To state the obvious, personal style is far from one-size-fits-all. Everyone has vastly different tastes and budgets, so it's no surprise that shoppers are looking for as many unique options as possible. Enter birthstone engagement rings, which are an increasingly popular jewelry trend right now. Whether combined with diamonds or worn alone, birthstones are a chic and meaningful option to consider.
L.A.-based jewelry designer Jennie Kwon explained to Who What Wear why the trend is taking off: "We are at a time where people are more and more interested in creating bespoke things—pieces that are made just for them and feel personal because of it," she said. "The trend of birthstone engagement rings falls in line with this."
Another L.A.based jewelry designer, Anna Sheffield, concurs. "We've always been a brand that aims to empower the individual in choosing what's meaningful to them," Sheffield told Who What Wear. "And the choice is not necessarily dictated by the status quo." Sheffield also reminded us that several months have multiple birthstone options, allowing for even more personalization.
If you're interested in the trend, Kwon has some expert advice to consider: "The only thing we'd say is to be careful about how your birthstone is set if you're planning on wearing it daily as many women do," she said. "For instance, for our softer-stoned girls whose birthstones are emeralds, opals, pearls, or the like, we would suggest having them set in a way where the stone is protected, such as a bezel setting. For opals, we would suggest buying a ring that incorporates an Australian opal versus an Ethiopian opal, as the Ethiopian ones, while magical, can be quite sensitive to their environment." Duly noted.
Scroll down to shop our favorite engagement rings according to each birthstone.
January: Garnet
January babies have garnet as their birthstone. Typically a red color, garnet represents peace, prosperity, and good health according to the American Gem Society.
February: Amethyst
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a striking purple gem.
March: Aquamarine
Those with March birthdays have two gemstones to choose from: aquamarine, a pretty light blue color, and bloodstone, which is typically dark green.
April: Diamond
The birthstone for April birthdays is the classic and much-coveted diamond, which is more durable than anything else in nature, according to the American Gem Society.
May: Emerald
May birthdays are represented by the emerald birthstone, which is known for its beautiful bright green color (and perhaps its association with The Wizard of Oz's Emerald City).
June: Pearl, Moonstone, or Alexandrite
June babies can certainly be the girl with the pearl engagement ring, but they can also choose from two other birthstone options: alexandrite and moonstone.
July: Ruby
Rubies are a striking choice for engagement rings—something Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas certainly knows.
Cartier 1985 Solitaire Ring in Platinum With Rubies and Diamonds, price upon request
August: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Red Spinel
Those with August birthdays have three different birthstones to choose from: lime-green peridot, red-and-white sardonyx, and red spinel.
September: Sapphire
One of the most famous engagement rings of all time is made with sapphire and diamonds: Kate Middleton's ring, which first belonged to Princess Diana. Although neither of them has a September birthday, it proves that sapphires are a royalty-worthy option.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
If you have an October birthday, both opal and tourmaline are your birthstones. The former is composed of a combination of different colors, while the latter can be green, blue, black, or other hues.
November: Topaz
November babies can choose between topaz and citrine, which are both on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
December: Turquoise
December birthstones include tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise, which are all varying shades of blue.
Next, you have to see Kristen Wiig's beautifully classic engagement ring.
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