What Are Some Unique Options For Engagement Ring Stones Besides Diamond?

by ralphg on December 13, 2009

Brought to you by antique emerald cut rings.

If you are asking this question, congratulate yourself: few people ever stop to consider the many beautiful options open to them when buying engagement rings. Many have rigid pre- conceived notions that they refuse to swerve from them.

Just because a couple is thrifty and desires to save money to be invested elsewhere in their marriage, it doesn’t mean that the choice of an engagement ring need be humdrum.  Thinking outside the traditional can often mean finding a ring that will introduce symbolism into their special relationship, romance and even something novel that will be the envy of their friends. 

The choices break down into three categories, if you are going to have a ring at all. You are able to choose a ring without a stone: a simple band that is able to harmonize with a wedding band, perhaps even engraved with meaningful words to you, or embossed with a pattern that goes along with and coordinates with your choices of wedding bands.

You can do an array of different things with the bands and wedding set. You can double the band and mix and match them as you please.   For a dual wedding ring set, you would like something unique to symbolize your love and still manage within your budget so negotiating a price with a jewelry designer may be the answer to your dilemma. 

If you choose a stone, the remaining two choices are to go with some form of stone or synthetic that looks like diamond, or simply lighting out for the unknown country and finding a stone that suits you perfectly, both as individuals and as a couple.

Cubic Zirconium is the most preferred and known substitute for  diamond, though it  weights more and looks duller than a pure diamond and may even wane in color with usage. Many people will choose this over a diamond to save money.

Moissanite is a stone that is produced in a laboratory. It is patterned after a crystal located in the center of a meteorite and is an excellent choice, despite costing somewhat more than stones of cubic zirconium. The stone is twice as brilliant and slightly harder than diamond. Of course it  increases the beauty of the diamond but also leads to identification by those who want the muted fire of the diamond., and refracts lightness somewhat differently, directing whatever group to find that it has a sick chromatic color. The pros and cons of Moissanite are largely a matter of taste.

White sapphire has been used as a diamond substitute for over a hundred years now. When compared with a diamond, the white sapphire is less durable and its fire is softer, but because of its ability to be cut like a diamond few will challenge its lovely luster and beauty.

There are so many options besides diamonds that you may have a hard time picking a type of stone for your ring. Because the stone will be worn constantly over a long period of time it is wise to choose stones with strength and hardness: ruby, sapphire, jade, and similar stones are good choices.

A color that blends well with the range of colors that are frequently worn is generally a good choice to make. But beyond that the entire world of fine stones is open. What about a star sapphire or some other type of carborundum like a ruby stone? Of course! This is a gorgeous variation in comparison to a faceted diamond stone. Jade which has been carved and set in gold is a great option don’t you think? It lasts a long time and comes in a variety of colors.

The varieties an engagement ring can offer go beyond your imaginary powers. This ring is a symbol of the love you have. It’s time to sit down and have a serious discussion about engagement rings if either of you thinks, “perhaps we should spend the money more wisely”, or doesn’t seem excited at the idea of a diamond.  There are many choices available to you, some inexpensive, so it may be time to start talking about  some of them.

For more please see pear shaped diamond rings and three stone princess engagement rings.

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