Which engagement ring stone would best suit your lifestyle?
When it comes to picking an engagement ring, the options are literally endless. Whether you’re choosing for yourself or on behalf of your partner, it can be difficult to know how to narrow down the thousands of variations available on the market.
A good place to start is by thinking about your lifestyle, or that of your partner. This can give you a good basis before you start properly browsing. But how can lifestyle affect your choice of ring, and which type of central stone will best suit yours? We look at the differences between three of the most popular gems on the market to help you find the perfect ring.
Diamond
No jewel is more synonymous with engagement rings than the diamond, and it’s still chosen by over 82% of couples. Whilst the first instance of a diamond ring proposal was recorded back in the 1400s, they didn’t become popular until last century, when jewellery companies made a push to make diamonds mainstream. But is this perennial favourite right for you?
It’s a timeless classic for a reason – nothing will give you that desired sparkle like a high-quality diamond. What’s more, being the hardest of all the gems, diamonds are more resistant to scratching, making them suitable for someone who lives a very active lifestyle or has a manual job.
But the diamond’s biggest attraction can also be its biggest drawback. The durability and rarity of diamonds means they typically attract a hefty price tag, which can put some buyers off. If you’re on a tight budget and wearing a statement ring isn’t important to you, then a diamond might not be the right choice.
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Sapphire
Sapphires are a great alternative to diamonds as a central stone for many reasons. Whilst diamonds are valued for their sparkle, the main attraction of a sapphire lies in the vividity of its colouring. Also, sapphires rank as one of the hardest gems on the Mohs hardness scale, making them a good alternative to diamonds if they better suit your style.
The boldness of a sapphire ring will certainly stand out and draw attention, so if your fashion sense is particularly outgoing then this could be the right choice for you. This stone even has links to the royal family, with both Kate Middleton and Princess Diana having worn an engagement ring decorated with a sapphire.
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Emeralds
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, an emerald might just be the perfect way to go.
Emeralds are relatively softer than diamonds and sapphires, meaning they are more prone to fracturing and scratching. It’s not uncommon to see inclusions (internal damage) in an emerald, which could affect the appearance of your ring.
However, the versatility of this particular gemstone means they suit a vast range of ring settings. This allows you to potentially counteract the softness of the stone by using a more protective setting around it. What’s more, emeralds will typically be the cheapest option out of the ones we’ve included in this list, so if you’re shopping on a budget, then consider investing in a beautiful emerald.
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