They say that diamonds are girl's best friend, but today's bride may choose an alternative stone for her engagement ring. The pearl, turquoise, ruby, amethyst, emerald, sapphire, opal, jade and amber are just a few gemstones which can be the focal point of a beautiful ring, each with its own special significance.

The pearl offers an interesting contrast of symbolism, representing both tears of sorrow and gladness. Symbols of patience and purity, the ancient Romans believed that pearls, which represented the bond between Cupid and Psyche, actually have the power to promote marital happiness. Roman mythology relates that Venus, the goddess of love, mother of Cupid, was born from the sea like a pearl. Because it is difficult for the average person to determine whether or not for pearl is real, it is particularly important, when purchasing a pearl engagement ring, to make the purchase from a reputable jeweler.

The magnificent, deep blue color of the turquoise has made it the prized possession for as far back as the women of ancient Egypt. Articles of turquoise jewelry have been known to be found in mummies dating back as far as 7,500 years. Because of the lucky overtones which turquoise reputedly contains, persons of high status, have for years, worn turquoise as a means of keeping themselves safe from harm.

Rubies have always been a popular gemstone for jewelry. Said to represent loyalty, charity and courage, the ruby, color of the heart, has always symbolized passion, virility and love. In inappropriate setting, one or more rubies can form a magnificent engagement ring. Because there are many levels of ruby gemstone quality and because there are both simulated and enhanced rubies on the market, again it's important to choose a reputable jeweler.

Amethysts have long enjoyed popularity as the gemstone of February. Egyptian royalty, and other persons of high rank have always included amethyst jewelry in their wardrobe. There are those who believe that wearing an amethyst will protect the wearer against harm. It has always been a symbol of the deepest emotions of love and sincerity. Available in a wide variety of cuts, the amethyst lends itself particularly well as a center stone for an engagement ring.

Choosing a gemstone as an alternative to a diamond is not necessarily based on budget constraints. The emerald is an excellent example of the gemstone, which quite often, may be more expensive than the choice of the diamond. Believed to add strength and virility, particularly in old age, the Greeks dedicated emeralds to the goddess Venus. Cleopatra of ancient Egypt was set to have many magnificent emeralds which she had fashioned by ancient craftsmen into exquisite pieces of jewelry. She was fortunate to have her own emerald mines to keep her well supplied.

Sapphires have long enjoyed popularity as the birthstone for September. There are few gemstones which have the depth and variety of color which is typical of the sapphire. Sapphires have always been considered as valuable, precious stones and had just recently come into their own as focal stones for engagement rings. Perhaps it is their "history" of transmitting peace and humility, and as a symbol of truth, loyalty and justice which have given them this reputation.

Anyone who has closely examined a group of fine opals, needs no explanation as to why the opal has been called "Queen of Gems." Ancient Romans had a particular passion for fine opals. The story goes that Senator Nonius owned opal coveted by Mark Anthony. The Senator was forced to choose between giving up the gem or being exiled from Rome. He chose exile. Whether or not we share this level of passion, the opal in its variety and depth of color is a lively, yet delicate stone. It is its delicate nature which may negate it as a good choice for an engagement ring, unless of course the ring will be worn only on special occasions.

An even more unusual option for an engagement ring stone is the jade. This gem is made up to minerals, Jadiete and Nephrite. The stone is said to symbolize forthrightness and immortality. Jade has been mined and carved by even the earliest civilizations, as far back as the Maori of New Zealand, the Aztecs and Mayans. In the historical tradition of India only persons exhibiting the highest integrity and moral character were permitted to wear jade. The Chinese clearly demonstrate their opinion about stone by using the same letter character for jade as is used for the word "nobility." The Chinese reverence for the stone comes from their belief that jade dispels illness, brings good fortune and wards off evil. Although green appears to be the most popular color of jade, it is actually available in several other colors and shades.

For some reason, the popularity of the amber as gemstone, goes in and out of popularity. It is actually one of the few gems that is not a mineral. Amber is the hardened, fossilized sap of ancient pine trees. Its colors range from dark brown to pale yellow, to orange, red, cream, green, blue and violet. The most fascinating quality of amber is its inherent ability to "trap" small insects, which include quality stones, or actually visible to the naked eye. Amber too has its associated symbolism, for it is said to protect the wearer against poison.

This list of gemstones is far from complete. The modern bride may choose from these were a variety of other colorful stones, which in the right setting, will make the perfect engagement ring. Because the purchase of any fine piece of jewelry is an important expenditure, one cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to make his purchase from a reputable jeweler. Your engagement ring is, after all, a purchase which you hope will last a lifetime.