5 Gemstone Engagement Rings to Avoid & What to Buy 要图
Did you know that Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy, Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, and Princess Eugenie opted for gemstone engagement rings instead of diamonds? Due to their distinctive design, enormous size, and lower price, gemstone engagement rings are growing in popularity. But not all gemstones make suitable center stones for engagement rings because they all vary in their degree of hardness. To put it another way, it’s crucial to understand which gemstones will withstand your shared life and which gemstones could crack easily with daily wear. Let’s discuss the Mohs Hardness Scale and your regular activities to better grasp this.
Bottom line:
Do: Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Aquamarine, Spinel, Alexandrite, Topaz
Don’t: Amethyst, Opal, Pearl, Tanzanite, Morganite
What is a Gemstone Engagement Ring?
A non-diamond center stone can be found in a gemstone engagement ring. Some couples choose less conventional settings to hold their less traditional center stone, which is frequently constructed utilizing less traditional engagement settings, such as solitaires, halos, and three-stone. Sapphire, Emerald, and Ruby are popular gemstone options. As well as becoming more popular, engagement rings made of aquamarine, morganite, tanzanite, opal, and amethyst are also becoming more common. Some of these stones won’t hold up to daily use, though.
What are the Risks and Benefits?
Personality, individuality, and cost are just a few advantages of selecting a gemstone engagement ring. Couples can take better care of their gemstone engagement ring and feel more confident in their decision if they are aware of the hazards involved with choosing a gemstone over a diamond.
BENEFITS
Fun, colorful expression
Lower cost
Bigger sizes and more shapes
The selection of gemstones for engagement rings is influenced by a number of factors. Color is a preferred means of expression for some. Engagement rings with vivid red rubies convey passion. Loyalty is symbolized by a dark blue sapphire engagement ring. Splashy oranges, pinks, and cool, fresh greens are all quite popular with couples. Gemstones are dynamic.
The price of a gemstone engagement ring is another factor to take into account. Gemstones are frequently less expensive than comparable-sized diamonds, depending on the stone, its size, and its color. As a result, couples who select a gemstone engagement ring may frequently purchase a larger center stone in a gemstone rather than a diamond.
Numerous gemstones commonly develop in large crystals relative to size. Because of this, a variety of gemstones are offered in dimensions and forms that diamonds are not. For their unique rings, couples have the option to select big, elaborate shapes.
RISKS
Lower hardness
Difficulty replacing exact stone
There are numerous positives to selecting a gemstone engagement ring, but there are also potential drawbacks. Engagement rings set with gemstones, which are not as durable as diamonds, are more prone to damage from everyday wear and tear. Choose a durable gemstone and work together to create a setting that will keep the two of you safe.
Because of their one-of-a-kind hues and cuts, gemstones may be difficult to replace if they are lost or broken. It may be more difficult for a couple to obtain the precise proportions of their original gemstone if the stone was cut in a non-standard form, such as a heart or a pear. Just as there are many variations of “blue” at the paint shop, it might be difficult to obtain the precise shade of gemstone you had before. For peace of mind, couples should have a professional gemologist value and grade the color of their jewels.
Are They Durable Enough?
Some gemstones are, while others aren’t. The fact that diamonds rank a 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale is one of the explanations for the phrase “diamond is forever.” In other words, the hardest material known to man is (literally) diamond. A diamond cannot be scratched by anything, but another diamond can. Gemstones other than diamonds are less durable. On the other hand, neither is the table you’re at now, the glass on your car’s windshield, or the iPhone’s screen. So, there are still some reasonably robust things around. Let’s discuss how durable a gem must be to withstand daily use.
What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?
For the purpose of classifying the hardness of minerals and gemstones, the Mohs Hardness was created. It has a scale of 1 (Talc) to 10. (Diamond). Given how challenging daily life may be, knowing this is helpful when choosing a gemstone for the center stone of an engagement ring. Huh? No, truly, bear with me.
