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West Side Story Lookalike Engagement Rings

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake is coming out in December 2021 and we are snapping with excitement! Although the 1961 original was historic, it’s undoubtedly time for an update. With critics raving about this sublime version, it’s time to weigh in with matching sparkle.

Marie from Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story

Classics persist through the ages and are reborn through the ages. West Side Story most definitely proves this rule, with the Broadway run re-envisioned in the 1961 movie, and now the 2021 cinematic remake. West Side Story itself is a modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

In West Side Story, love, tragedy, anger, class tension, and disenfranchised rage are put on display in a rumbling, technicolor flurry. A powerful production deserves worthy statement pieces. At James Allen, we were inspired by the gorgeous costumes, iconic soundtrack, and ageless story to hand-pick the perfect engagement rings for Broadway fans.

Read on for West Side Story-inspired lookalike engagement rings!

Maria’s Dress | Ruby and Diamond Sunburst Halo Engagement Ring

Perhaps the most iconic costume in West Side Story is the dress Maria wears to the neighborhood dance: a simple white dress accented with a bold red ribbon. We’ve got the perfect complement to her outfit: this white gold ring with a ruby center stone. An engagement ring is a perfect accessory for this outfit because 1) it’s at the dance that Tony and Maria have their first encounter, and 2) Maria’s outfit is made by Anita, her best friend, a talented wedding dress seamstress.

Maria wearing a white dress and red belt
18K White Gold Oval Halo Ruby And Diamond Ring (7.0x5.0mm)

2021 Anita | Bird of Paradise Engagement Ring

In Spielberg’s version, Anita struts through the neighborhood dance in a gorgeous bright yellow dress with a red ruffled petticoat. There’s no better ring to match her twirling antics than this yellow gold bird of paradise engagement ring set with a beautiful ruby center stone. Round and marquise cut diamond dot its unique asymmetrical halo.

Anita dancing in a bright yellow and red dress
14K Yellow Gold Bird Of Paradise Engagement Ring

1961 Anita | Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring

In the 1961 movie, Anita, played by Rita Moreno, is instantly recognizable in her purple mermaid dress. She leads the pack in every dance, swirling her skirts in an unforgettable purple vision. This 1.8-carat emerald-cut amethyst will, like Anita, mesmerize a crowd. 

Anita in the 1961 movie, dances in her purple mermaid dress
18K Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Halo Ring

Tony & Maria meeting | Intertwined Bypass Engagement Ring

Tony and Maria’s first meeting at the neighborhood dance is magical. Almost instantly, they lock eyes and are besotted with one another.

Maria and Tony under the bleachers dancing together
14K White Gold Intertwined Bypass Tension Setting Engagement Ring

The Challenge Dance | Double Halo and Shank Pavè Engagement Ring

The Challenge Dance in the gym starts out as a get-together dance. Glad Hand sets the kids up in two circles: “Boys go on the outside, girls on the inside…when the music stops, each boy dances with whichever girl is opposite.” What better to wear to a Challenge Dance than a blingy double-halo engagement ring that resembles the dual-circled dance floor? 

A group of dancers in a hall
14K Rose Gold Diamond Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring

Puerto Rico in America | Red, White, and Blue Engagement Ring

Here you are free and you have pride! This patriotic ring’s red, white, and blue colors represent the national flags of both Puerto Rico and the United States. This white gold setting, rubies, and a stunning sapphire make this ring one that you’ll feel proud to wear throughout the country.

A wall covered in the American flag with graffiti reading, "this is our place", and "Puerto Rico"
14K White Gold Three Stone Pear Shaped Ruby Engagement Ring

Rita Moreno’s Valentina | Vintage Navette Engagement Ring

In Spielberg’s remake, Doc no longer runs the local drugstore; rather, his place has been taken by his widow, Valentina. And Valentina is played by Rita Morena, who won the best supporting actress Oscar for playing Anita in the original 1961 film! We’ve chosen an intricate vintage ring to honor this timeless Hollywood legend. A beaded navette pattern gives off an effortlessly French air, and a pavè halo adds even more sparkle.

Valentina from Spielberg's version sitting at a table
14K Rose Gold Milgrain Navette Halo Engagement Ring

Maria and Tony’s Balcony Scene | Bypass Solitaire Engagement Ring

Oh, the world is wild and bright with this dual-leveled bypass ring. The center diamond’s offset mounting resembles the couple’s late-night meeting on the balcony: with Tony professing his newfound love from the alleyway to Maria, who lovingly looks down upon him from her second-floor apartment and responds in kind. 

Maria and Tony staring at each other on a balcony
14K White Gold Ribbon Bypass Solitaire Engagement Ring

Sharks vs Jets | Half Bezel-Set Pavè Engagement Ring

This symmetrical half bezel-set ring brings to mind the confrontation between the Sharks and the Jets. The half-bezel setting is designed almost as if the side stones are pushing the pavè half-halo up and over the center diamond like a cresting wave.

