Looking for some wedding jewellery inspiration? Gemstones have long been popular with wedding jewellery, and not just the diamond engagement ring! With gorgeous vintage examples from Carus Jewellery, here we are exploring the most popular gemstones for wedding jewellery and their meanings. So, you can find which gemstone is a perfect match for you!
Gemstones come with many different symbolic meanings and associations. A common one is birthstones. Here, we have all 12 birthstones, which happen to be incredibly popular for wedding jewellery! So, there is already an immediate potential connection, whether it be your birthstones, your partner’s or perhaps the month of your wedding.
Gemstones are also incredibly popular within vintage jewellery. Many modern brides are choosing to wear vintage jewellery on their wedding day, whether that be for sentimental, sustainable or aesthetic reasons. Vintage gemstone jewellery in the form of earrings, bracelets, necklaces or brooches can make a beautiful addition to any bridal look. Also, they can be your ‘something old’ and, if you have a blue gemstone, your ‘something blue’ as well!
When choosing vintage gemstone jewellery, this can become a long-standing favourite worn on special occasions as well as a family heirloom to pass down the generations. Therefore, the meaning behind your choice can be something truly special. So, take a look at the beautiful vintage gemstone jewellery inspiration below, provided by Carus Jewellery, and find out which gemstone and its meanings fit you and your dream wedding look!
January Birthstone: Garnet
Garnets are gorgeous red precious stones that tend to be a deeper shade of red than the more pink-toned ruby. These gemstones are often found in vintage jewellery due to the stones' popularity in the past. For example this vintage garnet necklace with matching earrings. The necklace has three stunning garnet gemstones set in 9ct yellow gold which are surrounded by seed pearls and suspended from a trace link chain. The matching flower earrings create a beautiful look for any nature-loving bride.
Garnets actually have many varieties beyond the classic red, such as green, yellow and orange. Garnets can symbolise light and protection during travel, perfect for adventurous brides!
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst comes in a range of purple hues which could be suited to any bride’s tastes. Many brides even choose to have amethyst shades for their bridesmaid dresses or wedding decor, so the gemstone could be incorporated quite nicely into the bridal jewellery too! Not only is this gem known for its beautiful colour, but it is also widely available in different shapes and sizes — which makes it more affordable.
Amethyst complements both warm and cool colours, so looks wonderful set in both gold and white metals. For example, this ornate Amethyst torque bangle has a central, oval-cut amethyst set in 9ct yellow gold, with round cut amethyst gemstones to either side. This vintage bangle is in the Art Nouveau style decorative panel, a light, gorgeous touch of amethyst for your wedding day! For centuries, amethyst has been seen as a mystical gemstone, associated with many myths and legends. It also symbolises faithful love and passion, ideal for those with a legendary love story!
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine appears in shades of blue, from pale pastel to deep blue, with hints of cyan and green. Its subtle shade differences make it the perfect gemstone to match pretty much any colour scheme you have in mind. Also, it’s popularity is due to its versatility, looking perfect in many settings and designs. For example, these Edwardian drop earrings featuring pear-cut aquamarine gemstones. Set in luxurious 18ct yellow gold, these earrings showcase the finest Edwardian craftsmanship, with a sophisticated, classic design.
This timeless gemstone has been a symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity. It also symbolises heartfelt communication. With ocean hues, this gemstone is perfect for seaside couples who want to reflect their long-lasting dedication to each other.
April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamonds are the classic gemstone for wedding jewellery, especially engagement rings. For centuries, diamonds have been seen as the ultimate symbol of eternal love. So, why not treat your partner to some gemstone on your special day as well? Diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend! For example, this stunning pair of Edwardian mother of pearl and diamond cufflinks. On each mother of pearl cufflink, a central diamond has been mounted on 18ct white gold and surrounded by a row of twenty single cut diamonds. Perfect as a groom’s statement piece on his wedding day!
Diamonds also come in many varieties beyond the traditional crystal clear stones. Yellow and pink are often found in the most lavish vintage pieces, while black, champagne and grey diamonds have become increasingly popular with modern brides. Diamonds are one of the strongest gemstones so can withstand the test of time very well. Perfect then for those wanting to start a family heirloom. As well as eternal love, diamonds can symbolise power, strength, innocence, incorruptibility, longevity, constancy, and good fortune. A timeless base on which to build your future together as a couple.
May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald is the premier precious green gemstone. This gemstone comes in various shades of green, ranging from light and bright to a deep bluish-green. However, whatever the colour, the quality shines through as in the colours that are deeper and more vibrant. This versatile vivid green stone looks gorgeous in both contemporary and vintage style settings.
As green is the colour of spring, long symbolising rebirth, emerald symbolises a new beginning, hope and a happy and successful marriage. For example, this vintage emerald and diamond clover pendant necklace. Surrounding the central diamond are four heart-shaped emerald gemstones representing a four-leaf clover. It was believed that the first leaf represents hope, the second leaf represents faith, the third leaf represents love and the fourth leaf represents luck. So, the emerald’s symbolism is strengthened by this design, creating a pendent perfect for a bride!
