5 Diamond Alternatives Engagement Rings

1. Most Popular Diamond Alternatives Engagement Rings It is a universal truth that every love is different. Just like people, the dynamic that evolves between those people is unique. No two relationships are meant to look alike. Then why must an engagement ring? Rings have been used to signify the union in holy matrimony for ages. But that’s about as traditional as they need to be. From the vows to the dessert menu, everything about your wedding needs to be an expression of your love, curated to your needs. So don’t just settle for a common engagement ring without exploring all the options.

2. While diamonds have established their monopoly as the default wedding ring gemstones, there are other, very intriguing fish in the sea. Here are the top diamond alternatives for engagement rings 1. Sapphire Engagement Ring Scoring an impressive 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Sapphires are one of the most durable naturally occurring elements in nature. Sapphires come in a range of colors from sunkissed yellows to peachish- pinks and vivid greens. In spite of this rich palette of colors, blue sapphires have emerged as not only the most coveted variety of sapphires but also one of the most coveted colored gemstones in the world.

3. So much so that even the word’s etymology draws from its blueness. The word originates from the Latin word “saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros”, both of which mean blue. Blue sapphires have been the muses of many myths. The Ancient Persians believed the world was held up by a pedestal made of sapphires, the reflection of which gave the sky its blue color. The ancient Greeks on the other hand associated the blue gemstone with Apollo, the Olympian god of the sun. Many ancient cultures revered blue sapphires for their healing properties while others upheld it as the stone of destiny. Blue sapphires were particularly popular among the Royals of Europe and Asia. The Rockefeller Sapphire, one of the most famous sapphires in history, was worn by the American Tycoon J.D Rockefeller’s two wives. He acquired it from the Nizam of Hyderabad. Princess Diana’s 12-carat oval cut Ceylon blue sapphire engagement ring has remained the most famous engagement ring in history. 2. Ruby Engagement Ring Also known as ‘The King of Gemstones’, Ruby’s dazzling red hues make it a front runner. The word ruby comes from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. While rubies may be limited in terms of color when compared to sapphires, The shades of ruby red can vary greatly. Ruby grabs extra brownie points for being the stone of passion and love.

4. Ruby is also supposed to channel powerful energy which brings harmony in familial relations. According to the 11th-century scholar al-Biruni, Ruby holds “first place in color, beauty and rank”. Burmese rubies are one of the most famous on account of their high quality and vivid red color. When it comes to red gemstones, there is no parallel to rubies. They have everything it takes to be the perfect center stone in a modern ruby engagement ring. 3. Emerald Engagement Ring Emeralds are timeless as the finest green stones known to mankind. The exquisite gemstones are born of a chemical cocktail made of iron, chromium, and vanadium that are mixed in beryl. When iron is in excess emeralds take on a bluish hue while Chromium and vanadium are responsible for the gestone’s vivid green color.

5. The variables in color and clarity are parameters in assessing an emerald’s worth. Emeralds are very precious and consequently, they cost a pretty penny. 1 carat of naturally mined high-quality emerald can be valued between $1,000 and $3,000. Like blue sapphires, Emeralds were also patronized by monarchies across the globe. The famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra was a known connoisseur of emeralds. Coincidentally, Hollywood Royalty Elizabeth Taylor who famously portrayed Cleopatra is also remembered for her memorable emerald necklace. Emeralds score between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, indicating that they are durable for daily wear. Emeralds encapsulate the chic sophistication everyone desires in a piece of jewelry, making it one of the most suitable diamond alternatives for engagement rings.

6. 4. Alexandrite Engagement Ring If you can't seem to make up your mind between ruby and emerald, alexandrite may be right up your alley. Alexandrite has the unique ability to change colors in different lighting and has been described by geologists as “emerald by day, ruby by night”. This chameleon of a gemstone was originally unearthed in the Ural mountains in the 1830s by miners collecting emeralds. It is a relatively new gemstone. Eventually, deposits were also discovered in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Eastern Africa but the gemstone remains extremely rare and precious. It is in good company with pearls as the June birthstone. The ability of alexandrite to change color in different lighting is symbolic of deeper meanings that persist below the surface and must be understood. It is also emblematic of the intangible forces in the universe which cannot be controlled but cannot be denied. Love is one such force.

7. Alexandrites are therefore associated with romance and would make for an extremely thoughtful choice as the centre stone of an engagement ring. They score 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they are even more durable than emeralds. 5. Tanzanite Engagement Ring Found exclusively by the foothills of Africa’s gargantuan Kilimanjaro, Tanzanite is counted among the world’s rarest gemstones. Apart from its limited availability, tanzanite is also deemed rare for its color. It is one of the only trichroic gemstones on the planet. This means that the gemstone sports three composite colors, namely: Blue, purple, and reddish brown. This unique condition is engendered by Tanzanite’s chemical composition which is conducive for double refraction of white light as it passes through the stone. Typically, the shades of tanzanite can vary from a rich cornflower blue to different hues of lilac.

8. As the light shifts from cooler to warmer tones, the stone displays flashes of deep red. This mystical coloring makes the gemstone truly special. The stone also offers a lucrative investment opportunity. Tanzanite’s only reserves known to man are in the nation of Tanzania in East Africa and they are being exhausted rapidly. While miners are always on the lookout, the geological conditions present in Tanzania which are conducive to the genesis of tanzanite are just as rare as the gemstone. Therefore, the chances of finding a different source for Tanzanites are very slim. No matter how intimate you try to make it, planning a wedding can be very expensive. As life goes on, the added responsibilities of having a family only accelerate these expenses. Wouldn't it be wonderful then, to not only choose a ring that is beautiful and rare but also a financial asset? A well-thought-out investment that you can lean on in the years to come? Marriage is a commitment and you may want to look at tanzanite as a wise way to honor that commitment. While the aforementioned are my top picks we have only scratched the surface. There are several other decisions to be made. What ring setting are you considering and what shape would you like your gemstone to be?