There are many reasons someone would want gemstone rings. Occasions such as a wedding engagement, graduation, anniversaries, or birthdays are prime examples.

While diamonds have become the traditional stone for engagement rings, there has been a recent trend of using different gemstones, such a sapphire, ruby or an emerald. Even fine examples of amethyst and topaz are being seen more often. Who can forget the gorgeous blue sapphire that Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana and now graces the hand of Kate Middleton?

When giving a gemstone ring for a birthday gift, it is customary to stick to the birthstone. Examples include garnet during January, amethyst in February, and emeralds for May. If you plan on giving a gemstone ring as a graduation gift, it is also customary to stick to the birthstone. An interesting fact about birthstones – they were assigned in 1912 and have been around a scant 100 years.

Push presents have become a big thing in the last couple of years. A ‘push present’ is a gift, generally jewelry, which a husband gives his wife after the birth of a child. A mother’s ring, which includes the birthstones of each child, is a fantastic option.

Throughout history, gemstones have been symbols of wealth. Some may even argue that they still are status symbols. Gemstones are also believed to be healing sources. Tourmaline is a sign of devotion, while emerald, peridot and lapis lazuli are symbols of friendship. To inspire self confidence, consider a gemstone ring of garnet, citrine, or Imperial topaz. While amber is believed to increase motivation, garnet and aquamarine can help with stamina. Amethyst reduces stress, and bloodstone is believed to help overcome depression.

Now that you’ve selected a gemstone, you are going to need a setting. Prong settings are the most common. With a prong setting, the prongs hold the stone, as if to display it. However, prong settings can sometimes catch and if one of the prongs breaks, you could lose the stone. Prong settings are often used in engagement rings. Have you ever seen a ring that was just covered in stones? That was most likely a Pave setting.

Inlay, Bezel, and Flush settings are somewhat similar to one another. Bezels set stones have a look all that is their own. There is a metal band around the stone, which holds it quite securely. Bezel settings create a modern look, like an Etruscan ring. An Inlay setting has the stone mounted into the ring, while a flush setting has the stone and the setting level with one another. An example would be a class ring. Flush and inlay settings allow less light to shine through the gemstone ring.

Illusion settings use stones that are set without any metalwork between them. This style is perfect for active people, as the stones are securely locked to one another. It’s a great setting style for several smaller stones, as they will appear to be a much larger stone.

Channel settings involve placing square cut stones next to one another, with metal on either side, forming the channel. This is a very popular choice for wedding bands, with rings using this style of setting referred to as eternity rings

With this information, you can tailor your next gemstone ring purchase to the recipient.