30th Mar 2023
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PLUS, OUR TOP THREE ELFSTONE-INSPIRED RINGS!
The Lord of the Rings isn't just a lush fantasy series filled with timeless themes of friendship, love, and the power of good over evil....it's also a vehicle for pretty jewelry! And we're not just talking about 'The One Ring to Rule Them All', in fact, we think that one of the most underrated pieces of jewelry that appear in the series isn't a ring at all - it's the Elfstone!
Below, we break down why the Elfstone in Lord of the Rings is important and our favorite Elfstone-inspired engagement rings for couples looking for a little magic on their wedding day - so read on to find out!
WHAT IS THE ELFSTONE?
The Elfstone, aka the Stone of Earendil, aka the Elessar, is a sterling silver eagle brooch set that features a great green stone with possible healing power. It was worn on Aragorn's cloak after he was gifted the brooch by either Galadrial or by Arwen depending on which origin story is being read.
The Elfstone in the Lord of the Rings has magical powers and is responsible for Aragorn eventually going by the name, Elessar.
THE HISTORY OF THE ELFSTONE
While the Elessar is only ever mentioned in Lord of the Rings, Tolkien wrote a rough manuscript that gives alternate versions of how the Elessar was both created and how Aragorn got his hand on it. This manuscript, Unfinished Tales is where all of the known Elfstone knowledge is derived.
The first version states that the Elfstone jewelry was made in the First Age in Middle Earth, by a jewel-smith named Enerdhil, who sought to "make a jewel within which the clear light of the sun should be imprisoned but the jewel should be as green as leaves."
While in one origin story, there is only one Elfstone, there is multiple in another, and as the story goes, the second Elfstone was more subtle and clear green, yet very radiant. Here, the first Elessar went from its creator, Enerdhil to Idril and then his son, Earendil.
Somehow, Galadrial receives the Elfstone, either from Olorin after they receive it from Earendil, or from Celebrimbor after he creates a second Elfstone for Galadriel. In the first version, Olorin tells Galadrial, "It is not for you to possess. You shall hand it on when the time comes. For before you grow weary; and at last, forsake Middle-Earth one shall come who is to receive it, and his name shall be that of the stone: Elessar he shall be called." Eventually, Galadriel gave Elessar to Aragorn where as King he is named, King Elessar, thereby fulfilling the prophecy.
In the second version, in the Third Age after Galadrial receives the Elessar from Celebrimbor, she gives the silver brooch to her daughter, Celebrian who gifts it to Arwen, before landing in Aragorn's lap.
Does the Elfstone Have Any Powers?
The Elfstone is not just a stunning green stone, allegedly, it is also supposed to have certain magical abilities including the ability to catch and reflect the sun and allow anyone who looks through the stone to witness things that were withered or otherwise aged as whole and new.
What Does the Elfstone Look Like?
Demi Naples Green Montana Sapphire Half Halo
As mentioned above, there are conflicting accounts about how many Elfstones there are and if they were created as a green gem set or not. In the first account, the Elessar is considered a great green stone that is as green as leaves and has the sparkle of the sun shining from within.
The second brooch is reportedly less green and more clear. Created to be a brooch, the Elfstone was set in the center of an eagle with outspread wings.
In the 1980 movie adaptation, Aragorn already owns the Elessar as it appears on his cloak and in the more recent adaptations the gifting of the Elessar from Arwen to Aragorn is replaced with the Evenstar - a necklace with a white stone that Aragorn receives in Rivendell.
Elfstone Inspired Engagement Rings
Intrigued by the Elessar and what a great green stone to call your own? We can help! The following engagement rings combine the beauty of the Elessar with the handcrafted timeless appeal of solid gold or platinum fine jewelry.
JUNIPER FOREST GREEN RING
Just as the Elessar was created to expertly convey the verdant green of leaves swaying in the wind, so was this one-of-a-kind, stunning, Juniper Forest Green Ring. The great stone sits prominently in the center and is surrounded by glittering melee diamonds that emit a soft sparkle like dappled light on the mossy forest floor.
SHOP THE OOAK FOREST GREEN RING
VIENNA MOSS AGATE SOLITAIRE RING WITH PAVE DIAMONDS
If you, like Enerdhil, are enamored by nature than the Vienna Moss Agate is the perfect ring for you! This delicate ring features a center stone of pale to opaque green with veins of deep green 'moss' threaded throughout the sparkling stone.
It is said that moss agate is a stone that imparts tranquility and emotional balance to its wearer. And, as we gaze into the center stone we can't help but feeling rooted to the earth and at ease ourselves.
The solid gold or platinum band was formed from an actual foraged twig and is inlaid with two diamonds on either side of the moss agate stone. Fit for King Elessar himself, the Vienna Moss Agate is sure to demonstrate the depths of your devotion.
SHOP THE VIENNA MOSS AGATE SOLITAIRE RING WITH PAVE DIAMONDS
LARGE UNITY EMERALD SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING
Many people read into Galadriel gifting Aragorn with the Elessar as a wedding gift for Aragorn and Arwen. And truthfully, we can't think of a better possible gift from the bride's family.
Tap into the power of the Elessar with our Large Unity Emerald Solitaire. This unique ring combines the Elfstone silver with a vibrant round-cut emerald that is perched delicately between two interwoven twig bands. The resulting ring is a tribute to unity, as the handcrafted twigs intertwine and create space for the stone, so does the combining of families when you tie your hand in marriage.
So if you're looking for the perfect 'Welcome to the family!' gift for your future in-law, make like Galadriel and go with jewelry!
SHOP THE LARGE UNITY EMERALD SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING
FIND YOUR PERFECT 'ONE TRUE RING' AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY
From Aragorn to Arwen, Galadriel and Gandalf, Olivia Ewing Jewelry specializes in creating unique Lord of the Rings-inspired engagement rings that will take your breath away.