Emerald Engagement Rings

Cleopatra is one of the most famous emerald connoisseurs, using the stone in many applications throughout her life. Elizabeth Taylor, who famously played Cleopatra in the 1963 film, also had a love of emeralds that culminated in her 18.6-carat emerald ring gifted by her husband Richard Burton. Emerald engagement rings have also been worn by celebrities such as Jackie O, Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie.

When it comes to emeralds, clarity is regarded a little differently than traditional diamond clarity. Natural emeralds often have small inclusions but these inclusions are thought to add personality to the rich colors of the stone. In fact, inclusions can add to the overall natural beauty of an emerald.

Emerald is believed to symbolize truth, love, balance and good fortune. As an engagement ring, emerald’s symbolism is especially powerful and communicates the desire for a long, healthy marriage. As the May birthstone, emerald is also wonderful for couples getting married or engaged in May.

The stone’s green hues lend to impressive luster in many shapes. Popular emerald engagement ring cuts include round brilliant, oval, cushion and emerald cut engagement rings.

There are five characteristics that determine both the quality and the price of any stone: Color, clarity, cut, size, and enhancements.

Because an emerald is 20 times rarer than a diamond, it is often more expensive than a diamond when you are talking about comparable stones.

A wedding ring is a lifelong investment, but it needs to fit within your budget. Blue Nile offers a handy guide on how to determine your ring budget and the financing options available.

A ring that fits properly will sit comfortably on the finger, but it won't fall off. Find the ideal fit with our ring size guide.

Diamonds are the hardest stones, clocking in at 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. By comparison, emeralds rank 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale—considerably softer than a diamond and more susceptible to chipping.

When buying an emerald engagement ring, look for a setting that fits the wearer’s personality. If you are looking to reduce the likelihood of inclusions in your emerald, consider choosing a smaller stone.

Yes, emerald rings are fit for daily wear. They are slightly softer than sapphires though, so they should not be worn when hiking, gardening or engaging in other potentially strenuous activities.

Emerald solitaire rings are increasingly popular for timeless engagement styles. The solitaire setting allows an emerald to sparkle and steal the show.

As a softer stone, emeralds should be cleaned with extra care. Gentle soap or jewelry cleaning solution can help keep emeralds sparkling.