West Side Story is all about simmering class tensions that can’t help but boil over when confronted with the love of a young couple, and this seemingly overflowing diamond engagement ring captures the story’s teeming emotions.

The Sharks vs. the Jets in a dance hall
14K White Gold Half Bezel Set Flowering Diamond Engagement Ring

Something’s Coming, Something Good | Petite Pavè Engagement Ring

Like Tony, we can’t help but burst with optimism at this petite pave ring. It’s one of our most popular styles, with over 1000 five-star reviews! Its band twinkles thanks to its French Cut pavè settings, which feature tiny v-shaped slots along its edges that expose each diamond to even more light. And more light = more sparkle. 

A group of men dancing in formation in the streets
14K Rose Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)

Anybodys | Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring

A tomboyish outsider for most of the play, Anybodys tags along with the Jets until she’s officially welcomed into the gang after a post-rumble act of bravery. Anybodys is tough, persistent, and plucky, deserving of a unique engagement ring that can withstand Jet-worthy hijinks. 

This two-tone ring, with white gold on the outside and yellow gold within, suits the code-switching Anybody’s comfort across the neighborhood’s borders. Sure, she says “I ain’t never gonna get married. Too noisy.” But everyone deserves some sparkle, and diamond rings aren’t only for engagements.

Anybodys and a member of the Jets walking together
14K Gold Two-Tone 2.2mm Comfort-Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

Get Your Own Star-Studded Engagement Ring

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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blue sapphire ring

Sapphire Rings: Something New, Something Blue

We’ve got the scoop on why you absolutely need to add a blue sapphire ring to your jewelry box. Read on to find out!

Sapphire Rings: Something New, Something Blue

You may be wondering: With so many ring styles and stunning gemstone options to choose from, what sets blue sapphires apart? Featuring a mesmerizing blue gemstone, sapphire jewelry makes the perfect gift for that special occasion. And trust us, you’re going to want a blue sapphire ring. Brace yourself for a whole lot of BLUE. 

1. They’re Unique

There’s no denying that diamonds are the de facto choice when choosing your sparkler. But we think a blue sapphire comes a close second, and we’re not alone! Blue sapphire is one of the rarest gemstones to grace an engagement ring. Choose blue sapphire and set yourself apart from the crowd with these statement pieces.

White Gold Vintage Bowtie Sapphire & Diamond Ring

14K White Gold Vintage Bowtie Shaped Stations Alternating Sapphire And Diamond Ring

Yellow Gold Diamond & Marquise Sapphire Wedding Ring

14K Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Wedding Ring

2. A History Of Glam

Blue sapphire rings are popular amongst celebrities and have been associated with the royal family for centuries. Notably, the September birthstone brings to mind the world’s most famous (and gorgeous) blue sapphire ring once belonging to Princess Diana and currently worn by Kate Middleton. It broke trends back then and is still making its mark today.

White Gold Oval Halo Sapphire and Diamond Ring

18K White Gold Oval Halo Sapphire And Diamond Ring

White Gold Milgrain Bezel Sapphire Ring

14K White Gold Milgrain Bezel Sapphire Ring

3. They’re Tough

Blue sapphire is an inherently strong and durable gemstone, with a score of 9 on the Mohs scale – second to only diamonds. This means that you can flaunt your blue sapphire ring without worrying about chipping, scratching or cracking from everyday wear. Choose a traditional shape and get creative with a sparkling white gold ring.

White Gold Sapphire Pavé Sugarloaf Ring

18K White Gold Sapphire Pave Sugarloaf Ring

White Gold Sapphire Pavé East-West Oval Ring

18K White Gold Sapphire Pave East-West Oval Ring

4. They’re More Affordable

The tradition, uniqueness and lasting beauty associated with sapphires also come with dazzling affordability. Sapphires typically cost less per carat than diamonds, giving you more design flexibility and bang for your buck. Whatever style you choose, one thing is certain – you’ll shine down the aisle in a ring with a splash of blue 😉 

Three Stone Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Three Stone Round Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

Vintage Diamond & Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Vintage Round Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

5. They’re Perfect For Everyday

When you choose a blue sapphire ring, it will be a perfect accessory for almost any outfit, whether you’re casual in blue jeans or glamming it up in a cocktail dress. No matter the occasion, you’ll always have an excuse to put yourself in our blues.

Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Aquamarine Ring

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire And Aquamarine Asymmetrical Ring

Rose Gold Diamond & Sapphire Baguette Milgrain Ring

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire And Aquamarine Asymmetrical Ring

All Blue-d Up? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!

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Jarred Maram

Jarred is a writer by day and unofficial office ping pong champion

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