Gemstone engagement rings are growing in popularity because of their unique colours, big size, and affordability. These dazzling precious stone engagement rings are available in a parade of hues and are tailored to suit your personality.
Colourful gemstones represent your more vibrant, lively, and less traditional side. They make an exquisite choice for a centre stone. But, all gemstones have different hardness levels, so some may not be suitable engagement ring centre stones.
Knowing which gemstones are durable and which may chip and scratch easily is vital. To find out the hardness of a gemstone, you need to understand the Mohs Hardness Scale.
In this article, we explore gemstone engagement rings Canada. From choosing your gemstone and popular gem engagement rings, to properly caring for your stone. We cover everything you need to know.
What are gemstone engagement rings?
Gemstone engagement rings are a type of engagement ring that does not consist of a diamond. These rings often feature traditional engagement ring settings such as the solitaire, three-stone, and halo. However, some couples prefer a less traditional setting to hold their unique centre stone.
Popular engagement rings with gemstones include emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Other gemstone engagement rings are also becoming more common. These are stones such as opal, aquamarine, morganite, tanzanite, and amethyst. However, some of these precious stones cannot endure daily wear.
Why choose gemstones over diamonds?
Gemstone rings engagement goes as far back as diamond engagement rings. But they are only now becoming more popular, especially among younger couples. There are different reasons why couples prefer gemstones to diamonds.
The main reason is that coloured gemstones express individuality more, as colours have significant meanings. Some may want gemstones for engagement rings because the colour may symbolize something important to them, or it may just be their favourite colour.
How to choose a gemstone for an engagement ring
Your favourite colour
A good and safe option is to choose your favourite colour unless your favourite colour is constantly changing. If you’re looking for something more meaningful, then pick a gemstone that best represents your love and commitment as a couple.
While colour is an important factor when choosing your gemstone for your engagement ring, you also need to think about the hardness of the stone.
Hardness and stability
Remember, your engagement ring is a piece of jewellery you will wear for the rest of your life. Harder stones mean that they are more durable.
The hardness of your gemstone is determined by a Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks gemstones according to their durability. Choose a gem with a minimum hardness ranking of 7. Anything less than this will be risky.
Diamonds are the most durable gemstone, with a 10/10 ranking. These classic precious stones cannot be scratched by anything other than another diamond.
Stability, on the other hand, refers to how well a gemstone can withstand exposure to light, chemicals, and changes in humidity and temperature. Extreme temperature changes can damage gemstones like opals and tanzanite. Opals can crack in low humidity or when exposed to heat.
Light, heat and household chemicals can have a negative impact on most natural gems.
Wearing your engagement ring every day can result in a lot of wear and tear. So it's essential to pick a gemstone that will withstand these potential damages. Any gem can embellish your engagement ring, but not every gemstone should.
Protective setting
Another factor to remember is choosing a protective setting for your delicate engagement ring. Channel settings, for example, feature a gold frame which shields gemstones from being damaged.
Qualities to look for in a gemstone
While there is no right and wrong regarding gemstone engagement rings, as the stone you pick depends on your personal preference, you should consider a few factors. Despite the size and type of your gemstone, it is essential to look out for these three qualities.
Colour
The colour of a gemstone is one of the most significant characteristics of the stone. Generally, gems with the most intense colour, or saturation, are more valuable than those that have a lighter hue.
Whatever you do, make sure you pick a colour that you like because you are going to be looking at it every day.
Clarity
The clarity of a gemstone is determined by identifying how many inclusions are present. These minor flaws include minerals, gas bubbles, and liquid that gets trapped in the gem when it is formed.
Impeccably clean gemstones are the most sought after, but in most cases, inclusions add to the uniqueness of the gem and give it more character.
Cut
A well-cut gemstone is essential for symmetry and proportion. Gemstones are cut in a way that enhances their unique features, such as their brilliance, colour, and clarity.
Gemstones can be cut differently depending on the number and size of facets carved into their surface. Different cuts highlight other elements of the stone.
Popular gemstones for engagement rings
The most important thing to consider when looking for a gemstone for your engagement ring is how the stone appeals to you.
Sapphire engagement rings
A blue sapphire is a popular engagement ring choice. From cool blue to rich, royal blue, the saturation makes it an elegant and classic choice. Sapphires are not only beautiful but also hold a deeper meaning.
Sapphires represent faith, hope, and connection to a higher source. They also symbolize honesty, royalty and loyalty, which is perfect for an engagement ring. Sapphire stone wedding rings are also a popular centre stone alternative to diamonds.
These stones dazzle in step cuts and have a Moh rating of 9, making them one of the hardest gemstones after diamonds. They are extremely durable and can be worn on a daily basis.
Pink sapphire engagement rings
The pink sapphire reminisces summer sunsets and looks stunning when set in white gold. Pink sapphires are rarer than their blue equivalents. Vivid hot pinks have a higher value than the other pink tones.
Pink sapphires represent good fortune and love, a fitting gemstone for an engagement ring.
Ruby engagement rings
A ruby engagement ring symbolizes passion, romance, and success. It is a
blood-red, vibrant colour that signifies your commitment to keeping the fire alive. Rubies are well-suited for bold and daring lovers.
Rubies with the most blood-red saturation have the highest price per carat out of all the gemstones. They are one of the most expensive engagement ring options.
Rubies have a Mohs rating of 9, making them durable and hardy gemstones. You won’t have to worry about your ruby being chipped or scratched.
