Posts Tagged ‘Alternative Gemstones’

 

The Beauty of a Peridot Engagement Ring

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Peridot is known for its beautiful light green color, and can look fabulous when incorporated into an engagement ring design. In fact, engagement rings with center gemstones other than diamonds are becoming a very popular alternative to the traditional engagement rings with center diamonds.

 

Peridot Engagement Ring Styles

A genuine peridot stone will have a gorgeous, subtle green hue and looks well incorporated into a variety of engagement ring designs. Vintage and antique style engagement rings often use peridot, because the lovely color works well with these types of ring styles.

 

Solitaire rings do not often use peridot, but the stone looks very nice paired with small diamonds or pearls as accent stones. Emeralds, citrine and other yellow-ish or green stones are also popular as accent stones, because of the similarity in color.

 

Surprisingly, purple stones (such as amethyst) look especially striking when paired with the light green hue of peridot. This makes for a distinctive and highly unique engagement ring, and will undoubtedly turn heads wherever you go.

 

If you’re wondering about the types of metal that work well with peridot, you should be happy to know that nearly all metals complement the gemstone.

 

Most peridot engagement rings are set in a white gold or silver band, but peridot also complements yellow gold as well. Platinum is another option, but because of the expense most couples choose a less expensive precious metal.

 

Finding the Perfect Peridot Stone

If you choose to use peridot as the center stone for your engagement ring, it is very important that you know how to identify a quality stone from a poor quality stone.

 

Carefully examine the color of the peridot gemstones you are interested in. They should be a light green, with more hints of yellow than brown. You also want to make sure the stone you buy is naturally colored, and not treated to enhance the hue.

 

Check for flaws and imperfections as well, since the light color of peridot will make flaws much more visible.

 

Finally, peridot engagement rings require much more care than other gemstones, since peridot is quite soft and more likely to scratch or become damaged. Because of this, you should always store the ring when not in use in a safe location, away from other jewelry that may damage the stone.

 

Additionally, you shouldn’t wear a peridot engagement ring with a wedding band or any other jewelry, as the stone can become easily damaged and scratched.

 

If you are having a hard time locating a peridot ring at your local jewelers, try searching for peridot during its assigned birthstone month. During the rest of the year, a jeweler may have a limited selection of peridot rings, but they are often difficult to come by. Instead, try browsing online retailers for suitable peridot rings that suit your budget and your stylistic preferences.

 

Peridot engagement rings are a striking and unique alternative to traditional diamond rings, and look stunning when combined with a variety of precious metals or other gemstones. While it may be difficult to find a peridot that is suitable for an engagement ring, the effort will be well worth it when you find the perfect gem to incorporate into an engagement ring design!

 

To read more about Peridot, please visit our friends at Du Lyon Fine Jewelers and read their facts about Peridot gemstones here.

Amethyst Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

For the bride-to-be who desires something a little different, an amethyst engagement ring is the perfect option. While colorless diamonds are the traditional stone found in most engagement rings, there’s no rule that says you can’t use alternative stones for a gorgeous, unique look.

 

Amethyst’s distinct purple hue makes it a wonderful choice for use in an engagement ring, and there are actually a surprising amount of options when searching for the perfect amethyst ring.

 

Amethyst Engagement Ring Designs

 

While amethyst rings may not typically be marketed as engagement rings, there are still many beautiful options to choose from.

 

Figural rings are a unique choice, and often use amethyst stones as accents in a flower or insect shape, such as a butterfly or daisy. Of course, an amethyst ring with other accent stones, such as tiny diamonds, is a lovely choice as well, especially paired with a white gold or platinum band.

 

Three stone rings are an extra symbolic touch, as the three stones represent the past, present and future of the relationship. While these rings traditionally use diamonds, amethysts can easily be incorporated into your very own three-stone design for a unique look.

 

For a distinctive appearance, eternity bands encrusted with small amethyst stones are beautiful. Eternity bands literally look like the entire band is created from nothing but gemstones, and while this may be a more expensive option it is certainly gorgeous and will undoubtedly turn heads.

