gemstone ring was reset with 2.12 carats of additional diamond accents.
Halle Barry also has a mentionable exotic emerald engagement ring. Her gemstone engagement ring features a stunning 4 carat emerald. The emerald is an extremely old Muzo mined emerald. Halle's emerald engagement ring is valued at over $200,000.
Ruby Engagement Rings
Prince Andrew presented another Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, with an exquisite pigeon's blood red ruby upon their engagement in 1986. The ruby was purchased from Garrard Jewelers. After the famous proposal was publicized, the demand for ruby rings in England became phenomenally exponential. The color of the ruby is known to match the color of the duchess's hair.
The ruby engagement ringwas very similar to that of Princess Margaret's, whereas the center ruby gemstone was surrounded by diamond accents. Princess Margaret's ruby engagement ring was an original design by her husband, Anthony Armstrong-Jones. The famous ring was set as a rose, as Rose was Princess Margaret's second name.
Another historical and exquisite ruby ring was given to Queen Victoria, at the time of her marriage to Prince Albert, in 1840. The famous ring was quite typical in regards to style during the Victorian Period. It featured a pear shaped ruby overlapping a pear shaped diamond, along with more rubies and diamonds set in a crown-like tiara just above the larger overlapping pear stones.