Alternatives to Diamonds in Engagement Rings

SarahMollie

Hi all,

I was ring shopping with a friend at the weekend, and just my means of showing us a particular style, he took out a ring which had Aquamarine as the main stone, with some diamonds around it. It was an amazing ring, and definitely looked a lot more impressive that what you get for your money with diamonds alone. Also I think I like the idea of something a little unconventional.

He did say that anything other than diamonds are not as durable and that the stone may show wear over time. Apparently Emeralds are the least strong.

Does anyone have any experience with non conventional stones in their rings? And if so, did they look lose some of their luster over time? Assuming no heavy manual labour, should they hold up well in the long run?

Millem

Check the moh scale which measured hardness. Sapphires and rubies are a 9 whereas diamonds are a 10. You can get different colour sapphire too I wouldn't worry about sapphire/ruby

SarahMollie

Oh

I always liked the idea of an emerald set in yellow gold, but its only 7.5 which doesn't seem so great!

Good to know that saphires and rubies are an option I guess!

Also, assuming there is no difference in hardness between regular diamonds and yellow or pink varieties?

Millem

SarahMollie wrote: »

Oh

I always liked the idea of an emerald set in yellow gold, but its only 7.5 which doesn't seem so great!

Good to know that saphires and rubies are an option I guess!

Also, assuming there is no difference in hardness between regular diamonds and yellow or pink varieties?

No idea about different coloured diamonds
You can get white sapphires too

SarahMollie

Millem wrote: »

No idea about different coloured diamonds
You can get white sapphires too

Thanks, I think I've still got my heart set on something a bit unique looking, but will probably avoid aquamarine and emerald unfortunately.

Just googled it and apparently all diamonds (coloured or otherwise) are rated 10 on the moh scale, so thats always an option!

I've just seen at least three peoples rings lately that I genuinely couldn't tell apart if I tried (single solitare, white gold/platinum band), so I don't know what I want but I know it has to be distinctive!

Faith

The thing is, you can get a stone replaced. It's not all that expensive either. So if a diamond will last for 50 years, but an emerald will need to be replaced in 20 years, is that really that big of a deal? Assuming you don't wear it while you do manual labour or anything very harsh, it'll be a long time before you notice any damage.

lazygal

My engagement, wedding and eternity rings all have sapphires as the main stones. If I need to replace stones in the future or modernise the settings I figure that's no big deal.
Eta I'm thinking of getting them reset in platinum at some point. They're white gold which does need to be redipped every two years or so.

ShaShaBear

My engagement ring is a small cluster of diamonds surrounded by black sapphires in a flower shape. It's the same ring my dad used to propose to my mother so it's going strong this 30 years now and I love it's utter uniqueness! As it happens, we just bought our wedding rings and I managed, by chance, to find a beautiful ring that fits under it perfectly also using diamonds and black sapphires!
None of the stones in the engagement ring needed to be replaced, diamond or sapphire, and the ring looks as good as the day it was made (so my mother assures me).

Princess Peach

I've got a Burmese ruby surrounded in diamonds set in platinum. I love it, it's so unique.

With a ruby or a sapphire it's going to be hard wearing and should last as long as a diamond ring. Few options for colour with a sapphire too. If you wanted an emerald but worried about it, could have a look for a green sapphire?

Millem

lazygal wrote: »

My engagement, wedding and eternity rings all have sapphires as the main stones. If I need to replace stones in the future or modernise the settings I figure that's no big deal.
Eta I'm thinking of getting them reset in platinum at some point. They're white gold which does need to be redipped every two years or so.

Lazygal I prefer white gold I work with my hands and platinum scratches, looks so dull it reminds me of a saucepan!!!! I defo need to get mine redipped. I have never gotten it done :eek: I plan on redipping when I get my eternity ring redipping is so cheap and makes rings look perfect

Choc Chip

I have a sapphire engagement ring - the stone has been in the family over thirty years. It is marked on the face - a couple of scratches and notches, but I think it gives it character. It's also a fairly large emerald cut stone and so the small marks on the large top face are probably a lot more obvious than they would be with a different cut. Just something to consider when you're considering the shape of your stone.