Rhysand VS. Tamlin: A Tale of Engagement Ring Choices in ACOTAR
In Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR) series, we have the two male leads, Tamlin and Rhysand, who represent contrasting personalities and choices —especially when it comes to engagement rings for Feyre. Let’s decode their choices and the practicality behind the stones they proposed with, focusing on durability and suitability for a lifetime of daily wear.
Tamlin's Choice: The Emerald Ring
Tamlin, High Lord of the Spring Court, reflecting his connection to nature and his court’s lush landscape, chooses an emerald engagement ring for Feyre. Emeralds, with their rich green hue, symbolize rebirth, love, and nature.
Striking as emeralds are, from a practical standpoint, they are not the most durable choice for an engagement ring. Despite their medium-high ranking of 7.5-8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, emeralds are in fact very brittle and prone to chipping. This makes them less suitable for daily wear, and more appropriate for special occasions where they can be handled with care and mindfulness. A bezel setting, which protects the edges of the stone, would be best for these gems.
This temperamental quality of emeralds is a fitting reflection of Tamlin's personality in the ACOTAR series. As High Lord of the Spring Court, he initially appears strong and protective, like an emerald's outward beauty. However, his underlying fragility and controlling behavior become apparent. Much like an emerald needs careful handling to avoid damage, Tamlin's complex emotions and reactions reveal a fragile side that can become unstable under pressure. This duality highlights the complex nature of his character and his relationships, making the emerald a symbolic choice that mirrors his intricate and often brittle personality.
Tamlin’s choice of an emerald, while visually stunning and deeply symbolic, reflects a more traditional and less practical approach with his proposal ring choice. It symbolizes his attachment to old customs and the fragile nature of his relationship with Feyre.
Rhysand’s Choice: The Star Sapphire Ring
In contrast, Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, opts for a star sapphire engagement ring for Feyre. Sapphires, known for their durability and stunning array of color varieties, are an excellent choice for an engagement ring meant to withstand the test of time. With a 9 out of 10 rating on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphires are second to diamonds in terms of durability, making them perfect for a lifetime of daily wear (or centuries in the case of the Fae). Their long-lasting quality aligning perfectly with Rhysand’s practical approach to love and commitment.
Rhysand’s choice of a blue sapphire, specifically star-sapphire, which exhibits a unique star-like phenomenon, represents the night's sky and the City of Starlight, Velaris, they call home. The star-sapphire symbolizes their destined connection, mutual guidance, and protection, reflecting their deep spiritual insight and intuition. The star within the gem stands for hope, faith, balance, and harmony in their relationship, highlighting how they complement and stabilize each other. Additionally, the gemstone's enduring nature and enchanting beauty mirror the magical, resilient love that defines their bond.
While we are applauding Rhyand's star-sapphire as the central stone, the accents of pearl are actually strongly not recommended to be used in engagement rings. They are soft and delicate, with a rating of just 2.5-4.5/10 on the Mohs scale. They can be easily scratched, dented, or damaged. We can imagine that over the centuries of this family heirloom ring, some of the accented pearls may have had to be replaced. Instead I would recommend an opaque/icy diamond that can have similar qualities to moonstones or salt and pepper diamonds that can appear like a sprinkle of stars in the night's sky.
In the world of ACOTAR, the engagement ring choices of Tamlin and Rhys are more than just about aesthetics —they are deeply tied to their characters and their approaches to love and life. While emeralds offer a timeless beauty, their brittleness makes them less practical for everyday wear. Sapphires, with their exceptional durability and variety of colors, provide a beautiful and long-lasting option.
If you are considering stone options for your own engagement ring —Grab our FREE PDF cheat-sheet of safe stone options VS. ones to avoid. We hope to help you make the best selection! An engagement ring is an investment and it's important to choose a stone that is durable to ensure both beauty and strength, much like the love it represents.
AND for a more expansive guide of SAFE alternative stone options —see our blog article: 'Appropriate Stones for Engagement Rings + Ones to AVOID.'
Ready to create your perfect engagement ring? Arsaeus Designs specializes in CUSTOM! We would love to help —Head over to our contact page and get in touch! + Check out our Instagram for inspiration!
**FYI this ring pictured is my own little visual interpretation of Rhysand's star-sapphire ring, changing out accent stones and motifs.