 

Of course, while you’re looking for the perfect amethyst engagement ring you should be aware that amethyst is usually paired with other gemstones to complete the design. It’s pretty rare to find a ring with only amethysts, but if you are willing to spend the time and money for a customized ring you can design it nearly however you want.

 

Also keep in mind that yellow gold can change the visual appearance of a stone, so amethyst is not usually paired with a yellow gold band.

 

Even though amethyst is much more available now than it was in older times, most jewelers do not stock a significant amount of amethyst rings. In other words, you are likely going to have to customize and design your own amethyst engagement ring.

 

Find a jeweler you trust and who is reputable to customize the ring for you, and make sure you understand exactly how much you can afford to spend. Amethyst engagement rings can cost a few hundred dollars to upwards of one thousand dollars or more depending on the design and materials used to create the ring.

 

Searching for an amethyst engagement ring may take some time, but the time and money invested may prove to be well worth it when you realize how beautiful and unique your engagement ring will be. While they are unusual, amethyst engagement rings offer a stunning way to memorialize your relationship and with the proper care, will continue to shine for many years to come.

 

Alternative Gemstones for Your Engagement Ring

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Engagement rings are meant to symbolize something precious and beautiful. Diamonds are undoubtedly gorgeous, but they are not your only option when selecting an engagement ring. Many couples are choosing rings with center gemstones instead of the traditional white diamond.

 

If you choose to go this route, there are many gemstones that are historically linked with love and similar emotions. A gemstone engagement ring with this kind of symbolism can be a wonderful break from tradition and offers an affordable, unique alternative to traditional rings.

 

Red Gemstones

 

Red gemstones are usually associated with love and passion. Rubies are used to symbolize love and enduring friendship, but other red gemstones can be used as the center stone for an engagement ring. Garnets are an affordable alternative to Rubies, and symbolize passionate devotion to your loved ones.

 

While more pink than red, rose Quartz has long been used to promote love and bring peace to relationships. This gemstone would be an exceptionally unique stone to use in an engagement ring.

 

Green Gemstones

 

Symbolically linked to faithfulness, green gemstones are a beautiful alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. Emeralds are the most popular choice and were historically believed to promote love and faithfulness among partners. Green Tourmaline, Jade, or Tsavorite (green Garnets) are also excellent choices.

 

Blue Gemstones

 

Blue gemstones have long been linked to purity and spirituality, and are an excellent choice as a center stone for engagement rings. Sapphires are a popular choice because they symbolize reliability, permanence and harmony. Lapis Lazuli, while traditionally more expensive than other gemstones, symbolizes friendship and trust, making it the perfect stone for an engagement ring.

 

Aquamarine signifies trust, harmony and lasting relationships and can be very attractive as a center stone. Iolite also works well as the center stone because of its amazing durability and beautiful color. Blue Tourmaline, said to represent honesty and tolerance, can also be used.

 

Pearls

 

Pearls have long been associated with weddings and would make an exceptionally unique choice when used in an engagement ring. Said to represent purity and innocence, pearls are a gorgeous testament to undying love between a couple. If you choose to use a pearl as the center stone, look for a setting that will complement the stones beauty, such as an antique setting.

 

 

If you’d like, you can have small diamonds on each side of the center pearl for a truly unique engagement ring that combines the symbolism of both stones.

 

Birthstones

 

Birthstone engagement rings are truly symbolic of a couple’s love for one another. Combine a birthstone ring with small diamonds within the setting, or allow the ring to stand alone as a testament to your love. Whatever you choose, the ring will be a lasting reminder of the one you love and are an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

 

Gemstone engagement rings are an affordable alternative to traditional diamonds and are a unique way to express true love and passion. Because many gemstones are historically symbolic of love, purity and enduring relationships, choosing a gemstone engagement ring offers a beautiful representation of your love and life together.