They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but what about colored gemstones? Their bright and beautiful allure has some modern-day jewelry lovers turning their heads. Diamonds have a classic, stunning appeal and are especially popular as engagement rings. However, did you know that most royals started to use colored gemstones when they got engaged? So, if you are debating getting a colored gemstone or a traditional diamond for your engagement ring, read on a few thoughts before you make your choice.
What is the Difference?
You might be surprised to learn that a gemstone is any mineral highly prized for beauty, durability, and rarity cut and polished for use in jewelry. So, by that definition, a diamond is technically a gemstone. The difference falls in how diamonds are formed. Diamonds are formed from a single element, high-pressured carbon, whereas other gemstones comprise two or more elements.
Diamonds also represent the epitome of rarity and luxury among gemstones, the most expensive per carat. This distinction makes other gemstones comparatively more affordable, rendering them an excellent choice for budget-conscious couples.
Gemstones Worth Considering
Around 200 varieties of gemstones exist, encompassing both precious and semi-precious types. Precious gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, hold a distinguished status. All other gemstones are classified as semi-precious due to their higher availability than their precious counterparts.
If you are considering colored gemstones, choose a stone that is at least a seven on the Mohns Scale of Hardness, which identifies how durable and resistant to scratching gemstones are.
Sapphires
Symbolizing loyalty, sapphires are an outstanding option for engagement rings. Brilliant blue is the most known color, but sapphires also can be pink, peach, teal, yellow, and white.
Rubies
Rubies present a superb option as an alternative gemstone for engagements. Renowned for their captivating red hues, these gems have held immense value for thousands of years. Symbolizing passion and affection, rubies embody an ideal selection for engagement rings. Shades ranging from deep pink to profound red mirror their sapphire counterparts in hardness, scoring nine on the Mohs scale.
Emeralds
Emeralds are renowned for their lush green color, symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation. This symbolism makes them a fitting emblem for engagements, signifying the commencement of a shared journey. Historically, emeralds were thought to impart harmony, wisdom, and love to the wearer.
Opting for alternative gemstones is emerging as one of the fastest-growing engagement ring trends. Whether your preference leans towards a classic diamond or another gemstone, the crucial factor lies in selecting a reputable diamond jewelry store.
Find Your Jewelry at Lehigh Valley Jewelry & Exchange
Lehigh Valley Jewelry & Exchange is a family-owned and operated jeweler in Allentown and Bethlehem, PA, and has been proudly serving the Lehigh Valley since 1990. We are proud to have two convenient locations to better serve all your jewelry needs. We are known in the Lehigh Valley for being the most extensive in-house and jewelry repair service and providing the highest quality workmanship, including watch repair, band adjustments, watch battery replacement, and much more.
