How common are non-diamond engagement rings?
Diamonds were once thought to be only one of several options for an engagement ring in the early 1900s. However, it was the famous De Beers company's huge marketing effort in the mid-1900s, with the phrase "A Diamond Is Forever," that catapulted the diamond to the top of the engagement ring gemstone rankings.
Women and couples have started returning to explore the profusion of other certified gemstones that have often been used as engagement rings in recent decades. These non-diamond engagement rings are a lovely way to express specific meanings and represent your love. To assist you in making your decision, we've put together a primer that includes ideas for where to start and the most important things to consider when selecting a non-diamond engagement ring.
Popular Gemstones Throughout History
Non-diamond engagement rings have been quite popular and commonly seen in most cultures throughout history. Sapphires were famous in engagement rings throughout the Victorian era. A focus on nature enhanced the usage of moonstone, citrine, opal, pearl, and amethyst as the Art Nouveau era progressed.
The European aristocracy has long treasured sapphires and rubies, particularly those with royal blue tints. For example, a Ceylon blue sapphire is featured in one of the most famous engagement rings in the world. Princess Diana first picked and worn this magnificent ring on her engagement in 1981 and is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. Another princess, Sarah Ferguson, was given a ruby engagement diamond, which her daughter Princess Eugenie later imitated with a padparadscha sapphire centre stone in her own engagement ring.
Emeralds have long been regarded as an attractive non-diamond engagement ring option. Jacqueline Kennedy wore one of the most famous emerald engagement rings. It featured diamond and emerald stones set side by side, encircled by organic leaf-shaped diamond sweeps.
Many of these jewels have seen a rebirth in recent decades as modern couples look for new ways to communicate meaning and love via their engagement rings. Non-diamond engagement rings have a wide appeal, as evidenced by Jessica Simpson's ruby engagement ring, Gwyneth Paltrow's sapphire engagement band, and Emma Stone's alleged pearl engagement ring.
Discover Your Gemstone's Inspiration
Because certified gemstones come in such a wide range of colours and shapes, you may give your engagement ring several different meanings. Every gemstone carries a wealth of symbolism derived from the gem's own history over many years.
Birthstones are an excellent way to commemorate and represent a particular bond. It might be either of the couple's birthstones, the birthstone of the month you met, or even the birthstone of the month you'll marry. Birthstone charts, both traditional and modern, are simple to follow and occasionally include many monthly options.
Another source of inspiration might be family treasures and antiques. Did you like your grandmother's sapphire necklace or pearl earrings as a child? Perhaps you have a soft spot in your heart for a Victorian-era ring that you once spotted in an antique shop? Those shared interests are a great place to start when designing a non-diamond engagement ring.
Because non-diamond certified gemstones come in such a wide range of colours, selecting your favourite colour as the centre stone for your engagement ring is a great idea. When you look at your hand and see a lively yellow sapphire or a soothing blue aquamarine, a beautiful sign of your connection might bring a smile to your face.
The meanings of the certified gemstones can also add a distinctive touch to your ring. Choosing an amethyst, the stone of St. Valentine and a symbol of faithful love, for example, maybe very romantic. On the other hand, you might also consider the future you want to create with a ruby, representing passion and good fortune. With so many possibilities, your ring might have multiple layers of meaning.
Diamonds vs Gemstones
When selecting an engagement ring, a larger centre stone is frequently chosen as the focal focus. Certified Gemstones and diamonds are exceptional alternatives in this regard. However, some distinctions between the two can help you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
When comparing non-diamond engagement rings to diamond engagement rings, the most noticeable difference will be the price. Every precious or semi-precious gemstone, in general, will be less expensive per carat than a diamond. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as rough and rustic diamonds or salt and pepper diamonds, but in most cases, a gemstone will be less expensive than a diamond of comparable size.
Another important distinction that is a top concern for an engagement ring is its durability. The strength of the centre stone is critical to understand in a piece of jewellery that is likely to be worn every day and expected to last a lifetime. The Mohs Hardness Scale is used to assess the strength of all certified gemstones. Diamonds are the hardest, with a hardness rating of ten.
With a rating of 9, sapphires and rubies are right behind diamonds. From there, emeralds and aquamarines have a hardness of 7.5-8, while a pearl, another popular non-diamond engagement ring option, has a hardness of 2.5-4.5. The stone is described as softer as the number on the scale decreases. This implies it's more vulnerable to scratches, chipping, and breakage.
Inclusions are significant to comprehend, especially for prominent certified gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. These stones benefit from inclusions since they typically enhance the hue and give them a distinct appearance. Larger inclusions or pockets of inclusions, on the other hand, can compromise the stone's integrity over time. Some factors to consider include durability and inclusions; discover more about the advantages and disadvantages of adopting non-diamond certified gemstones in your engagement ring.
None of this information should persuade you to change your mind about the stone you want for your engagement ring. Instead, it's better to be prepared and aware of the extra care that a particular gemstone may necessitate. However, just like any other piece of jewellery, careful maintenance and competent servicing can ensure that it lasts a lifetime.
Choosing and designing a non-diamond engagement ring can be a significant experience. Buy Certified gemstones at the best prices on Iris Gems.