If you want your ring to be as bold as your personality, opt for a yellow gold band to make your ruby stand out even more.
Amethyst engagement rings
Amethyst is the birthstone of February, the month when love is celebrated throughout the world. This gemstone is not only beautiful but significant too. Amethyst engagement rings symbolize trust, understanding, and grace. They suit someone who appreciates tranquillity and the truth. Leonardo da Vinci used amethyst to clear his mind and inspire him.
Amethyst is a highly expressive stone, ranging from lilac to hues of lavender. The most intense purple, referred to as Siberian purple, is the most valuable.
This precious stone has a Moh rating of 7, making it durable enough to wear on a daily basis. Amethyst can be complemented with a white gold or platinum band.
Topaz engagement rings
Topaz is available in many hues, so you won’t have a problem finding this gemstone in colour you fancy. From yellow and orange to red, purple, blue and green. However, the orange and red tones in Topaz are the best option for an engagement ring even though London blue is the most popular and widely available colour.
This unique alternative to a diamond engagement ring is November’s birthstone. Topaz symbolizes affection, peace, love, and sweet disposition. It’s a perfect engagement ring choice for romantics.
Topaz is usually free of inclusions and has a uniform colouring, making it a good choice for any ring shape and style. But the oval and pear cuts are highly recommended because they display different hues at different angles.
Topaz is ranked eighth on the Mohs scale and is suitable for everyday use.
Aquamarine engagement rings
Aquamarine engagement rings are an attractive option for semi-precious stones. Icy blues and lush teals distinguish this flawless gemstone from others. The colour symbolizes tranquillity, harmony, inner peace, and protection in marriage.
Couples who crave peace and satisfaction in their love life will adore these unique gemstone engagement rings.
An aquamarine engagement ring can be flattered when paired with white gold or platinum. A princess, pear, marquise, or cushion cut will highlight the beauty, clarity, and colour of this gemstone.
Aquamarine has a Moh rating of 7.5 to 8, making it a suitable choice of engagement ring if it is worn with care.
Morganite engagement rings
If you prefer a more subtle, romantic coloured gemstone, then Morganite is a great option. The gorgeous peachy pink to deep pink gems are often flawless. The more facets on a morganite, the more rosy-toned sparkle you will get.
A morganite engagement ring symbolizes enduring love, compassion, promise, and the heart: Feng Shui practitioners and followers associate morganite with the heart chakra.
White gold and rose gold bands bring out the cooler hues in morganite. Emerald, round, pear, and cushion cuts enhance the morganites elegance and beauty.
Morganite is rated eighth on the Mohs scale, making it a durable choice of gemstone for an engagement ring.
Opal engagement rings
Out of all the unconventional engagement ring options, opal is probably the most unique. White opals feature a milky base and flash a rainbow of hues under the sun. Opals symbolize good fortune and bring luck to a couple. This unusual stone also represents creativity and hope.
High-quality opals radiate warmth, innovation, and creativity. If you are artistic, then you will love the array of colours, especially in an oval cut. The cabochon or domed cuts enhance the opal’s natural colour-changing abilities.
Opals have a 5 to 6.5 hardness rating, making them vulnerable to scratches and other damage. These are softer gems that may not suit everyone’s lifestyle, especially those who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors.
Tourmaline engagement rings
Tourmaline engagement rings are vibrant, colourful and spirited. This gemstone is popular because it is available in almost any colour, and some gems also show multiple colours.
This stunning gemstone can imitate emeralds and rubies but at significantly lower prices.
Tourmaline is most often found in hues of green, but the stone’s colours can range from pink and red to sky blue. In rare cases, you will find a multicoloured tourmaline. The most common colour combination is green and pink, also known as the watermelon tourmaline.
Tourmaline symbolizes compassion, healing, and stability in a relationship. Some couples prefer the multicoloured tourmaline for an engagement ring stone, as it represents two souls becoming one. Others like the meaning behind the colours themselves. Pink and red represent romance and passion, green signifies nature, and blue symbolizes the sea and the sky.
Tourmaline has a 7 to 7.5 rating on the Mohs scale, making it reasonably durable to hold up well in an engagement ring.
Quartz engagement rings
Quartz comes in different types and colours, but rose quartz is the best option for a unique gemstone engagement ring. Romantics at heart and Feng Shui followers will genuinely appreciate the significance of a rose quartz engagement ring.
Rose quartz symbolizes unconditional love and undying passion, making it a beautiful token of love as an engagement ring.
Rose quartz is ranked seven on the hardness scale. So, it is a durable gemstone but should be handled with care.
How to take care of your coloured gemstone engagement ring
After buying the engagement rings gemstone, you will want to keep it spanking new. The correct way to clean engagement rings gemstones depends on the type of stone material you have chosen and whether it has been treated.
It’s best to use gentle cleaning solutions that are specifically created for delicate gemstones. Avoid using off-the-shelf cleaning chemicals if you are unsure of how durable your gemstone is. The safest way to clean your engagement ring is to use warm water with soap and a soft cloth.
Final thoughts
Gemstones are a beautiful alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. Besides their mesmerizing beauty and exotic colours, gemstones are also significant. Gemstone wedding rings are just as popular as engagement rings.
We hope our article on gemstone engagement rings has inspired you to explore the beauty and significance behind these precious stones as an engagement ring choice.