The Big Three gems are central to the revival of three-stone jewelry, born in Victorian times. The most popular pieces feature rubies with diamonds, sapphires with diamonds and emeralds with diamonds. The three-stone theme - one stone representing the past, one the present and one the future - proclaims that your love will withstand the test of time. Most common in rings, three-stone jewelry is also available in earrings, pendants, bracelets and pins.
More traditional symbols of love are the heart pendant (rimmed with rubies and diamonds), ruby, sapphire or emerald flower earrings, and the ruby flower necklace linked with diamond hearts in 14-karat gold. Heart jewelry is a time-honored symbol of love.
Of course, rubies have symbolized romance and passion for centuries. Rubies have adorned emperors and kings, and they've also been used as a talisman against danger and disaster.
Like ruby, sapphire was also the gem of choice for kings and high priests throughout history. Prince Charles even gave the late Princess Diana a sapphire engagement ring. A symbol of remembrance and enduring commitment, sapphire is the second most popular stone for engagement rings, after diamond.
Rubies and sapphires have been especially fashionable for their use in patriotic jewelry, which remains popular long after Sept. 11, 2001. The newest styles include fun, new stack rings, bangles and pendants, all featuring the red, white and blue of ruby, diamond and sapphire. The trend is a welcome union between the power of patriotism and the taste for tradition.
Emeralds, meanwhile, remain a staple in every jewelry wardrobe. The newest styles set emeralds with diamonds in full and half hoop earrings and in rings surrounded or accented with diamonds. Believed to have a soothing effect on the soul, emerald is the traditional gift for couples celebrating their 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Just one more way to say, "I love you."
Graduate Gemologist, GIA
Certified Appraiser