Gold is the most popular choice for wedding rings but many brides have precious gems added to their matrimonial keepsake.

» Cairns Wedding Jewellery directory

While diamonds are the most popular stone in Cairns wedding rings, many choose a gem based on its symbolic meaning and can include any gem from a ruby to a pearl.

For many centuries, pearls were considered a symbol of modesty, chastity and purity with the power to bring about a happy marriage.

Rubies, according to legend, protect their owners from misfortune and sapphires have been honoured by sorcerers throughout the ages. It is said the stone’s powers allow them to interpret oracles and see the future.

Another precious gemstone is the opal. For many centuries, the opal was considered a symbol of hope, innocence and purity.

There are a number of excellent opal stores in Cairns where you can pick up your Cairns wedding ring.

Many different design options are available to ensure a comfortable fit for your wedding ring.

Consider choosing a wedding ring with a slimmer width and curved edges for maximum comfort.

Ask your jeweller about a soft-fit wedding ring or a wedding ring with a comfort curve and remember the wider the wedding ring, the less comfortable it may be to wear. The usual width of a male wedding ring is between 5-7mm.

The custom of the wedding ring stems back to the Egyptians who presented their brides with circlets of hemp or rush.

The reason the wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand is said to originate from the ancient Romans and Greeks who believed the vein in this finger ran directly to the heart.

When choosing a diamond wedding ring get to know the four Cs:

Cut
A diamond can be cut in many different ways and each has an effect on its brilliance. The quality of a diamond’s cut is one of the most important of the four Cs.

Colour
Most gem-sized diamonds have a hint of colour, often yellow or brown. A diamond’s colour can either detract from or enhance its value, depending on the hue and intensity. Colourless diamonds are most highly valued.

Clarity
This is a measure of a diamond’s internal defects, called inclusions. The number, size, colour, location and orientation of inclusions can affect the clarity of a diamond.

Carat
The carat weight measures the mass of a diamond. One carat is defined as a fifth of a gram, or exactly 200mg. The size commonly desired for an engagement ring tends to be substantially larger than that selected for the wedding ring.

Stone types

Pearl
Pearls have for many centuries been considered a symbol of modesty, chastity and purity with the power to bring about a happy marriage. 

Ruby
Rubies, according to legend, protect their owners from misfortune. Their protective powers are said to be enhanced when set in jewellery and worn on the left side.

Sapphire
Sapphires, above all other gems, have been honoured by sorcerers throughout the ages. It is said the stone's powers allow them to intercept oracles and see into the future. It was once considered a pertinent tool in marriage. If a spouse had been unfaithful the sapphire's lustre would dim.

Opal
Another precious gemstone often overlooked is the opal. For many centuries, the opal was considered a symbol of hope, innocence and purity. It is said, during the Middle Ages, young fair-haired girls would wear an opal in their hair to preserve its golden colour.

Other gems and their meanings

Agate
Promotes love, stability and spiritual growth.

Amethyst
Calms the soul, promotes understanding and prevents bad thoughts.

Aventurine
Allows the heart to heal and provides courage to grow.

Carnelian
Promotes sexual awakening and cleverness.

Garnet
Heightens sexual mastery and increases sexual appeal.

Lolite
Brings harmony and balances male and female aspects.

Labradorite
Helps find love and happiness.

Lapis Lazuli
Aids perceptions of others' good qualities.

Malachite
Defends from negative energy.

Moonstone
Brings loved ones closer.

Rose Quartz
Demonstrates and manifest love, opens the heart.

Tiger Eye
Helps in the decision-making process.