When it comes to planning for the future, 60% of couples plan at least some part of the nuptials before they get engaged. One big part of this is the ring. Many women have a specific stone, cut and design in mind, and discussing it beforehand ensures they get what they want.
To help you and your significant other plan, we've created a list of the best stones for engagement rings. Gone are the days of a single large diamond. Browse this list and find the perfect stone to match your style and personality.
Hardness
An engagement ring is meant to be worn every day for the rest of your life. So you need the stone you pick to be durable enough to withstand the daily abuse it'll experience.
Mohs Hardness scale is used to classify gems and minerals. You want to stick with something that has a hardness rating of seven or higher. This means avoiding stones like opal or moonstone that are softer and will break more easily.
The hardest stones are rubies, sapphires, and obviously diamonds.
Gemstones
These days you have other options when it comes to choosing the stones you want in your engagement ring. Gemstones can add a punch of color to your engagement rings
Rubies
These stones are durable and will look just as richly red 20 years from now. You'll find them in a range of red shades from deep blood red to brighter and almost orangy.
These stones can come at a high cost, and you may find some high-quality stones that are more expensive than diamonds.
Sapphires
Before diamonds were the stone of choice, sapphires were the popular engagement stone. It's easy to see why with all of the beautiful shades of blue they come in.
But if blue isn't your color, sapphires come in orange, purple, and yellow too. With all of these options, you're sure to find the perfect stone for your ring.
Emeralds
If green is your shade, then emeralds are perfect for your ring. They symbolize new beginnings and love. Plus, their brilliant shades of green will really give your ring that WOW factor.
If you decide on an emerald, be sure to buy it from a reputable dealer. They will ensure you don't end up with a stone with an inclusion, or defect, near an edge that could cause chipping or cracking.
Lab Grown Diamonds
If you have your heart set on a diamond, consider lab grown diamonds. They have all of the same physical qualities as a natural diamond but without the inflated cost and question mining practices.
Choose from the Best Stones for Engagement Rings
Now that we've reviewed all of your options, you can choose from the best stones for engagement rings. Remember, it's all about personal preferences and tastes. Don't feel pressured to choose something simply because it's trendy or the jewelry store staff say it's what you should choose.
You're the one whose going to wear the ring for years to come, make sure you'll like it for that long.
Check out the life section of our blog for more helpful articles like this one.
