It's no surprise that the emerald is one of the most popular gems and an increasingly popular engagement ring trend. With its elegantly saturated hue and known calming powers, this luxe stone has been coveted for centuries by the likes of Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jackie O for good reason.
Often, emeralds are considered the gemstone with the most personality as they're one of the few precious jewels where inclusions add value to the stone. Imperfections are part of the beauty of each emerald, as is the color, making them an ultra-unique engagement ring choice. The more vivid the green, the higher the value of the stone. And emeralds with bluish overtones, typically sourced from Colombia, are the most coveted and rare.
Cut is the third most important characteristic ahead of setting styles. They're challenging to cut due to their fragility—they have a softer exterior and damage more easily than diamonds and other precious stones. However, the emerald cut itself was created to enhance the color and quality of this stone because it mimics its original crystal shape.
As a genuinely distinctive stone, emeralds are a piece of nature and history in one. We may not be as lucky as Elizabeth Taylor, who was gifted an entire suite of emerald jewelry from Richard Burton. Still, those looking for an alternative engagement ring or one-of-a-kind vintage ring can dream of an epic emerald design. Here, 45 creations to envy—that is, until one becomes yours.
KatKim Trace Curved Diamond, Emerald & 18kt Gold Ring
KatKim Trace Curved Diamond, Emerald & 18kt Gold Ring
This wavy diamond pavé band is an utterly romantic way to showcase a pear-cut emerald.
Maria Jose Jewelry 18K White and Yellow Gold Emerald, Diamond Ring
Maria Jose Jewelry 18K White and Yellow Gold Emerald, Diamond Ring
If the Colombian emerald and emerald-cut diamond band weren't enough, delicate yellow gold prongs make this engagement ring utterly spectacular.
A delicate art-deco emerald engagement ring for pared-back tastes, complete with Jennie Kwon's signature milgrain detailing.
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Azlee Staircase 2-Tier Square Emerald Ring
Azlee Staircase 2-Tier Square Emerald Ring
Compared to diamonds and other precious stones, emeralds are very soft. You shouldn't be nervous about sporting them, but consider your lifestyle before committing to this delicate gem. Expert tip: Setting an emerald in a sturdy bezel or staircase design helps protect it from scratches and chips.
Fernando Jorge Flicker Emerald & 18kt Gold Ring
Fernando Jorge Flicker Emerald & 18kt Gold Ring
Why choose one pear-shaped emerald when you can have six modernly set off-kilter in yellow gold?
Anna Sheffield Bea East/West Solitaire Ring
Anna Sheffield Bea East/West Solitaire Ring
A knife-edge band brings a flicker of edge to this simple East-West set emerald.
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Marei Dorian Floating Pear-Shaped Emerald Engagement Ring
Marei Dorian Floating Pear-Shaped Emerald Engagement Ring
This floating, crown-like setting lives up to the emerald's association with royalty and aristocracy.
Jemma Wynne Diamond Oval and Emerald Two Stone Ring
Jemma Wynne Diamond Oval and Emerald Two Stone Ring
Trust us: Two stones are better than one. This ring is for the alternative bride with fashion-forward taste. Stones set apart, almost meeting in the center, are a subtle nod to two individuals coming together.
Kinn Emerald Françoise Stacked Ellipse Ring II
Kinn Emerald Françoise Stacked Ellipse Ring II
This emerald design is a stunning way to flaunt the stacked look in a single ring.
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Harlin Jones Horizontal 6 Claw Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
Harlin Jones Horizontal 6 Claw Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
Six talon-like yellow gold prongs and an East-West setting instantly modernize this classic emerald-cut emerald solitaire stone, set on a thin diamond pavé band.
Mociun Cosmic Realm Ring
Mociun Cosmic Realm Ring
Opt for emeralds as accents if you don't want to commit to a deep green center stone—they beautifully enhance the effect of this hexagonal step-cut diamond.
Ashley Zhang Vintage Emerald and Diamond Ring
This minty green vintage octagonal natural emerald boasts 1950s-era charm with modern brilliance courtesy of two white diamond side stones trios.
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Suzanne Kalan 18kt Gold Ring With Emeralds
Suzanne Kalan 18kt Gold Ring With Emeralds
Emerald baguettes give Suzanne Kalan's signature firework band a bolder look for those not drawn to a classic solitaire or multi-stone ring.
Antique Natural Unenhanced Emerald & Diamond Carved Ring
Antique Natural Unenhanced Emerald & Diamond Carved Ring
The distinctiveness of this Victorian-era octagonal step-cut Colombian Muzo emerald is unmatched and made even more extraordinary with two drop shape old cut diamonds.
Gfg Jewellery 18kt Yellow Gold Artisia Emerald Diamond Open Ring
Gfg Jewellery 18kt Yellow Gold Artisia Emerald Diamond Open Ring
This multi-stone ring featuring emeralds and a diamond is a delicate approach to geometric style.
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Lizzie Mandler Emerald Cut Emerald Ring With Side Stones
Lizzie Mandler Emerald Cut Emerald Ring With Side Stones
Baguette side stones, double prongs, and a knife-edge band give this three-stone emerald ring a timeless yet modern feel.
If a solitaire engagement ring is not for you, an emerald band still packs a major wow factor, especially when surrounded by diamonds in a modern East-West setting.
This gap band with five small diamonds gives an otherwise traditionally bezel-set emerald stone a contemporary effect.
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A round ring with not one but two diamond halos is quite glamorous without being over-the-top. A super-slim band works to make this sparkler feel dainty on the hand, as an engagement ring should.
Brilliant Earth Cushion Cut Emerald North Star Ring
Brilliant Earth Cushion Cut Emerald North Star Ring
This cushion-cut emerald engagement ring epitomizes modern simplicity, featuring a four-prong setting and minimal, polished gold band.
Colleen Banks
Contributing Weddings Writer
Colleen Banks is a seasoned jewelry and weddings editor, having been a style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings for 8+ years. Colleen’s love for the best-of-the-best jewels, bold color, whimsical details and epic parties make her an expert at thinking outside-the-box when it comes to weddings. When Colleen isn’t styling a wedding or writing about them, she’s most likely filling her online shopping cart with the Gucci she’s currently coveting, listening to Britney Spears, or taking Instagram pictures of her cat, Shelby.
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
