The Perfect Gemstones for Engagement Rings

There has been an increase in the number of Millennials getting engaged. With this rise, we have seen a push to find engagement rings that make a statement. Millennials are willing to step away from the traditional diamond by purchasing gemstones to show off their individuality.

We get it! You want to make a statement with a beautiful colored gemstone in your engagement ring. But there are some things you should be aware of if you are considering gemstones. We have compiled a list of recommendations concerning gemstone engagement rings in lieu of purchasing the traditional diamond.

Choosing a colored gemstone over a diamond offers many benefits including color and customization. There are so many dazzling gemstones that allow you to create a unique engagement ring that will hold the test of time.

Mohs Hardness Scale

The first thing to consider when deciding on a gem is the Mohs Hardness Scale. This scale ranks gemstones and minerals on a grade of 1-10 based on factors such as its ability to scratch and shatter under pressure. A grade of 1 means it is extremely fragile while a grade of 10 means it is extremely durable.

For reference, diamonds score as a 10 on the scale. This is one of the reasons here at Brittany’s, we tend to stay away from gemstones such as opals and emeralds for use in an engagement ring. While opals, emeralds, and pearls are beautiful, their lower grade on the Mohs Hardness scale makes them undesirable for engagement rings. These pieces will be exposed to daily wear and we want to ensure a lifetime of beauty for your engagement ring.

The Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings

Don’t fear! Not all gemstones score low on the durability scale. In fact, many of the most common engagement ring gemstones score high on the scale. Below are some of the best gemstones for use in an engagement ring due to their durability.

Morganite

Morganite has been popular on many social media channels this past year. These gemstones have a blush pink coloration that makes them subtly different from a diamond. Yet, these stones stand out among the crowd. Gabriel and Co. has recently started offering these desirable gems to brides begging for some pink!

Rubies

With a Mohs’ hardness of 9.0, rubies are beautiful red gemstones that are a great alternative to the true diamond. The ruby has long-since been known as the “rock of love” throughout history. This precious gem is the perfect way to create a unique engagement ring when paired with diamonds or standing on its own!

Sapphire

Sapphires are also hardy gems that are perfect for the wear and tear that an engagement ring may experience over a lifetime. This gem provides a splash of color within your engagement ring, while still being protected from your daily habits. Although they may be used as the sole stone in a ring, they can also provide the perfect compliment to a traditional diamond center stone.

Black Diamonds

Black diamonds have recently grown in popularity as an alternative to the traditional diamond. These diamonds are almost as strong as the traditional diamond, making them a great choice for engagement rings! There are a couple of different options, should you choose black diamonds, which we have outlined in a previous blog on the black diamond engagement ring trend.

Gemstone Engagement Rings at Brittany’s Fine Jewelry

If you are still unsure about gemstone engagement rings, please visit us at our showroom in Thornebrook Village. Our jewelry experts would be happy to assist you and answer any questions!

We also have a previous blog-post that compares gemstone engagement rings vs. traditional engagement rings in case you’d like more information.