Pairing diamonds with other stones or even pairing white diamonds with coloured diamonds is a great way to make your engagement ring unique. With that said, combining stones isn’t always as simple as picking colours you like. Colour is the most important factor, of course. Stones need to look good together without clashing. But there are other things you need to take into account, too. These range from hardness on the Mohs scale to the metal of the band you choose and even the overall design of the ring.
In this guide, we’ll share some tips on how to pair your stones to ensure that your custom engagement ring is perfectly balanced.
Pairing Stones in Your Engagement Ring Design
Some of the most important things to consider when pairing stones in your engagement ring include the following:
The colours
First and foremost, the main thing you’ll need to think about is the colours of the stones. This allows you to get creative and express your style. It also affects the budget of your ring if you choose more affordable stones to combine with diamonds. You could choose colours based on your birthstone if you want something symbolic. You could choose your favourite colours. Subtle colour mixing, such as gradients or softer shades like morganite or champagne diamonds are ideal if you want to add colour without going too bold. Most stones work well with white diamonds. Colours that clash can end up affecting the look of your ring, so make sure you choose a palette that works.
With so many stones out there, you have a seemingly endless variety of colour options. Even a single stone type can come in a wide variety of shades. The best way to choose colours that match other stones or diamonds is to choose a general palette. For example, neutral tones that range from brown to pink, or blue tones that range from greeny-blue to deep blue, or even purple.
The hardness
While the look of the stones is important, the hardness of the stones is even more important. Diamonds are the most durable stone in the world, with a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale. Choosing stones with a high hardness rating will ensure that your ring is durable and made to last. Stones with a low hardness rating are less likely to withstand wear and tear. If a stone with a low hardness rating is paired with a diamond or a stone with a high hardness rating, there is a risk of softer stones being damaged. This will instantly ruin the look of your ring. If you’ve spent a long time choosing colours, this will be even more disappointing.
To prevent damage, you will have to take it off when doing any physical labour, meaning that you won’t get to wear it often. Always do your research when choosing your stones. Make sure that all stones have a similar or at least a close hardness rating. This will make your ring look good and last longer, too.
The design
Last, but not least, it is essential to consider the ring design. There are many ring designs suited to mixing and matching stones. Some of the best rings to pair diamonds and coloured stones include Toi et Moi, swirl rings, trinity rings, five-stone rings, cluster rings, tiara rings, pavé and halo rings, wrap, multi-band, and channel-set. Working with an experienced jeweller is the best way to ensure that you choose a design that allows you to pair diamonds and other stones to suit the style of the ring. If your ring has white diamonds, you want these to provide sparkle without coloured stones ruining the effect.
You’ll also need to consider the cut and shape of the stone in the design. Some cuts work best with diamonds but may not work as well with stones that don’t catch the light. The goal of your design is to combine stones in a way that looks eye-catching rather than looking like an eyesore. Again, this is where an experienced jeweller will help you make the right choice on cuts and stone shapes.
This is a ring that you will wear for the rest of your married life. Choosing a ring that blends stones without clashing is essential. At Cape Diamonds, we’re here to turn your ideas into reality. Contact us now and let us help you start planning an engagement ring that brings your favourite stones together effortlessly.