June Birthstone: Pearl
Throughout history, humanity has always admired and worshipped pearls. While they are not technically a gemstone, pearls are widely used in wedding jewellery. Distinguished and elegant, pearls come in a range of hues and sizes. Cultured pearls come in many beautiful colours, ranging from pale cream and white to rose, lilac, green, gold, grey and black. There are four main types of cultured pearls — Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and Freshwater — each with unique qualities that separates it from the others.
As pearls are among the most delicate stones, they're common in necklaces and earrings. For example, this lovely pair of freshwater pearl earrings. These pearls are very well-matched and have a beautiful soft lustre to them. Simple, yet sophisticated, these earrings are perfect for a classic bride. Or even as a gift for your bridesmaids as subtle vintage jewellery pieces such as these are suitable for everyone. Pearls are often a feminine symbol, representing innocence and purity, ideal for those brides who want a classic and traditional bridal look.
July Birthstone: Ruby
One of the top choices for brides, rubies are found in shades of red, from rich darkish red to pigeon blood red and pinkish red. Often seen as regal, historically, this gem has been considered the king of all gems. Rubies have been the prized possession of emperors and kings throughout the ages, and to this day remain the most valued gemstone. Rubies symbolise love, passion, courage and emotion. So, wedding jewellery with rubies is the ultimate symbol of passionate love. For example, this pair of classic ruby stud earrings from Carus Jewellery. The two oval cut ruby gemstones are set in 9ct yellow gold. Tasteful and chic, these earrings could easily become a long-standing favourite rather than something kept for special occasions.
August Birthstone: Peridot
Peridot is a vibrant olive-green stone, ranging from yellowish green to brown. However, bright lime and olive greens are the most desired. For example, this exquisite Edwardian peridot and split pearl bangle. An oval-cut peridot gemstone has been set in 9ct gold with a surround of split seed pearls, with split pearl foliate design to either side. This beautiful bangle is the perfect vintage piece for a bride who doesn’t want to be too bold with her gemstone wedding jewellery.
Often confused with emeralds, this beautiful gemstone is vibrant and bright, leading to a long-standing association with sun, sky and fire. Peridot often symbolises admiration, which combined with its earthy tones, makes this perfect for a nature-loving bride.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphires are most commonly associated with a rich blue hue, a timeless choice that looks right at home in almost any setting. They actually come in a host of colours, from yellow and pink to peach, purple or green. Often symbolising honesty, loyalty, purity and trust, sapphires are a fitting promise for your wedding day.
Sapphires have become increasingly popular as a gemstone for wedding jewellery thanks to the sapphire engagement ring that Prince William gave Kate Middleton which once belonged to Princess Diana. Similar designs have become popular with couples wanting to add a touch of royalty into their wedding jewellery! For example, this stunning Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring. Three admiral blue cushion cut sapphire gemstones have been mounted in rich 18ct yellow gold. This beautifully designed vintage ring would make any bride feel like a princess on her wedding day.
October Birthday: Opal
Opal was known as the queen of gems because it encompassed the colours of all other gems. With a kaleidoscope of shifting colours, no two are alike, ranging from the milky in hue to the icy-clear. For example, this unique opal & diamond pendant necklace has a polished cabochon opal mounted in rich 9ct yellow gold. This opal has a gorgeous play of colour, with its shifting hues of green, red and blue.
Truly one-of-a-kind and unique, they’ve long been regarded as one of the luckiest and most magical of all gems because of their ability to show many colours. Opals can symbolise hope, purity, truth, passion, love and loyalty. These breathtaking gemstones are perfect for a unique bride who wants to stand out on her special day!
November Birthstone: Topaz
Topaz is most commonly associated with a sky blue hue. However, there are a variety of colours, such as amber, yellow or a blushing pink-orange. These colour variations are caused by “imperfections” in the stone, but these imperfections are simply beautiful. Topaz can symbolise trust, loyalty and friendship, perfect for those brides who feel they are about to marry their best friend!
This gorgeous Edwardian topaz bar brooch is a fine example of both Edwardian craftsmanship and the topaz’s beauty. A round cut topaz gemstone has been set using a bezel setting. Then, two split pearls orbit around the central topaz, with split pearl detailing to either side, finishing in scroll finals. This stunning, yet subtle, piece would be a beautiful addition for brides wearing wraps or jackets on their big day, elevating their simple accessory.
December Birthstone: Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a gorgeous blue stone with an interesting history. It was named by Tiffany & Co after being discovered near Mount Kilimanjaro. An ad campaign by Tiffany in the late 60s said tanzanite could now be found in two places: "in Tanzania and at Tiffany's". First mistaken for a sapphire because of its extreme blue tone, tanzanite is now more accessible. For example, this vintage tanzanite and diamond ring. A radiant cut tanzanite gemstone with beautiful clarity is mounted in 9ct white gold with a claw setting. Surrounding the raised central tanzanite are a row of round-cut diamonds, creating a beautiful, fashionable piece of vintage wedding jewellery.
Tanzanite is one of today’s most popular blue gemstones and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and striking colours. However, it is rarely pure blue and almost always displays its signature overtones of purple. Due to its relatively recent discovery, tanzanite has not gained a symbolic meaning but it’s rare and rich beginnings make it an unusual and unforgettable choice for wedding jewellery.
Looking for more gemstone wedding jewellery? Take a look at Carus Jewellery for a breathtaking collection of vintage gemstone jewellery.