Diamonds may be the world’s go-to when it comes to ring shopping for that special proposal, but there are plenty of exciting gemstone options if you are looking for a more unique engagement ring.
Even though diamonds became the ring standard in the 1930s, today’s couples are opting for something that fits their individual love story, shows off a pop of color, or is more budget friendly while still being an enchanting gem.
A Gem of a Proposal
A gemstone engagement ring refers to any engagement ring without a diamond center stone. While choosing a gem instead of a diamond gives you personality and uniqueness, there are pros and cons to your decision.
Benefits:
- You can express your colorful personality
- It can be more cost effective
- It may you to get a larger stone and more shapes are readily available
Risks:
- Lower hardness (meaning the stone can be scratched or chipped easier)
- It can be difficult to replace the stone with an exact likeness as their colors and shapes vary
Selecting Your Stone
You’ve decided to go the non-traditional route but with so many types of gems, colors, prices, and styles, what is the best one to pick?
The Classics:
These gems include sapphires, rubies, emeralds which can stand the test of time and give beautiful color while still being elegant.
The Romantics:
This category contains amethyst, morganite, pearls and garnets. They evoke thoughts of warmth and love while adding that special touch of romance to your ring. Be careful when choosing these as they are softer stones that can be damaged easier than a classic gem.
The Lookalike:
If you want something diamond-like but can’t handle the price tag and want something a bit more eco-friendly, consider moissanite. Not man-made, it was first discovered in a meteor crater and is close in hardness to a diamond.
The Trendsetters:
In an era of contemporary and unique looks the world can be your oyster. Look at any fun stone such as the deep blue lapis lazuli, black onyx, multi-colored tanzanite, or warm sunny citrine.
When choosing your unique stone, ask your local jeweler about its durability and hardness so that your engagement gem lasts as long as your eternal love story. Once the decision is made and the ring is ready to adorn your finger, contact Lavalier to get your free personalized insurance quote. Don’t pop the question before this new treasure is protected from damage, theft, and loss.
Looking for more info on gemstones? Read our Guide to Buying Gemstones right here on the Lavalier Blog.