Gemstone Engagement Rings as Alternative to Diamond
Introduction It is a universal truth that every love is different. Just like people, the dynamic that evolves between those people is unique. No two relationships are meant to look alike. Then why must engagement rings? Rings have been used to signify the union in holy matrimony for ages. But that’s about as traditional as they need to be. From the vows to the dessert menu, everything about your wedding needs to be an expression of your love, curated to your needs. So don’t just settle for a common engagement ring without exploring all the options. While diamonds have established their monopoly as the default wedding ring gemstones, there are other, very intriguing fish in the sea. Here are top gemstone engagement rings as alternative to diamond rings.
Sapphire Engagement Rings Blue sapphires have been the muses of many myths. The Ancient Persians believed the world was held up by a pedestal made of sapphires, the reflection of which gave the sky its blue color. The ancient Greeks on the other hand associated the blue gemstone with Apollo, the Olympian god of sun. Many ancient cultures revered blue sapphire for their healing properties while others upheld it as the stone of destiny. Blue sapphires were particularly popular among the Royals of Europe and Asia. One of the most famous sapphires in history, The Rockefeller Sapphire was worn by the American Tycoon J.D Rockefeller’s two wives. He acquired it from the Nizam of Hyderabad. Princess Diana’s 12 carat oval cut ceylon blue sapphire engagement ring has remained the most famous engagement ring in history.
Ruby Engagement Rings Also known as ‘The King of Gemstones’, Ruby has dazzling red hues making it a front runner in the gem world. The word ruby comes from the latin word “ruber” meaning red. While rubies may be limited in terms of color when compared to sapphires, The shades of ruby red can vary greatly. Ruby grabs extra brownie points for being the stone of passion and love. Ruby is also supposed to channel powerful energy which brings harmony in familial relations. According to the 11th century scholar Al-Biruni, Ruby holds the “the first place in color, beauty and rank”. Burmese rubies are one of the most famous on account of their high quality and vivid red color. When it comes to red gemstones, there is no parallel to rubies. They have everything it takes to be the perfect centre stone in a modern engagement ring.
Emerald Engagement Rings Emeralds are timeless as the finest green gemstones known to mankind. The exquisite gemstones are born of a chemical cocktail made of iron, chromium, and vanadium that are mixed in the mineral beryl. The variables in color and clarity are parameters in assessing an emerald’s worth. Emeralds are very precious and consequently, they cost a pretty penny. 1 carat of naturally mined high quality emerald can be valued between $1,000 and $3,000. Like blue sapphires, Emeralds were also patronized by monarchies across the globe. The famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra was a known connoisseur of emeralds. Coincidentally, Hollywood Royalty Elizabeth Taylor who famously portrayed Cleopatra is also remembered by her memorable emerald necklace. Emeralds rings are one of the most suitable diamond alternatives for engagement rings.
Alexandrite Engagement Rings If you can't seem to make up your mind between ruby and emerald, alexandrite may be right up your alley. Alexandrite has the unique ability to change colors in different lightings and has been described by geologists as “emerald by day, ruby by night”. This chameleon of a gemstone was originally unearthed in the Ural mountains in the 1830s by miners collecting emeralds. As the June birthstone, it is in good company with pearls. The ability of alexandrite to change color in different lightings is symbolic of deeper meanings that persist below the surface and must be understood. Alexandrites are therefore associated with romance and would make for an extremely thoughtful choice as the centre stone of an engagement ring. They score 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they are even more durable than emeralds.
Tanzanite Apart from its limited availability, tanzanite is also deemed rare for its color. It is one of the only trichroic gemstones on the planet. This means that the gemstone sports three composite colors, namely: Blue, purple and reddish brown. Typically, the shades of tanzanite can vary from a rich cornflower blue to different hues of lilac. As the light shifts from cooler to warmer tones, the stone displays flashes of deep red. No matter how intimate you try to make it, planning a wedding can be very expensive. As life goes on, added responsibilities of having a family only accelerate these expenses. Wouldn't it be wonderful then, to choose a ring that is not only beautiful and rare but also a financial asset. A well thought out investment that you can lean on in the years to come? Marriage is a commitment and you may want to look at tanzanite as a wise way to honor that commitment.
Summary While the aforementioned are my top picks we have only scratched the surface. There are several other decisions to be made. What ring setting are you considering and what shape would you like your gemstone to be? At GemsNY, you can create your own jewelry with many references guiding you along the way. Explore all options as well as other gemstones that would make great alternatives to diamonds right here.
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