When you think of engagement rings, you’ll likely think of a diamond ring. But, did you know that gemstone engagement rings are becoming more popular? With large stone sizes, unique shapes and colours and often, a lower cost, gemstones can be more personal and special to the recipient, especially if you’re popping the question.
But, not every gemstone is designed for use in an engagement ring, with some not having the right hardness levels in order to be sustainable for day to day wear. To understand more about gemstones, let’s look at what gemstones work best for engagement rings and what the most popular engagement ring gemstones are.
What Are Gemstones?
Gemstone engagement rings are a distinctive type of engagement ring that has a non-diamond centre. Gemstone engagement rings are usually designed using traditional engagement ring settings such as three-stones, halos and solitaries, with many couples now looking for less traditional settings to hold their centre stone. Common engagement ring gemstone choices include aquamarine, sapphires, emerald, rubies and opals, however, some gemstones won’t stand up to daily wear.
What Are The Risks and Benefits of Gemstones?
There are many different benefits to choosing a gemstone engagement ring, but learning the risks that come with choosing a gemstone ring over a diamond can make you feel more confident in your decision.
Benefits
- Lower cost
- More colour choice
- Bigger sizes and more shapes
Couples choose gemstone engagement rings for many different reasons, but often it is down to the unique colour and shape/size of some particular gemstones. For example, bright red rubies show passion and love, whilst a dark blue vintage sapphire engagement ring shows loyalty. Another reason to consider a gemstone engagement ring is the cost. Depending on the size and shape of the gemstone, they often can be a fraction of the price of a similarly sized diamond engagement ring.
Risks
- Difficulty replacing gemstone
- Lower Mohs hardness
Although there are many benefits to gemstone engagement rings, there are some risks to consider. Gemstones typically aren’t as hard as diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale, so this means that the stone could chip or scratch more easily. In the event of loss or damage, you might find that gemstones are harder to replace or repair.
Most Popular Gemstones For Engagement Rings
When you take hardness, size and shape into consideration there are some gemstones that are more popular to be placed into engagement rings and which are more durable.
Emerald Engagement Rings
Emerald is a beautiful gemstone, in a light mystical green colour. Scoring 7.5/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is one of the best alternatives to diamonds if you’re looking for something a little more different, plus you can rest assured that it’s robust and hardwearing. If you are choosing a vintage engagement ring with an emerald gemstone, be sure to choose a setting that will protect the gemstone and reduce the risk of damage.
Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Aquamarine is a shiny gemstone in a light-blue colour, but can also come in medium and darker blue tones that, sometimes, can show a hint of green. Just like emeralds, aquamarine scores a 7.5/10 on the Mohs hardness scale and can look particularly beautiful when set on a band with surrounding clear gems or diamonds.
Ruby Engagement Rings
Rubies are one of the hardest non-diamond gemstones that you can get, scoring a 9/10 on the Mohs hardness scale and, because of its beautiful, dark colour tones and hardness, it works really well for couples who are looking for something different with their engagement rings.
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