There is no doubt that diamond engagement rings make up a hefty percentage of all rings in this category, but that does not mean that diamonds are the only stone you have to choose from when deciding on which stone you wish to feature in your ring.
The world of precious gemstones is one that is, quite simply, enormous – not to mention, filled with beauty and wonder. From tanzanite to opal; emerald to morganite; pearl to amethyst, there are many beautiful stones to be found – each offering its own unique qualities. If you are looking for something a little less classic, and a little more unique and individual, it is often worth taking the time to do a bit of homework on the many types of stones that can be used in your ring.
How to Decide on a Stone for Your Engagement Ring
Ultimately, the decision on which stone to use for your engagement ring comes down to your own preferences, tastes and, of course, budget. Some stones costs less than diamonds; others cost more. Like there are many factors to consider when purchasing a diamond – colour, cut, clarity and carat – there are often similar factors to note when choosing other precious stones. Some of the stones that are lovely in this type of ring include the following:
- Tanzanite. Characterised by its vibrant blue-purple tone, which can vary from violet all the way to deep blue, tanzanite is a mineral found in Tanzania, East Africa. This stone works particularly well in cool toned metal bands and settings, and is often paired with platinum. As a rare and treasured stone, tanzanite is not cheap. But its high value and beauty makes it constantly in demand all over the world.
- Opal. These stones come in a range of colours, from crystal to black and white. Depending on their vibrancy, they have the ability to reflect all colours of the rainbow when they move. This means that every opal is unique. Look for bright stones, and be prepared for some tarnish over the years – these stones are not the strongest. They are however unusual and striking, especially paired with a pretty, ornate setting.
- Emerald. With their vivid green hue, these stones are bright and bold. They are popular in art deco and baroque styles, as well as other retro and vintage styles, and pair well with gold and platinum. They are also durable stones, making them strong and resistant to everyday wear and tear.
- Morganite. From the same family of emeralds comes morganite – a romantic, pink hued stone that has become more popular in recent years. This stone pairs very well with rose gold, and has a soft, feminine appeal. It is quite a durable stone, but prices can vary hugely – do your research and speak to your jewellery about the cut and quality of your stone before making your final decision.
- Pearl. Made of calcium carbonate and known for their timeless, classic beauty, pearls are every bit as iconic as diamonds, in any type of setting. These stones work well on their own or clustered around a diamond, in every type of metal. They work well in modern, minimal ring designs as well as vintage designs. They are however fairly delicate, which means that care will have to be taken when the ring is worn. Choosing a smaller pearl and setting it into a surround of tougher stones will help protect the stone.
- Amethyst. This purple hued stone is most often seen in its raw state. When cut however, it has a unique, rich look that works very well in a variety of styles and settings. This stone is fairly hard, but are not as expensive as many other stones. The stone pairs well with white or rose gold, or platinum, as well as other stones (including diamonds).
By taking the time to look at your options, you will be able to choose a stone that suits your own sense of style, while making sure that your ring is truly one of a kind. Adding a more unusual stone alongside a more classic diamond is another way to add individuality to your ring. Once you have an idea of which stone you wish to use for engagement rings, you can contact an experienced jeweller such as Cape Diamonds to have your ring custom made from scratch.