Precious Stone Rings

Diamonds are a popular stone choice for luxury jewellery and engagement rings. However, they are not a “must-have” for millennials. Stunning, vibrant gemstones are gaining popularity for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewellery pieces. 

These sparkly colourful rings with stones are just as durable as diamonds. Gemstone rings Canada are available in every hue of the rainbow. From fiery coloured birthstones and classic precious stones to lab-grown stones and cost-friendly diamond alternatives. 

But these precious jewel rings require a bit more thought regarding ring settings and metal choices. You need to consider how your gemstone will complement or contrast with other gems and the precious metal of your choice. 

Are you looking for vintage gemstone rings or something with a modern twist? 

This article shares everything you need to know about crystal rings Canada. From popular gemstones to how to customize your own precious stone ring. 

What are precious stone rings?

Precious stone rings for women are a type of ring that features a centre stone which is not a diamond. These rings feature a gemstone, which can either be precious or semi-precious. 

The gemstone, also referred to as a fine gem or jewel, is a piece of mineral crystal which is carefully cut and polished to make jewellery.  

These rings are usually designed using traditional ring settings such as halos, solitaires, and three-stones. However, some women opt for contemporary settings to hold their gemstones. 

The risks and benefits of precious stone rings

Gemstone rings offer many benefits, including uniqueness, personality, and affordability. But it is also essential to consider the risks of choosing a precious stone over a diamond. This will help you feel more confident in your choice and enable you to take proper care of your gemstone ring. 

Benefits

Colourful expression

Some like these rings to be fun, creative, and colourful. Different coloured stones mean other things. For example, sapphires represent passion; rubies symbolize loyalty. 

Some people may enjoy the lively colours that gemstones add to their physical appearances, such as vibrant pinks, oranges, and deep, fresh greens. 

Affordable

Another significant benefit of gemstones is how affordable they are compared to diamonds. They are usually a fraction of the cost of a diamond of the same size. However, this does depend on the type of gemstone, its colour and size. 

People who choose precious stone rings can therefore opt for a larger centre stone in a gemstone than in a diamond. 

Diversity

Some people prefer gemstones to diamonds because these precious stones are available in larger sizes and more shapes. 

Gemstones often grow into giant crystals, so you will find them in various shapes and sizes. You can select glamorous, big, fancy-shaped stones for your ring. 

Risks

Less durable

Some gemstones are not as hard as diamonds, so these rings may chip or

scratch more easily. A diamond lasts forever because they are a 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This scale was specifically designed to rank the hardness of minerals and gemstones. 

So, basically, nothing can scratch a diamond except for another diamond. But people can protect their gemstones by selecting a gem that is ranked higher on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Apart from this, people can also design a protective setting for their precious stones. 

Difficult to replace

Another risk to keep in mind is that gemstones’ unique shapes and colours are difficult to replace in the case of loss or damage. 

As gemstones are generally cut in irregular shapes, people may find it challenging to find the exact measurements of their original stone. 

Similarly, the rare colour of gemstones can be challenging to match. Each colour comes in various shades and tints that make it unique. You can take your gem to a gemologist to have it appraised and colour graded so you have an accurate record in the unfortunate event of it falling off. 

What is the difference between precious and semi-precious stones?

Clarity and hardness are what differentiate precious stones from semi-precious stones. Precious stones feature exceptional clarity, fire brilliance, vibrant shades, and hardiness. They are somewhat ethereal yet luxurious. 

There are only four precious stones: diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Every other gemstone is considered to be semi-precious. These are outdated terms linked to rarity and value, which won’t affect today’s market. However, precious stones will be more expensive than other gemstones. 

Precious stones are defined by their unique characteristics. These stones are magnificently clean, with zero impurities. The precious stones rank higher on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them extremely durable. 

Popular types of crystal stones for rings

We have compiled a list of the most popular gemstone rings, starting with the “big four” and then moving on to other unique gemstone rings.

Diamonds

Diamonds do not entirely fall into the category of substitute gemstone rings,

but you can make your classic choice unique. You can find that iconic sparkle in different colours. 

Yellow and pink diamonds, more commonly known as “fancy diamonds,” fall under vintage gemstone rings. Grey, black, and champagne diamonds are trendy among millennials. 

Sapphires

Another timeless ring stone is the sapphire. The rich, royal blue of traditional sapphires boasts elegance and loyalty. However, you can find these gemstones in many other colours, including peach, pink, green, purple, white, and yellow stone rings. White sapphires are more affordable but are as precious as a diamond equivalent. 

Sapphires are ranked nine on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them as durable as rubies and emeralds. They are ideal for representing everlasting love. 

Emeralds

Emeralds are a perfect, dazzling choice for an engagement ring. The lush green stone’s vivid colour is versatile and looks stunning in both a modern ring setting and an antique ring style. 

Emeralds are available in a range of shades from pale green to deep, dark green. High-quality emeralds are ranked eighth on the Mohs Hardness Scale. 

These precious stones are often mounted in an emerald cut to reduce the risks during setting. These stones are generally small. Larger emeralds are rare and can be 20 times more valuable than a diamond of the matching size. 

