Colored gemstones are great alternatives to diamonds. Choosing the perfect colored gemstones for your engagement ring is a deeply personal and meaningful decision. Colored gemstone engagement rings also have a rich history dating back centuries.
So, when you opt for a colored gemstone for engagement rings, you should keep the following things in mind-
- Durability and hardness
- The quality of the gemstones
- Ethical consideration
- The right setting of the gemstones
- Historical provenance
- Origin of gemstones
- Price and more.
Here, we will discuss the essential elements of choosing the perfect gemstones for engagement rings. This will help you make an informed decision that you will cherish for years.
Why Colored Gemstones?
Colored gemstones are not diamonds but great alternatives to diamonds. The key factor that separates colored gemstones from diamonds is their colors.
Colored gemstones have millions of color variations, and many have inclusions. Because of the following aspects, colored gemstones make stunning alternatives to diamonds for engagement rings.
- Cost lower than diamond.
- Has millions of varieties.
- Some colored gems’ rarity makes them desired by people.
- Different colored gems have different meanings to a lot of people.
Consider Colored Gemstone Durability and Hardness While Choosing
An engagement ring is a ring that goes through all pain throughout its life. It goes through unintentional hitting on the surface and generally being exposed to harsh conditions.
Since diamonds are very hard, they are suitable and perfect for engagement rings. But that doesn’t mean there is no alternative to it. There are hard enough colored gemstones that can go with you through your lifetime.
To pick the best colored gemstone with great durability and hardness, let’s understand the hardness & durability of gemstones.
Mohs Hardness Scale
Mohs hardness refers to the scratch resistance of gemstones' surfaces. The scale was introduced by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812.
The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest. Diamond is the hardest mineral, with a hardness of 10 in the Mohs hardness list.
But, apart from diamonds, there are some colored gemstones that are also durable and hard to withstand daily wear and tear for your lifetime.
- Moissanite (9.5): This is extremely hard and the second hardest to diamond.
- Ruby, Sapphire(9): Extremely hard and resistant to scratches.
- Topaz (8): Hard and resistant to scratches.
- Emerald, Aquamarine (7.5 to 8): hard but can be brittle due to natural inclusion.
These are just some examples. You can choose your desired gemstones based on the hardness you require for your every use.
Durability vs. Hardness
Although hardness plays a significant role in durability, it is not the sole one. Toughness (the ability to withstand chipping and breaking) and stability (the ability to withstand chemicals and heat) are further characteristics of durability.
For instance, even though Moissanite is the toughest colored gemstone, a strong enough force can cause it to crack or shatter. Similarly, even though emeralds are extremely durable, they frequently include inclusions that increase their susceptibility to harm.
Selecting a colored gemstone that complements your lifestyle will be easier if you know its whole durability profile.
Choose Colored Gemstones By Evaluating Gemstone Quality
Though not always, but yet the 4 Cs can be considered to evaluate the quality of gemstones. They are color, clarity, cut, and carat.
Let’s see how these 4 elements express the royalty of colored gemstones.
#1 Color Grading
Do you know which aspect of the gemstone catches the eye first? Of course, it’s the color of the gemstone. Gemstone color grading is one of the aspects in which gemstone quality is judged.
Colors have different aspects that determine the value and brilliance of the gemstones.
- Hue: Hue is the color itself. For example, sapphire is mostly known for its blue color, while emeralds mostly have greenish or yellowish hues.
Most gemstones come with primary and secondary hues. However, gemstones with only the primary hue are more pricey and valuable.
But yet, you can opt for gemstones that come with two hues if they fit your personality.
- Tone: Tone refers to the depth of the color. It is categorized into 5 categories:
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- Light
- Medium-light
- Medium
- Medium-dark, and
- Dark
To determine the exact tone, put the gemstone away from direct light and see what tone opacity it is. Grab one that matches your skin tone.
- Saturation: It is the range of color from pure to gray, ranging from 100% to 0%. More saturated gemstones are vivid, and less saturated ones are considered washed out.
More saturated gems are more pricey. But it is up to you which level of color saturation makes you happy.
#2 Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in gems. These gemstone inclusions are usually gas bubbles, liquids, or minerals that form in nature.
Gemstones are divided into 3 types of clarity with 11 grades by GIA.
- Gemstones like morganite, aquamarine, and tanzanite fall under Type-I: usually eye-clean, which means they have no visible inclusions under 10x magnification.
- On the other hand, gemstones like ruby, sapphire, peridot, etc., fall under type II- usually included, where inclusions may be seen under 10x. However, if heavy inclusion is found in ruby, its value will decrease.
- Gemstones like emeralds and tourmaline fall under Type-III: always included, always have inclusion. But this inclusion of emerald clarity doesn’t decrease the value of these gems.
#3 Cut
Who doesn’t want the best cut/shaped gems when looking for gemstones for engagement rings? As gem lovers, we believe you must know that the cut is the heart of the design elegance of gemstones.
The cut is a proportional and symmetrical gem arrangement into a given facet.
An expert cut of gems ensures maximum quality. A well-cut gemstone reflects light evenly on each side, enhancing its color, clarity, and excellence.
Opt for the best cut of gemstone that reflects your personality since the cut of the gemstone sparkles in prestige.
