Jewelry has long been a form of personal expression and even a symbol of patriotism. And what could be more patriotic than the timeless trio of red, white, and blue?
Let’s explore a variety of red, white, and blue jewelry pieces—all designed by American Gem Society members—that sparkle with an array of gemstones in America’s colors. (You’ll also learn what gives them their red, white, and blue hues.)
Rubies
The first gemstone we want to highlight in red, white, and blue jewelry is the ruby. Radiating a deep, passionate red, rubies are the embodiment of love and vitality. Their rich hue contrasts beautifully with white diamonds and pearls, giving jewelry a bold character that’s hard to resist.
The vibrant red of rubies is attributed to the presence of chromium within the gem. This element replaces some of the aluminum in the gem’s structure, which absorbs certain colors of light and reflects the fiery red.
Spinel
Spinel is often thought of as the great imposter of the gem world. For centuries, it was mistaken for other stones, like rubies. The most famous example might be the “Black Prince’s Ruby” set in the British Imperial State Crown, which is indeed a red spinel.
Spinel’s vibrant colors are a result of impurities. The red spinel gets its hue from chromium. This gemstone would also fit in the blue category, as blue spinel derives its color from cobalt.
Garnet & Rubellite
Garnet and rubellite offer variations from rubies that range from deep wine to rich burgundy. These stones introduce a spectrum of reds that can add a nuanced and contemporary touch to the jewelry.
Rubellite, a variety of tourmaline, achieves its vibrant red-pink hue through the presence of manganese and lithium.
Garnets can come in a variety of colors, but the deep red is mainly due to iron and/or chromium.
Pearls
Pearls capture the pristine essence of white jewelry and bring sophistication to any piece. Paired with white gold, their luster shines even brighter, making them a perfect centerpiece or delicate accent.
Real pearls are made by oysters. Their white color is derived from the inner layers of the mollusk and iridescent nacre.
Diamonds & White Gold
White diamonds have a dazzling brilliance. When set against the backdrop of white gold, they create a pairing that’s both ethereal and luxurious. These pieces make a grand statement while seamlessly blending with the patriotic palette.
White diamonds owe their colorlessness to the absence of impurities. Essentially, a perfect diamond is a pure carbon structure without any elements or internal imperfections interrupting its structure.
Sapphire & Tanzanite
Deep blue sapphires symbolize loyalty and nobility. Tanzanite offers a delicate shade of blue with a hint of violet, introducing a modern touch. Whether individually highlighted or paired with one another, these stones bring depth and elegance to the patriotic theme.
Sapphires get their iconic blue hue from the presence of both titanium and iron within the stone. Tanzanite, a relatively modern gemstone, owes its mesmerizing shade to the presence of vanadium.
Get American-Made Jewelry
The allure of red, white, and blue jewelry goes beyond mere patriotism. It’s a celebration of classic beauty, diversity, and the art of jewelry-making. With the inclusion of the gemstones that we learned about, each piece becomes unique, timeless artwork.
Inspired to get some red, white, and blue jewelry of your own? Search for an AGS jeweler near you.
