It is true
that diamonds are the most popular stone for engagement rings and for many
people, if it’s not a diamond it’s not an engagement ring!
that diamonds are the most popular stone for engagement rings and for many
people, if it’s not a diamond it’s not an engagement ring!
But lately,
an increasing number of couples are going off this beaten path, instead opting
for something different and unique. Colored gemstones are seeing an increase in
popularity as many modern couples choose to showcase their style, preferences
and what they value by choosing an engagement ring with a gemstone that speaks
to them.
an increasing number of couples are going off this beaten path, instead opting
for something different and unique. Colored gemstones are seeing an increase in
popularity as many modern couples choose to showcase their style, preferences
and what they value by choosing an engagement ring with a gemstone that speaks
to them.
But what
gemstone should you choose and is every gemstone made for an engagement ring?
Here we outline our top tips to help you choose the perfect colored gemstone
for your engagement ring!
gemstone should you choose and is every gemstone made for an engagement ring?
Here we outline our top tips to help you choose the perfect colored gemstone
for your engagement ring!
1.
Consider
the durability of your gemstone
Consider
the durability of your gemstone
Durability is
probably the most important factor for most people when deciding on which
colored gemstone to choose for engagement rings. This is a piece of jewelry
that you will wear every day for the rest of your life. As such, it needs to be
able to take the rough wear and tear of daily life. If you’re in hot water, it
needs to be able to be right there with you!
probably the most important factor for most people when deciding on which
colored gemstone to choose for engagement rings. This is a piece of jewelry
that you will wear every day for the rest of your life. As such, it needs to be
able to take the rough wear and tear of daily life. If you’re in hot water, it
needs to be able to be right there with you!
The Mohs
scale ranks gemstones according to hardness. Of course, diamonds are the hardest,
ranking at number 10. However, gemstones such as sapphires, alexandrites and
rubies all have high rankings on the Mohs scale (8.5 and up). Stones under 7
are easily damaged. It is important to note that 7 is the important number on
the scale, because anything under 7 is able to be scratched by dust. Soft stones such as turquoise or pearls,
which rank very low on the Mohs scale, are not good choices for an engagement
ring. They will need to be replaced every so often by a professional jeweler.
scale ranks gemstones according to hardness. Of course, diamonds are the hardest,
ranking at number 10. However, gemstones such as sapphires, alexandrites and
rubies all have high rankings on the Mohs scale (8.5 and up). Stones under 7
are easily damaged. It is important to note that 7 is the important number on
the scale, because anything under 7 is able to be scratched by dust. Soft stones such as turquoise or pearls,
which rank very low on the Mohs scale, are not good choices for an engagement
ring. They will need to be replaced every so often by a professional jeweler.
2.
Think
about the symbology of your stone
Think
about the symbology of your stone
Each gemstone
has its own symbology and meaning. As a disclaimer, let me add that symbolism
and meaning is not verified by science and we cannot be certain whether these
notions are true or not. Having said that, choosing a gemstone with a meaning
that represents your love and relationship is a nice touch.
has its own symbology and meaning. As a disclaimer, let me add that symbolism
and meaning is not verified by science and we cannot be certain whether these
notions are true or not. Having said that, choosing a gemstone with a meaning
that represents your love and relationship is a nice touch.
For example,
rubies, with their strong reddish hues, are symbolic of love, passion and
loyalty, amethysts represent peace and blue sapphires symbolise wisdom and
prestige.
rubies, with their strong reddish hues, are symbolic of love, passion and
loyalty, amethysts represent peace and blue sapphires symbolise wisdom and
prestige.
This
symbolism gives extra meaning to your engagement ring and portrays what is
important to you.
symbolism gives extra meaning to your engagement ring and portrays what is
important to you.
3.
Consider
the impurities
Consider
the impurities
Many natural
gemstones contain tiny miniscule impurities that reside within it. In many
cases these are not an issue, but when they compromise the strength and
stability of the stone as well as the clarity, you may have to rethink it.
Emeralds are known to often contain many inclusions which can cause them to be
brittle, subject to breakage and not eye-clean. Morganite, aquamarine, topaz
and zircon are gemstones that often have high clarity levels.
gemstones contain tiny miniscule impurities that reside within it. In many
cases these are not an issue, but when they compromise the strength and
stability of the stone as well as the clarity, you may have to rethink it.
Emeralds are known to often contain many inclusions which can cause them to be
brittle, subject to breakage and not eye-clean. Morganite, aquamarine, topaz
and zircon are gemstones that often have high clarity levels.
4.
Is
your gemstone natural or treated?
Is
your gemstone natural or treated?
This is an
important question because treatments can affect the value and stability of the
gemstone. In many cases, gemstones are heat treated to enhance their color or
to stabilize the stone. Typically, it is the highly sought after and valuable
gemstones that are treated, such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
important question because treatments can affect the value and stability of the
gemstone. In many cases, gemstones are heat treated to enhance their color or
to stabilize the stone. Typically, it is the highly sought after and valuable
gemstones that are treated, such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
Most rubies
on the market are often heat treated, as natural rubies are very rare and
extremely expensive. However, natural rubies are much more valuable than heated
rubies. On the other hand, some gemstones such as tsavorite, morganite and many
garnet varieties are often untreated and sold in its natural state.
on the market are often heat treated, as natural rubies are very rare and
extremely expensive. However, natural rubies are much more valuable than heated
rubies. On the other hand, some gemstones such as tsavorite, morganite and many
garnet varieties are often untreated and sold in its natural state.
5.
Choose
your priceOne benefit
of buying A
Non-Diamond Engagement Ring Alternative is that it often costs
less than a diamond and it offers more uniqueness and individuality. You can
find gemstones to fit any budget, so decide how much you are willing to spend
before you search for the gemstone. If you are willing to fork out more, then you
can go for one of the famous precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires,
rubies, alexandrites or morganites.
Choose
your priceOne benefit
of buying A
Non-Diamond Engagement Ring Alternative is that it often costs
less than a diamond and it offers more uniqueness and individuality. You can
find gemstones to fit any budget, so decide how much you are willing to spend
before you search for the gemstone. If you are willing to fork out more, then you
can go for one of the famous precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires,
rubies, alexandrites or morganites.
If you want
more bang for your buck, then why not consider an amethyst, topaz, aquamarine
or garnet? These are just as beautiful and in many cases, last just as long. If
they do get damaged, replacing them is much less costlier than some of the more
valuable stones.
more bang for your buck, then why not consider an amethyst, topaz, aquamarine
or garnet? These are just as beautiful and in many cases, last just as long. If
they do get damaged, replacing them is much less costlier than some of the more
valuable stones.
Shopping for
a colored gemstone is a fun and exciting process, as you discover all the
different gemstones out there, some of which you may have never heard of (such
as sunstone and demantoid!). There is a whole world of gemstones out there, so
why limit yourself to just diamonds!
a colored gemstone is a fun and exciting process, as you discover all the
different gemstones out there, some of which you may have never heard of (such
as sunstone and demantoid!). There is a whole world of gemstones out there, so
why limit yourself to just diamonds!