All of us have heard our grandmas narrate the struggles of her diamond engagement ring. We’ve all received tips about maintaining, recognizing, and choosing the right diamond from an early age. And for that very reason, most of us do not require any guide or lead when shopping for a diamond engagement ring.
The case is quite opposite when it comes to a gemstone engagement ring. It’s a new trend, and there are plenty of gemstones out there. All of them seem to be too entrancing and too pretty.
So, how to know which one will best suit you? How to pick the right one?
Well, this guide aims to help with those very questions. So, hop along and allow us to guide you through!
The Four Leading Gemstones
Sure, there are many gemstone options out there. But four stones are most expensive and valued. These include:
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Rubies
- Sapphires
Yup. You read that right. Diamond is a gemstone too. But we’re not going to consider it in this guide for other gemstones. And that’s because diamond is the conventional and common choice. It’s the colored gemstones that are something new to us.
Emerald, rubies, and sapphires are the most sought-after gemstones because of their rich histories, pricey values, and gorgeous appearance. The purest of these stones are truly royalty in terms of appearance and feel.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
Next to these four most precious gemstones, we have an array of semi-precious stones. These differ from one another in terms of durability, looks, and vibe. They include:
- Tanzanite
- Amethyst
- Turquoise
- Morganite
- Garnet
- Pearl
- Moissanite
- Quartz
- Lapis Lazuli
- Tourmaline
- Topaz
- Opal
- Onyx
- Peridot
The list doesn’t end here. There are approximately 300 gemstones in total. A lot of them are used for crafting engagement and wedding rings. And each gemstone tends to have quite a lot of varieties depending on its four C’s (we’ll dissect these C’s in detail in the later section of this article).
However, from amongst these gemstones, the most popular engagement rings are crafted from:
- Aquamarine
- Garnet
- Alexandrite
- Topaz
- Amethyst
Topaz, alexandrite, and aquamarine rings are popular because they are cheap and elegant alternatives to sapphires. On the contrary, garnet engagement rings are an excellent alternative to ruby rings, while amethyst is a standalone and unique beauty. Although amethyst and Tanzanite are often in competing positions, amethyst wins the race because of its easy availability and affordable pricing.
Assess the Four C’s
The quality assessment process of any gemstone is the same as that of a diamond. You’ve to assess the Four C’s. For your understanding, here’s a quick explanation about each of these:
- Clarity: Clarity refers to the absence of imperfections, blemishes, and fractures in the stone. At times, these imperfections may also include inclusions, which are gas or liquid particles trapped inside. The greater the number of these imperfections, the less is its clarity. You can assess clarity under broad daylight.
- Carat: Carat determines the monetary value of a gemstone. It is basically a unit of measure (approximately 0.2 milligrams). Depending on the rarity level, demand, and mining procedures used for that stone, monetary carat value is determined.
- Cut: Cut refers to the shape of the stone. It’s not the raw stone but the final shape given by the ring or jewel manufacturer.
- Color: Color refers to the actual color of the stone. Although we classify most gemstones under an umbrella color term, they usually have a variety of shades. For example, amethyst is generally a purple stone. But its shades can vary from lavender to deep violet.
Choose the Right Ring
Now that you know all that you needed to familiarize yourself with gemstone rings, you’ve to follow only four simple steps to find your perfect ring:
- Step 1: Choose a stone based on your preferences for the looks of the engagement ring and your connection with the stone/color.
- Step 2: Consider what quantity (carat) of this stone fits in your budget.
- Step 3: Once decided, begin browsing online engagement ring stores with relevant filters. If possible, check out physical shops too. Consider all your options.
- Step 4: When you’ve chosen a price and a shop, purchase the ring. But before you purchase, assess color, clarity, and cut. Also, ensure that you pay a fair price and that the stone is backed with a guarantee.
Final Thoughts
By now, we hope you’re clear about your gemstone ring shopping process. The above details will help you navigate effectively. And in case of any questions or queries, feel free to reach out to us!