Posts Tagged ‘gemstone rings’

 

Types of Gemstone Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Choosing a gemstone engagement ring other than a diamond is a personal decision, and alternative gemstones can be just as beautiful as sparkling diamonds. There are many types of gemstone rings to choose from, whether off-the-rack or a customized version using specific gemstones that are important to you. Whichever type of gemstone engagement ring you choose, you should learn as much as you can about your options to find the perfect ring to commemorate your relationship.

 

Gemstone Engagement Rings

 

There are many types of gemstone rings that can be used as engagement rings. Even if they are not marketed as such, they can still be beautiful alternatives to a traditional diamond engagement ring.

 

Solitaires are beautiful choices but can be quite difficult to find in a non-diamond form. This is because most people want to accent a central gemstone with other stones to complement the design, so finding a particular gemstone solitaire that isn’t a diamond may not be feasible in off-the-rack styles.

 

Of course, you can always buy a loose stone and have it placed in a setting, or customize a solitaire gemstone ring to your liking.

 

Figural rings are another unique gemstone engagement ring choice that can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, and can be created using multiple gemstones to form the shape of flowers, animals or other objects.

 

You can also choose a particular gemstone and have it accented with diamonds or other stones and customize it to fit perfectly, no matter what your budget or style preferences.

 

Popular Gemstone Choices

 

When looking for alternative gemstones other than diamonds for an engagement ring, there are many options to choose from. However, certain gemstones are quite popular, and jewelers are liable to have a modest selection of certain gemstones on hand more so than others.

 

Rubies, for example, are very popular because their deep red color helps symbolize love and commitment, making them a perfect choice for engagement rings. Emeralds, sapphires and even traditional pearls are all also readily available at most jewelers, and can be used to customize nearly any type of engagement ring that strikes your fancy.

 

If you are worried about the cost of a gemstone engagement ring, oftentimes they can be much cheaper than a traditional diamond ring. Additionally, smaller and lower-quality diamonds can always be used as accent stones if you desire.

 

Important Considerations

 

When choosing a gemstone other than a diamond for your engagement ring, you should carefully check out the company and ask about its warranty and guarantees on the rings they sell. You do not want to buy a gemstone thinking it’s real and have it to turn out to be a synthetic stone.

 

Even though alternative gemstones are a break from the traditional diamond engagement rings, they still are just as beautiful and will be a cherished possession throughout the marriage. Learning about your options and how to choose the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring will help ensure the ring is as sparkling as your relationship!

Ruby Engagement Rings

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

If you want to break away from a traditional diamond ring, a beautiful ruby engagement ring may be the perfect choice. Their gorgeous red hue offer the symbolism of love and commitment while offering a unique twist on the traditional engagement ring. Before shopping for a ruby engagement ring, take the time to familiarize yourself with what makes rubies so valuable, and learn how to choose the perfect ruby for your bride-to-be’s ring.

 

How to Judge the Value of a Ruby

Rubies are gorgeous, classic and are a great alternative as the center stone for an engagement ring. Gemologists will look at the color and size of a ruby to help determine its value.

 

  • Color

 

Rubies are revered for their beautiful red hue, but the color can be neither too light nor too dark. Look for a ruby that has a rich, intense red, but not so dark that it will be confused with a garnet. Similarly, a ruby shouldn’t be so light as to look like it has hints of pink.

 

  • Size

 

Carat weight is an important way to determine the value of a ruby. Large rubies are quite rare; as such, naturally large, high-quality rubies will cost a small fortune – perhaps even more so than most diamonds!

 

Choosing a Ruby

When choosing a ruby for an engagement ring, it will be quite difficult to locate a stone free of flaws or imperfections. With that being said, it’s important to keep in mind that a ruby’s clarity is not always as good as other gemstones. With that in mind, look for a ruby that does not have any large cracks that could signal future problems down the road, and make sure the color is consistent throughout the entire stone. Avoid gems that have visible fractures or cracks, because you will inevitably need to take your ring in for repairs sooner than anticipated.

 

Shapes and Treatments

While the shape you choose for your ruby is a highly personal choice, ovals are arguably one of the most popular cuts for an engagement ring. Some shapes are harder to cut than others, and you should always choose a shape based on your budget and your bride-to-be’s personal preference. The majority of rubies also happen to be heat treated, which helps to enhance the color of the stone. Rubies that have not been treated with heat are exceptionally rare, and thus cost more. However, treated rubies have a more intense color and can often look even more beauty than rubies that have not undergone treatment.

 

Things to Check For

If you notice words such as “synthetic,” “created,” or similar terms describing a ruby, the stones have been created in a lab and are not technically natural. While lab-created rubies are grown to resemble a natural ruby in every visible way, they are not real and this should be disclosed prior to the sale.

 

Rubies are beautiful gemstone, and are a classic symbol of passionate love and commitment. If your bride-to-be desires a gemstone engagement ring, consider a ruby for a beautiful look.