Several centuries ago betrothal rings were pledges given to a woman by her intended husband and often were family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next. Looking back through the centuries there was a lot more variety than today's prevailing diamond set in a gold band. A wide assortment of gemstones set off this ancestor to today¹s diamond engagement ring. Rings were prized for their uniqueness and the meaning of their design. Some rings identified their owners and when sent to another indicated a message.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) credits the first diamond betrothal ring as being given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The GIA sources are found in a letter written in 1477 by Dr. Moroltinger to the prospective future Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian. "At the betrothal your grace must have a ring set with a diamond and also a gold band. Moreover, in the morning your grace must bestow upon the bride some costly jewels." It¹s certainly fun to ponder that quote. One can imagine all sorts of possibilities.

Decisions about ring styles are difficult. After all, the wedding ring is today¹s most prominent symbol of marriage, worn by both men and women, identifying their attachment to their spouse. It's a ring you will live with as long as you keep your vows. The circle shape around your finger symbolizes eternity and your union with another.

One way to customize your rings is to have the inner band inscribed with an intimate message. Some couples use initials and dates of the marriage. Another is to create a design that embodies the relationship. If you decide to design your own rings don¹t overlook the idea of adding to it's uniqueness by employing a gemstone other than a diamond.

Many cultures believe that gemstones hold spiritual or mystical qualities which are significant to their wearer. Some practitioners use the properties of gemstones to heal or to strengthen a specific need or desire. Each type of stone has it's own properties. You may want to choose a stone or stones that are especially meaningful to you.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the meanings associated with today's more popular stones.

Stone	Meaning
AMBER	A happy stone. Relieves depression
AMETHYST	Brings peace to the mind of the wearer. A transforming healer, amplifying spiritual energies. In it's core is the vibration of love.
AZURITE	Helps one let go of old beliefs which cause physical and mental pain. The love aspect is very gentle, kind and patient.
CARNELIAN	Aids in removing lethargy. Stimulates curiosity. Makes the wearer a "doer".
DIAMOND	Openness of being. Amplifies the work of other stones.
EMERALD	Desire to give wisdom and love to others.
GARNET	Depth. Let's the mind reach back into past lives to seek information that will promote growth and good. Cures anger and discord from the past.
LAPIS LAZULI	A symbol of capacity, ability and success. Facilitates the opening of many chakras. Brings old wounds to the surface for healing.
MALACHITE	Reaches into the inner core of the wearer and reflects what is inside. A mirror of the soul. Should be removed when you feel negative. Amplifies a good mood. Brings luck.
MOONSTONE	Incorporates a person's being and feelings like a mirror. Allows one to see oneself clearly. A good luck stone for lovers. Arouses tender passion. Brings harmony to marriage.
ONYX	Stabilizes and strengthens. Listens well.
OPAL	Magnifies the wearer's traits. Wear with caution.
PEARL	Reaches to the depth of personality. Signifies purity and beauty, compassion and great love.
PERIDOT	Allows one to see clearly and let problems dissolve. Cures jealousy towards others. Heals the spirit.
RUBY	Reflects, as well as fulfills, the need for love. Courage, valor.
SAPPHIRE	Will bring lightness, joy and depth of beauty and thought.
TOPAZ	The gift of love from giver to receiver. Joy.
TURQUOISE	Attracts abundance. Creative expression, emotional balance, communication, friendship.
ZIRCON	Cause one to reflect and direct their own process of thinking. Promotes peace, blending, and harmony. Peacemaker.