What’s that substance floating about in the air? When trying to clean your gemstone, that is what will scratch it. Choose a gemstone with a hardness rating of 7.5/10 or higher if you want to maximize your chances of success. Your ring will be more durable the closer you come to a score of 10/10.
What Gemstones Make Good Engagement Ring Center Stones?
The greatest engagement rings with center stones are those with a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 or higher. I still handle my own spinel, which is an 8/10, with great care and a lot of love. In terms of hardness, here are some alternatives for long-lasting gemstone engagement rings:
EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Look for a beautiful medium (not too light or too dark) green
Stay away from gems with dangerous, surface-reaching inclusions
A stunning, ethereal green is emerald. 7.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. It represents growth and energy and gets its name from the Sanskrit language. Pure green, yellow-green, and blueish-green are just a few of the various hues that emerald can take on. It could be light or dark. An emerald frequently exhibits several eye-visible inclusions for a Type III gemstone. Don’t anticipate an Emerald to be faultless, in other words. Inclusions in an emerald are sometimes referred to as its “garden.” The chance of the stone chipping may increase if inclusions extend to the gem’s surface, so couples selecting an emerald engagement ring should exercise caution. So be cautious of huge inclusions that touch the stone’s edges. Choose a setting for your emerald engagement ring that will protect any flaws that could hurt the ring.
AQUAMARINE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Very shiny and eye clean
Darker stones hide dirt and oil better than light gems
The shiny, light blue diamond known as aquamarine represents peace and healing. Aquamarine is a Type I gem, which means it should be nearly flawless, unlike its sister, Emerald. It rates a 7.5/10 on the Hardness Scale, just like Emerald. Light, medium, and darker blue tones can be found in aquas. A tinge of green, resembling the water, can be seen occasionally. When picking an aquamarine engagement ring, couples should opt for an eye-clean gem that clearly displays the stone’s blue hue. In comparison to medium or medium-dark blues, lighter blues are less desirable. When your aquamarine engagement ring isn’t sparkling clean, darker blues will also aid in concealing it; in contrast, bright blue is far more likely to show dirt and grease.
TOPAZ ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Big stones available
Eye clean
Topaz is a fantastic choice for an engagement ring since it has a Mohs hardness of 8. It’s a sign of royalty and wealth. Topaz may occur naturally in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and peach, but blue is by far the most prevalent nowadays. Topaz, especially blue topaz, is available in some enormous stones that are perfect for couples who want to make a statement. Try to get a medium-colored, eye-clean topaz if you want to use it as an engagement ring.
Warning! Mystic topaz, an improved form of topaz that reflects light in a rainbow of hues, was recently produced by the gem industry. Know that the Mystic Topaz treatment is only a coating on the surface of the stone and is not a long-lasting choice for a wedding band. It might fade or chip away over time. Instead of a Mystic Topaz engagement ring, a rainbow-colored Alexandrite might be a better choice.
SPINEL ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Multiple colors, with red, blue, pink, and purple being most common
Search for eye clean gems
My wedding band is made out of spinel! The 8/10 Mohs hardness of spinel and its wide range of colors make it a wonderful option for engagement rings, despite the fact that it is not frequently heard of. Spinel is a powerful and protective emblem. However, I have also designed Spinel engagement rings in lively Pink and Black. My Spinel is a blueish-violet. Red, pink, and blue gemstone engagement rings are the most sought-after variations because they rival Ruby and Sapphire in terms of brilliance. Since spinel is a Type II gemstone, it can occasionally be eye-clean but is typically covered in inclusions. Consequently, when picking a Spinel, couples should search for an eye-clean stone in a shade that appeals to them.
ALEXANDRITE & CHRYSOBERYL ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Great hardness at 8.5/10
Alexandrite changes color from green to red
Chrysoberyl is yellow, green, or bronze
The 8.5/10 Mohs hardness of alexandrite makes it a fantastic choice for an engagement ring. It stands for harmony and good fortune and is a color-changing variety of the larger gem group chrysoberyl. In the presence of light, alexandrite turns red from its natural state of green. Chrysoberyl is available in yellow, golden, and green non-alexandrite varieties. Protection and healing are represented by chrysoberyl. The Type II gemstones chrysoberyl and alexandrite will have some imperfections, but eye-clean gems are also obtainable. Check for eye-clean jewels if you’re a couple thinking about getting this engagement ring.
