As we all know, the diamond tends to be the most popular stone to have encrusted on to your wedding or engagement ring, however did you know that you can actually choose from a huge number of different stones and colours to complement your ring? As the popular phrase goes, diamonds are a girls best friend, but the symbolism or meanings of some precious jewels and gemstones could bring even more meaning to your engagement ring.

Ruby’s are red, sapphires are blue, and choosing a coloured stone is an important decision because it should hopefully sit on the finger forever. Guys, if you are choosing a coloured stone on an engagement ring make sure the colour is one your partner likes, and will suit her style. For example if your partner suits the colour red, choosing a green stone would probably not be the best plan. It might also be a nice idea to do some research into the colour of her birthstone. Birthstones can be beautiful and will always hold a special meaning at the same time. She also might have some other items of jewellery in the same stone, so it would be nice to make sure they are of the same colour to complement the other jewellery.

Also remember that the engagement ring is eventually going to sit on top of the wedding ring, so the stone should not be too over the top, awkwardly shaped, or uncomfortable to wear.

A little colour will certainly give a ring some personality and that bit of added spice. Gemstones tend to be less expensive than the diamond, so you may be able to afford a slightly larger stone. Coloured stones do have meaning as well. Yellow stones stand for generosity; where as a blue stone stands for jealousy in love and politeness.

Gemstones come in categories of symbolism. The most appropriate for a wedding being the symbol of love, however you could also choose stones that symbolize protection, money, power, good luck or healing.

Below is a list of birthstones with their colour and meaning:

Birth month	Birth Stone	Colour	Meaning
January	Garnet	Red	Once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone will protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.
February	Amethyst	Purple	Associated with peace and protection, sobriety and tranquillity.
March	Aquamarine	Turquoise	Love, hope and health, also linked with the making of new friends.
April	Diamond	Clear	Love, eternity and strength.
May	Emerald	Green	Connected with the curing of ailments along with a magical reputation of being able to see into the future.
June	Pearl	Cream/off white	This pure birthstone is related to chastity and modesty.
July	Ruby	Red	The red ruby is linked with protection and harmony.
August	Peridot	Lime green	Protection against evil and terrors of the night.
September	Sapphire	Blue	Faith and purity. The stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.
October	Opal	White or black with remnants of other colours within	Linked with hope, innocence and purity.
November	Topaz	Golden yellow, blue, pale green, pink and red, along with some other rare colours	Sanity, healing and life, and also in Greek mythology this stone is connected with strength.
December	Turquoise	Green-blue, mid-blue, light-green	Happiness, fortune and luck.