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A gemstone engagement ring is a type of engagement ring that has a non-diamond center stone. Often designed using traditional engagement settings such as solitaires, halos, and three-stones, some couples choose less traditional settings to hold their less traditional center stone. Common gemstone choices include Sapphire, Изумруд, and Ruby. Aquamarine engagement rings, Morganite engagement rings, Tanzanite engagement rings, Opal engagement rings, and Amethyst engagement rings are gaining popularity too. Однако, some of these stones will not stand up to daily wear.
What are the Risks and Benefits?
There are many benefits to choosing a gemstone engagement ring, including personality, uniqueness, and cost. Learning the risks associated with choosing a gemstone over a diamond will help couples better care for their gemstone engagement ring, and feel confident in their choice.
BENEFITS
Fun, colorful expression
Более низкая стоимость
Bigger sizes and more shapes
Couples choose gemstone engagement rings for many reasons. Some like to express themselves in color. A bright red ruby engagement ring says passion. A dark blue sapphire engagement ring stands for loyalty. Couples love splashy oranges and pinks, and cool fresh greens. Gemstones are lively!
Another reason to consider a gemstone engagement ring is cost. Depending upon the stone, размер, и цвет, gemstones are often a fraction of the cost of a similarly sized diamond. Так, couples choosing a gemstone engagement ring can often afford a larger center stone in gemstone than in diamond.
Speaking of size, many gemstones regularly grow in large crystals. As a result, many gemstones are available in sizes and shapes that diamond is not. Так, couples have the opportunity to choose large, fancy shapes for their special ring.
purple rectangular gemstone engagement ring with round diamonds around stone
Tourmaline Engagement Ring
RISKS
Lower hardness
Difficulty replacing exact stone
While there are many benefits to gemstone engagement rings, there are risks to consider before purchase too. Because gemstones are not as hard as diamond, gemstone engagement rings may scratch or chip more easily. Couples can protect against this by choosing a hard gemstone, and by designing a protective setting.
Another issue to be aware of is that gemstones’ unique colors and shapes can be more difficult to replace in the event of loss or breakage. Because gemstones are often cut in less standard shapes than diamonds, couples may have a harder time finding the exact measurements of their original stone. Likewise, as gemstone color is so unique – consider all the various shades of “blue” at the paint store – finding the exact color you originally had can be tough. Couples can protect themselves by having a gemologist appraise and color grade their gemstone so they have an exact record.
Shades of Blue
Are They Durable Enough?
Some gemstones are – and some aren’t. One of the reasons you’ll hear a “diamond is forever” is because diamonds are a 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that diamond is (literally) the hardest substance known to man. There is nothing that can scratch at diamond except for, you guessed it, another diamond. Non-diamond gemstones are not as hard. Однако, neither is the glass on your car’s windshield, the screen on your iPhone, or the table you’re sitting at right now. Другими словами, there’s still some pretty durable stuff out there. Let’s talk about how hard a gem needs to be in order to stand up to daily wear.
What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?
The Mohs Hardness Scale was developed to rank the hardness of gemstones and minerals. It goes from 1 (Talc) к 10 (Бриллиант). This is useful when trying to select a gemstone engagement ring center stone, because we know how hard daily life is. Huh? No seriously, hear me out.
Dust is a 7/10 on the scale.
You know, the stuff floating around in the air? That’s the stuff that will scratch your gemstone when you try to clean it. Так, when choosing a gemstone engagement ring, your best bet is to choose a gemstone of 7.5/10 and above. The closer to 10/10 you get, the more durable your ring will be.
Mohs Hardness Scale Chart
Mohs Hardness Scale. (Photo by: СЕМЬЯ)
What Gemstones Make Good Engagement Ring Center Stones?
Gemstones of a 7.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale and above make the best engagement ring center stones. My own Spinel is an 8/10, and I still treat it very gingerly (and love it very much!) Let’s review some durable gemstone engagement ring options, in order of hardness:
EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Look for a beautiful medium (not too light or too dark) зеленый
Stay away from gems with dangerous, surface-reaching inclusions
Emerald is a beautiful, mystical green. It is durable, at a 7.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Its name derives from Sanskrit, and it symbolizes growth and energy. Emerald comes in many shades, including pure green, yellow-green, and blueish-Green.