The quality of its colors and color change should be taken into account while choosing an Alexandrite engagement ring. An appealing, warm color is what couples looking for Chrysoberyl engagement rings should look for.
SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS & RUBY ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Superior gemstone hardness
Rich colors in all the rainbow
The Mohs Hardness Scale rates sapphire and its sibling, ruby, as the hardest non-diamond gems, both scoring a 9/10. Ruby and Sapphire are both members of the Corundum gem family, as are all the other colors of the rainbow. A Sapphire engagement ring is a symbol of devotion. A ruby engagement ring represents passion and love. As Type II stones, sapphire and ruby will likely contain some imperfections, but eye-clean gems should be sought for. The most attractive and desirable colors are those with rich middle tones, which are neither too light nor too dark. A sapphire engagement ring is a great option for a gemstone engagement ring due to its exceptional hardness and vast array of colors. Couples seeking something unique should unquestionably think about a ruby engagement ring because of its enchanting hue and excellent durability.
What Gemstones Are Risky as Engagement Rings?
OPAL ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Very soft
Instead, consider star sapphire
Opals are stunning, sparkling, and rather delicate stones. Its true Mohs hardness ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. Thus, there is a genuine possibility that a gem will break during regular wear, even with extraordinary caution. Therefore, opal engagement rings are not the best choice. The harder and equally distinctive Star Sapphire should be considered by couples seeking an opal engagement ring.
MORGANITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Shows dirt and oil almost immediately
Instead, consider Pink Sapphire, Pink Topaz, and Pink Spinel
An eye-clean gem, morganite is often a peachy-pink color. It stands for purity and love. Although this may seem like the perfect option for an engagement ring, everyday life interferes. Morganite readily displays dirt and grease due to its pale tone and lack of noticeable glitter. This will occur even for those who take excellent care of their rings because, well, life. You apply makeup, use hairspray, wash your hands, and have oil on your face. Couples should therefore consider Pink Topaz, Pink Spinel, or Pink Sapphire engagement rings, as they are significantly tougher and do not exhibit dirt and grease as readily as Morganite.
PEARL ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Very, very soft
Instead, consider cabochon sapphire
Romantic engagement rings are made of pearls. They are sadly also overly soft, with a Mohs hardness range of 2.5 to 4.5. Engagement rings with pearls typically sustain damage like chipping, losing the pearl, and dull patches where the nacre has worn away. This is terrible! a cabochon of white Sapphire should be considered as an alternative for couples looking for a pearl engagement ring. Sapphire engagement rings are much more durable and long-lasting than diamonds.
AMETHYST ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Too soft
Instead, consider Purple Sapphire
People appreciate amethyst for its distinctive engagement rings because of its rich, Welch’s grape purple hue. Amethyst is, regrettably, as hard as dust, scoring a 7/10 on the Mohs scale. Because of this, amethyst will eventually get dull from improper wear, including minor scratches. You don’t want it for an engagement ring! Purple Sapphire, which is significantly harder and always stunning, is a better option for couples looking for an Amethyst engagement ring.
TANZANITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Too soft
Instead, look for Violet Spinel
Everyone desired a Tanzanite engagement ring when it first appeared on the scene in 1967. It makes sense because it is a stunning blue-violet that is rather rare in jewels. It is not a good choice for an engagement ring, nevertheless, scoring 6-6.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. In contrast, Violet Spinel should be sought for by couples searching for a Tanzanite engagement ring. Tanzanite is softer than spinel, which means it will hold up better to daily wear.
Can You Assist Me in Creating a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Gemstone Engagement Ring?
Of course! Describe the mouthwatering color you’re after when you contact me here! I will discover the ideal stone for you and coach you through which gemstone options are the most durable.