Something Blue (and Green, and Red): Incorporating Colorful Gemstones into Your Wedding.

For generations, brides have clung to the charming old rhyme: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. But let’s be honest—that ‘something blue’ often ended up being a garter belt your great-aunt insisted on, hidden away under layers of tulle. What if we told you that tradition could be transformed into something breathtakingly beautiful, personally meaningful, and utterly show-stopping? Welcome to the radiant world of colorful gemstone jewelry, where ‘something blue’ is just the beginning. Imagine your wedding day palette bursting with the deep blue of a sapphire, the vibrant green of an emerald, or the passionate red of a ruby. These aren’t just accessories; they’re heirlooms in the making, conversation starters, and the perfect way to infuse your unique love story into every detail of your celebration.

Gone are the days when diamonds were the only option for the discerning bride. Today, couples are embracing color to express their individuality, and the world of fine jewelry has responded with an dazzling array of possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to the classic ‘Big Three’ or the captivating allure of next-generation stones, incorporating colorful gemstones into your wedding is a trend that’s as timeless as it is modern. Let’s dive into this kaleidoscope of options and discover how a splash of color can make your wedding day even more unforgettable.

The Classic Trinity: Blue, Green, and Red

When it comes to colored gemstones, three legendary names have dominated the scene for centuries: sapphire, emerald, and ruby. Collectively known as ‘The Big Three,’ these stones have adorned royalty, inspired legends, and symbolized everything from eternal love to invincibility in battle :cite[6].

Sapphire (Blue): The quintessential ‘something blue,’ sapphire is far more than just a stunning blue gem. It symbolizes wisdom, virtue, and good fortune, making it a perfect foundation for a marriage. Remember Princess Diana’s iconic ring? That 12-carat blue sapphire now resides on the hand of the Princess of Wales, proving its timeless appeal. Sapphires are also the traditional gift for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, so starting your journey with one is a beautiful nod to the future :cite[6]. Explore our exquisite collection of sapphire jewelry to find your perfect blue.

Emerald (Green): If you’re a bride who marches to the beat of her own drum, an emerald might be your stone. The lush green hue symbolizes rebirth, love, and new beginnings—pretty perfect for a wedding day, right? Historically, emeralds were even thought to protect wearers from unfaithfulness! As the birthstone for May, it’s also a wonderful choice for spring weddings. It’s the traditional gem for 20th and 35th anniversaries, making it a long-term investment in beauty :cite[6]. Discover the regal elegance of our emerald jewelry collection.

Ruby (Red): For the bride who wants to declare her passion boldly, nothing compares to a ruby. This fiery red stone has long been associated with power, happiness, and profound love. Some historians say Burmese warriors wore them for protection in battle, but we think they’re better suited for conquering the dance floor at your reception. Rubies are the birthstone for July and the traditional gift for 15th and 40th anniversaries :cite[6]. Make a statement with a piece from our ruby jewelry collection.

The Next Generation of Gemstones: Modern Alternatives

While the classics are eternally fabulous, new discoveries and rising stars in the gemstone world offer stunning alternatives that might just capture your heart (and often come with a more accessible price point).

Tanzanite (Blue): Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is a generation-defining stone. Its mesmerizing violet-blue hue brings it incredibly close to a fine sapphire, but with a unique vibrancy all its own. It’s exceptionally rare and offers a brilliant, affordable alternative for brides who love the look of a Kashmir sapphire but not the price tag :cite[1]. Find this rare beauty in our tanzanite jewelry collection.

Tsavorite (Green): Meet emerald’s vibrant cousin. Tsavorite is a dazzling green garnet that boasts a brilliance and fire that often surpasses emerald, without the typical inclusions. Its vivid, rich green color is unmistakable and perfect for a bride who wants a lush green stone with exceptional sparkle. It’s a relatively recent discovery, making it a truly modern choice :cite[1].

Spinel (Red): Often mistaken for ruby throughout history, red spinel has finally stepped out of the shadows to claim its rightful place as a coveted gem in its own right. It offers a passionate red hue that rivals ruby, often with even greater clarity and brilliance. For centuries, many famous ‘rubies,’ like those in the British Imperial State Crown, were actually spinels! It’s a fantastic, durable option for brides seeking a bold red stone :cite[1].

How to Weave Colorful Gemstones Into Your Wedding Day

You don’t have to forego a diamond engagement ring to embrace this trend (unless you want to!). There are countless ways to incorporate a pop of color into your bridal look and wedding celebration.

The Statement Engagement Ring: Ditch the expected and opt for a colorful engagement ring. A central sapphire, emerald, or ruby surrounded by diamonds is a classic and regal look. Or, be truly unique with a tanzanite or spinel centerpiece. This is the most obvious and breathtaking way to make color a part of your story.

Bridal Jewelry: Your ‘something blue’ can be a pair of stunning sapphire earrings or a tennis bracelet adorned with colorful gemstones. A necklace with a colored pendant can add a touch of elegance and personality to your wedding dress.

Wedding Bands: Who says wedding bands have to be plain? Choose a band that incorporates a channel of colored stones, like a sapphire or ruby eternity band. It adds a continuous pop of color that symbolizes your everlasting union.

Bridal Party Gifts: Thank your squad with jewelry they’ll actually wear again. Pendants or stud earrings featuring their birthstones or a unifying color from your wedding palette is a thoughtful and personal gift.

His & Hers Accents: Don’t let the groom feel left out! A signet ring or cufflinks featuring a dark blue sapphire or deep green emerald can add a sophisticated dash of color to his attire.

Choosing Your Perfect Stone: A Quick Guide

With so many options, how do you choose? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• For the Classic Romantic: Ruby or Sapphire. You love tradition with a twist.
• For the Bohemian Free Spirit: Emerald or Tsavorite. You’re connected to nature and love vibrant, earthy tones.
• For the Modern Trendsetter: Tanzanite or Spinel. You want something unique and conversation-worthy.
• Durability Matters: For everyday wear in an engagement ring, sapphire and ruby ( scoring 9 on the Mohs scale) are excellent choices. Emerald (7.5-8) and tanzanite (6-7) are softer and require more protective settings and careful wear.

Your Colorful Forever Starts at Robinson’s

Your wedding day is a reflection of your unique love story. Why shouldn’t your jewelry be too? At Robinson’s Jewelers, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect pieces that speak to your heart. Our experts can guide you through our incredible collections, from the timeless classics to the exciting newcomers.

Come explore our world of color. Browse our collections from esteemed designers like Oscar Heyman and Roberto Coin, or let our custom design experts help you create a one-of-a-kind piece that captures your vision perfectly. Your colorful forever awaits.