Alternative Stones for Engagement Rings: Beautiful Gemstone Settings
Engagement rings come in a variety of styles and materials, and one popular choice for couples is using gemstones instead of traditional diamonds. This trend has gained momentum as more and more couples look for a unique and personalized piece of jewelry that reflects their personal style. One of the standout options is sapphires, which fall just short of diamonds in hardness but offer a range of vibrant colors. Additionally, morganite stands out as a soft pink gemstone that can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any ring setting.
Why Choose Gemstones for Your Engagement Ring?
Gemstones offer a range of benefits that make them a worthy alternative to diamonds. Firstly, sapphires, a type of corundum, are one of the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale at a 9, just one step below diamonds which are a 10. This makes sapphires durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. Furthermore, sapphires come in an array of colors, including blue, pink, purple, yellow, green, and white, which adds versatility to designs. Pink, often associated with elegance and femininity, is a particularly popular color in morganite.
Morganite: A Soft and Charming Choice
Morganite, a type of beryl, is known for its beautiful pastel pink to pink-orange hues, with shades of pinkish salmon. The softness of morganite makes it a bit more delicate compared to diamonds or sapphires, ranking between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale. This means it requires more care and regular cleaning to maintain its brilliance and luster. To clean morganite rings, it's recommended to do so once a week using a soft toothbrush, gentle dish soap, warm water, and a paper towel for drying.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Gemstone Engagement Ring
Cleaning most gemstones is relatively easy and straightforward. For those who prefer to do it themselves, the process involves using a soft toothbrush, a little gentle dish soap, warm water, and a paper towel. Simply brush the ring gently, rinse it well, and dry it thoroughly. It's advisable to have your ring professionally cleaned once a year to ensure it stays as beautiful as the day it was purchased.
Choosing the Right Setting and Gemstone
When selecting an engagement ring, couples can choose between a custom-made piece or one that is already designed. Jewelers are increasingly catering to their customers' preferences, offering a wide range of gemstone options and designs. Whether you're seeking a unique and personalized ring or a classic design, you have the flexibility to choose both your gemstone and the perfect setting. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular, as couples can browse and select from many resources by simply entering 'gemstones engagement rings' into their search.
Finding the Perfect Ring
Both brick-and-mortar and online jewelers provide a wealth of options to help couples find their ideal engagement ring. A quick search online will yield numerous jewelers and retailers specializing in gemstone engagement rings. You can explore different styles, cuts, and settings to find the perfect match, whether you prefer a solitaire design or a more elaborate setting featuring multiple gemstones.
Conclusion
The decision to choose a gemstone-based engagement ring is a significant yet rewarding choice, offering a unique and personalized touch to your love story. By exploring the qualities of popular gemstones like sapphires and morganites, couples can create an engagement ring that not only celebrates their relationship but also reflects their personal style. With the right care and attention, these gemstones will continue to shine brightly, symbolizing the enduring commitment between soulmates.