Engagement rings are symbols of love, devotion, and commitment. They embody the beginning of a journey between two people eager to share a lifetime. Choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner can be challenging, but knowing which factors to consider can make it a fun and rewarding experience.
Engagement rings do not need to be diamond. They can be made of anything as long as the couple values the ring for what it signifies. Engagement rings can be made of other gemstones or the material of your choice.
This article will discuss why most engagement rings feature diamonds and why you should not restrict yourself to this precious gemstone alone. We will then discuss the various precious and semi-precious gemstones you can choose from. Let’s dive in!
Why Are Most Engagement Rings Diamonds?
Most engagement rings are diamonds because this precious gemstone is the traditional choice for betrothal rings. The tough nature of the diamond means the ring will be durable and resistant to scratching and chipping. Also, the sparkly appearance adds to the beauty of the ring.
About 87% of couples prefer diamonds in their rings, with 48% opting for a white gold setting, 16% for yellow gold, 13% for rose gold, and another 13% preferring a platinum setting.
The durability of diamonds is a significant factor in their favor. They are made of carbon and are considered the strongest of all gemstones. They are not easily chipped, even when scratched or dropped. This is why, among all gemstones, diamonds are the most valuable per carat.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your engagement ring will be of less value if it doesn’t feature a diamond or two. Your ring can have any gemstone.
Things To Consider When Choosing an Engagement Ring
You can pick your engagement ring right off the shelf, or, like 48% of buyers, have one designed especially for you. Personalized engagement rings carry more meaning. Additionally, the fact that they’re designed with the wearer’s style, taste, and personality in mind makes them all the more precious.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring for your beloved:
Stone Type
An engagement ring doesn’t necessarily have to feature a center stone, but if you prefer one, there are many other gemstones to choose from aside from diamonds. Here are some of the top picks:
Precious Gemstones
- Sapphire. These gemstones are popular for their typical royal blue color and can quickly lend an air of elegance and sophistication to any look. However, they also come in green, yellow, pink, peach, and white. They score nine on the Mohs scale, coming in close after diamonds, which score ten.
- Ruby. Contrary to popular knowledge, rubies do not only come in the luxurious dark red hue. Their colors can range from pink to blood-red. Opt for Burmese rubies if you’re looking for the most durable ones, with some of the finest stones fetching a heftier price tag than diamonds.
- Emerald. Apart from their timeless, exquisite look, emeralds are known to symbolize protection from negative forces, such as illness and turpitude. They are loved for their rich green color.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
- Garnet. This gemstone is loved for its deep red hue. It goes well with an antique setting and is a more affordable alternative to rubies.
- Opal. It comes in various colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, black, and white. This gemstone tends to reflect light, so it always dazzles as the wearer moves about.
- Turquoise. Made of aluminum and copper, this gemstone ranges in color from a bright blue to a pale sky blue.
- Amethyst. Scoring a seven on the Mohs scale, this purple gemstone exudes a regal, majestic vibe.
- Quartz. This gemstone gives off a dramatic, ethereal vibe. It comes in various colors, from pink and yellow, to milky white.
- Topaz. Famous for its clarity and wide array of colors, topaz scores a hardy eight on the Mohs scale. Pure topaz is clear and colorless, but slight imperfections create colorful hues ranging from pink to red, orange, blue, and green.
- Pearl. Pearls are iconic but register a mere 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This means they can tarnish, scratch, and fade quickly. Consider setting your pearl amidst sturdier gemstones for added protection.
- Aquamarine. This gemstone symbolizes luck, making it the perfect choice when embarking on a momentous journey such as marriage. This pale blue gemstone is loved for its clarity and sparkle.
- Peridot. Well-loved for its iconic olive green color, the peridot famously connotes romance and devotion. This stems from stories of how Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor and military leader, gifted Josephine, his first wife, a peridot ring to symbolize his admiration.
- Tanzanite. This gemstone’s backstory stemmed from the 1960s when popular luxury jeweler Tiffany and Co named it for its origin, Northern Tanzania. The purplish-blue gemstone is quite rare — a thousand times rarer than diamonds.
- Citrine. This yellow gemstone depicts joy and evokes memories of happy, sunshiney days. It is the perfect gemstone for a free-spirited, exuberant bride.
Stone Shape
Most people favor the understated elegance of the round cut, especially since this design is timeless and truly stands the test of time. When worn, it is less prone to snagging since it has no sharp points or edges. About 43% of buyers go for this traditional cut.
Others opt for the oval cut for a bolder, more dramatic look. About 15% of buyers go for this conspicuous design. The square cut, selected by about 13% of engagement ring buyers, offers that opulent, princessy look.
What Makes a Good Engagement Ring?
A good engagement ring should match the receiver’s distinctive taste, style, and personality. It will be a plus if it carries a powerful message, an attribute you can perfectly capture by having your ring customized for your partner.
Final Thoughts
Popping the big question can be a nerve-racking experience, but it can be made more plain sailing with the help of the perfect engagement ring. There is no ideal ring that fits every person or couple. The best ones are those that have been painstakingly selected and reflect the receiver’s taste, style, and personality.
Engagement rings are often passed down through generations. Remember that it doesn’t necessarily have to feature diamonds. Any gemstone or material is perfectly fine, so long as the ring carries a distinctive, sincere meaning.
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