#4 Carat
Gemstone carat weight refers to the size of the gemstones. 1 full carat is 0.2 grams. So, it is expected that the bigger the gem, the higher the price is.
However, though a bigger gemstone is desirable, you have to choose the size according to color, clarity, and cut to ensure overall appearance excellence.
Ethical Gemstones Consideration While Choosing
Ethical sourcing is important when choosing your gemstones for engagement rings. Because, as a human being, you must be concerned about environmental impact and human rights.
Since gemstones are naturally sourced, be assured that the gem you hold is sourced responsibly.
To be assured,
- Ask for certificates or documents from the seller to confirm the gemstone’s origin.
- Look for gemstones certified by respective organizations in your country. For example, ask for the certification of laboratories listed on GAHK in Hong Kong, the Gemological Institute of America, or the American Gem Society in America.
Lab-Grown Gemstones
Though naturally sourced gemstones are desired by most people, lab-grown gemstones can be the future of gemstones. Lab-grown gemstones are created in a controlled environment. Still, they are physically and chemically identical to their natural counterparts.
They are environmentally friendly, free from ethical concerns, and less expensive. Though lab-grown gemstones are not the exact alternative to naturally sourced gemstones, you can opt for such gemstones if they satisfy your desire.
Consider Setting Styles for Gemstones Choosing
The setting for gemstones refers to the metal base that holds the gemstone on the rings. The setting style greatly impacts the overall look and durability of the gemstones.
So, when you pick your desired gemstone, you should keep the popular setting styles for gemstones and choose the perfect one wisely based on your lifestyle.
- Prong Setting: The most common type of gemstone setting. This is known as head to jewelers. It is a claw-shaped type with 3 to 6 prongs for each head.
- It maximizes the light exposure from many angles and enhances the brilliance.
- Bezel Setting: A continuous metal band holds the gemstone from all sides and exposes only the crown. This ensures excellent protection for gemstones, especially for softer gems.
- Invisible Setting: The most luxurious gemstone setting that shows the entire royal beauty of the gemstone. It requires mastery of top-expert jewelers.
Aside from the setting mentioned above, Halo, channel, bead, and burnish are some popular gemstone settings. You can choose the one that perfectly matches your desire.
Consider Vintage Gemstones for Historical Provenance
Vintage gemstone engagement rings have historical appeal because they tell a story. They also have interactive details and unique settings that distinguish them from modern engagement rings.
The price of a vintage colored gemstone engagement ring can go up to millions of dollars. If you are an antique lover, you may opt for vintage engagement gemstone rings at a higher price.
However, before purchasing a vintage gemstone ring, verify its historical authenticity and check its condition.
Check for Gemstone Origins
The price and value of some gemstones are also determined based on their origin. For example, you have to spend more on Colombian emeralds than other countries.
Depending on color and size, the price of a Colombian emerald can reach $1,50,000 per carat weight.
On the other hand, Zambian emeralds are way more affordable than Colombian emeralds.
In some cases, Pakistani Swat and Panjshir emeralds are also expensive, sometimes more than Colombian ones.
So, check the gemstone's origin for engagement rings to determine its price ideally.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
Price is always an X factor in purchasing something, and gemstones aren’t an exception.
If you have already determined your maximum budget, remember this when choosing your gemstone for engagement rings. This will help you determine which gemstones are available within your budget and make it easier to pick the perfect choice.
Popular Gemstones for Engagement Rings
Now, it’s our turn to provide you with some straight suggestions for unique and popular gemstones.
#1 Ruby
Without any doubt, Ruby, with a brilliant red hue, represents love and value. With their extensive durability and stunning color, Ruby takes control of a big portion of appeal among colored gemstones.
#2 Sapphire
Sapphire, intense blue varieties are trendy gemstones for engagement rings. They are almost as hard as diamonds and also come in other colors, including pink, yellow, green, etc.
Sapphire engagement rings represent royalty, love, and excellence among the gemstones.
#3 Emerald
With a greenish hue and saturation, emeralds are a favorite among gemstone lovers. They are loved for their historical value, inclusion, and royal beauty.
However, choose emeralds with a good balance of clarity and color representing its maximum value.
#4 Moissanite
Moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds but much more affordable. Since naturally mined Moissanite is very rare, lab-grown ones are excellent alternatives.
They are environmentally friendly and simply the perfect choice for everyday use.
#5 Other Colored Gemstones
Aside from the gemstones mentioned above, there are also many more popular gemstones that people love. Topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, peridot, and many more are famous and brilliant in terms of excellence, price point, and durability.
Final Thoughts
If choosing the perfect gemstone for engagement is an art, we, Saratti, master it. We help you find the gemstones that best suit you.
Aside from this, we can evaluate your choice and help you customize it. You can buy prebuilt engagement rings from us or create personalized rings with the best features.
It's beyond obvious that choosing the perfect colored gemstone for an engagement ring is incredibly personal. Choosing what best speaks to you, blending aesthetics with symbolism and color, can be a bit challenging at times. That is why our online bespoke experience coordinators are ever ready to assist you in designing the perfect colored gemstone engagement rings. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, choose whatever gemstone that speaks to you at your own pace. Our experts will guide you in designing the finest gemstone ring while keeping in mind your budget, taste, and style, while enjoying a lifetime guarantee. Design your dream colored gemstone engagement ring today.