For the non-traditional woman, diamonds aren’t always a girl’s best friend. Many brides choose to leave behind traditional diamonds in favor of alternative stones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. One reason behind this trend is that alternative stone rings tend to be less expensive than diamonds. But a bride might also want a ring that is more reflective of their personality, style, and taste. If you’re choosing to forego diamonds for your engagement ring purchase, make sure you read these helpful tips for choosing an alternative gem engagement ring.
Color Choice
While you may love red, it might not be the best choice for an engagement ring color. Likewise, you may love the color black now, as it provides a “cooler” look than a traditional diamond. However, it is important to remember that this ring is forever, so make sure the color is something you will like for the long haul. Think carefully before choosing your stone and color of choice. You don’t want to be bored with the color in a decade.
Hardness
When selecting any stone, it’s crucial to consider the stone’s hardness. The softer the mineral, the more likely it is to show wear and tear. You can do this by consulting the Mohs scale. It measures the scratch resistance of any stone by observing whether a harder mineral can scratch a softer mineral.
The higher the number on the scale, the harder the stone. Diamond ranks the highest, and talc is the lowest. Gemstones ranked less than four will scratch easily. Luckily, sapphires and rubies rank highly at an eight. Emeralds rank at an eight as well. Other trendy stones, such as pearl and amethyst, rank at five and six, respectively.
Color Specifics
Not all sapphires are blue, and not all rubies are red. When considering an alternative gemstone, you might want to consider an alternative color as well. For example, there are yellow and pink sapphires that might appeal more to your fiancée than the traditional blue sapphire. Rubies can also be more pinkish in color, while emeralds can also have yellow and blue hues.
Of course, you should consult a trusted dealer for more information on specifics about alternative gem engagement rings. If you’re hesitant or unclear where to start, bring a friend to look with you. That might keep you from making any rash decisions or reinforce that you’re buying a beautiful ring. With more brides realizing there is a whole range of choices other than diamonds, choosing an alternative engagement ring stone has never been easier than with these helpful tips for choosing an alternative gem engagement ring.