Rubies

Rubies are characterized by their vivid red tones, ranging from pink and purple to a tint of brown. However, the most popular ruby is the bright, blood-red colour pigeon. 

These precious stones often have a secondary colour of purple or orange. But the more enhanced this colour is, the lower the value of the ruby. 

Pearls

Pearls are one of the most classic, delicate stones in the world. They are popular in earrings and necklaces but not suitable for a ring's wear and tear. 

These stones are composed of calcium carbonate and are ranked 2. To 4.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that pearls are incredibly vulnerable to being scratched or chipped. 

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a stunning, purple-blue gemstone that is a variation of chrysoberyl. The shade of this stone can also vary from red to green. 

Alexandrite is a hardy stone for rings, ranking 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. It is becoming increasingly popular recently in the fashion scene. This stone is predominantly found in India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania. 

Amethyst

Amethyst features a deep purple hue and makes quite a bold statement. Though, the colour can vary from soft lilac to intense purple. This beautiful gemstone ranks seventh on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it a reasonably durable choice for rings. 

Natural, raw, uncut amethysts are linked to homeopathic healing. The cut variations make stunning jewels that look even more beautiful when paired with an emerald or diamond halo. 

Citrine

Citrine gemstones vary in hue from vibrant yellow to fiery orange. These bright, cheerful stones represent prosperity and are popularly known as the money stone. Citrine also represents positivity and optimism. 

While they are equally just as beautiful, they are an affordable substitute for canary yellow diamonds. 

As citrine is a variation of quartz, it can range in hardness. Ensure you speak to your jeweller about the purity of the citrine before you purchase it. 

Moissanite

Moissanite is a sparkling white gemstone that is often used as a diamond substitute. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and can easily be mistaken for a diamond. 

These gemstones are often lab-grown now but were initially the inspiration behind artificial gems. 

Moissanite not only looks as good as diamonds, but they are also just as durable. They rank 9.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. 

Moonstone

Moonstones are one of the most ancient gemstones used in jewellery. Modern designers are slowly but surely bringing these mystical stones back into fashion. 

Moonstones feature a milky colour, where you can actually spot something different every time you look at them. 

These unusual gemstones are ranked six on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them a pretty durable stone for rings. 

How to design your precious stone ring

Consider the metals

Cool-toned gemstones beautifully complement white metals, such as platinum, white gold, or palladium. Colourful gemstones that are flattered by white metals include aquamarine, amethyst, and blue topaz. 

Warmer colours compliment yellow gold. Citrine is an excellent choice for gold rings with stones. But, certain gemstones match both shades of metal. 

Rubies, pearls, opals, sapphires, and emeralds tend to adapt their hue when matched with cool or warm metals. Light metals may enhance a bluer hue from these stones, while warmer metals may pull a soft luxe. 

Experiment with accent stones

Gemstones are generally used as side stones for a classic diamond ring to add a burst of colour or emphasize the design of a delicate ring. But, you can also pair diamond accent stones with a large centre precious stone to add an extra flair to subtle gems. 

Use the colour wheel to guide you if you plan on pairing gemstones with gemstones. White or ivory pearls and transparent Moissanite can be paired with any colour stone. But other coloured gemstones must be paired with complementary or contrasting colour stones. 

Some gemstone pairings, for example, black and yellow, can look very themed. 

Consider the shape of your accent stones as well. If you have a round centre gemstone, you can choose just about any shape of side stones. But if you have a square centre stone, then it needs to be paired with other cornered cut gemstones such as princess, emerald, baguette, trillion, or Asscher.  

Gemstone rings with halos.

A circle of stones around a centre stone is called a halo. The halo creates a beautiful frame or border around your centre stone, drawing more attention to it. Halos that are set below the centre stone are referred to as drop halos. 

Diamonds are common in halos, but you can also add other gemstones to create colour and contrast. But if you select another gemstone colour, make sure it pairs with your centre stone. 

Choose larger carat solitaires. 

Diamonds are the most expensive gemstones, so large carats are very costly. But gemstones, on the other hand, are much more affordable. Certain gemstones, like amethyst and rubies, can be purchased in a large size at a significantly lower price than the cost of a diamond. 

Gemstones are a great budget-friendly choice if you are looking for a large centre stone. They are just as beautiful and depend on the gemstone you choose. They may even be as hardy as diamonds. 

Alternative stones

If you are seeking an exceptionally unique gemstone ring design, then choose a stone that is not a popular choice. Avoid picking sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. Instead, opt for morganite or alexandrite. 

You can even use less popular gemstones as accent stones or cabochons, which are polished, circular gemstone beads. These stones include moonstone, cat’s eye, rose quartz, onyx, and turquoise. 

Final thoughts

When it comes to looking for precious stone rings, it’s like exploring a different world full of colour and beauty. Gemstone rings are a great choice if you want a durable, beautiful, big rock minus the hefty price tag that comes with them. 

We hope that our breakdown of precious stone rings will be a helpful guide in helping you find your perfect gemstone ring.

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