Diamonds Vs Gemstones: Which Engagement Ring is Right for You?

Diamonds have been a go to gem for engagement rings for decades, but gemstones are increasingly becoming the choice. So what is the difference?

Gemstones are formed naturally, and they come in many different colors. Many of them also carry sentimental value.

When it comes to durability, however, diamonds are still ahead of the pack. They score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they won’t scratch easily over time.

1. Size

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when choosing an engagement ring is figuring out what size to buy. Most women’s ring sizes range between 5 and 7. To get the most accurate measurement, raid her jewelry box at home for a ring that fits her. It’s also worth taking her finger to a jeweler if possible. If you do, try to keep it a surprise so she’s not expecting an actual proposal!

It’s also a good idea to bring along her current wedding band or any rings she wears on a regular basis. Taking her measurements at the same time will give you an idea of what size to buy. The last thing you want is a ring that’s too big or small.

There’s a lot of pressure on both men and women to purchase the largest diamond possible for an engagement ring. But, it’s important to remember that your partner will likely be happier with something smaller if she thinks you spent less money.

Many couples choose to use an engagement ring as a way to indicate their commitment to each other. While the symbolism of an engagement ring is meaningful, it’s also possible to get married without a diamond ring. In fact, with more affordable alternatives like our Nexus Diamonds stones, it’s becoming increasingly common for couples to skip the engagement ring altogether and simply opt for simple wedding bands.

2. Shape

While diamonds are a classic shape, they’re available in a wide range of shapes. For example, a round diamond can look elegant and contemporary in a simple band or an elaborately detailed halo setting. Or, you might choose a princess cut diamond for its timeless beauty and brilliance.

Gemstones come in a vast array of colors, too, from peridot’s olive green tint and topaz’s fiery orange to ruby’s deep red and sapphire’s rich blue. Many of these gemstones are naturally colored but some undergo a heat treatment to achieve the perfect hue. This is a safe and common process but it’s important to know how a gemstone’s color might fade over time.

The most common and classic engagement ring design is the solitaire. This style features a single, showy center stone that is often set in a ring with intricate details like pave, milgrain, bezel and etching. Other styles include pave bands and stacked rings that feature a mixture of gemstones or diamonds.

It’s a good idea to learn about the 4 Cs of diamonds before making your purchase. The 4Cs determine the overall beauty and value of a diamond, but it’s also helpful to understand how these factors affect price so that you don’t overspend. For example, a diamond that is graded higher for clarity will cost more than one with lower clarity. Similarly, a larger carat weight will cost more than a smaller one.

3. Metal

While the diamond shape, color, clarity and carat weight take center stage when selecting an engagement ring, the metal that makes up the ring is just as important. Choosing the right metal for your ring is an opportunity to highlight your personal style and create something unique that you will love forever.

While gold remains a classic choice, other precious metals may also speak to your personality. For instance, platinum is highly lustrous and durable, and it enhances the appearance of diamonds more than any other metal. It is also hypoallergenic, which is a plus for those with metal allergies.

White gold is made from yellow gold mixed with other alloys to create a pure white hue, which is then plated with rhodium, another rare and expensive precious metal, to give it a bright and shiny finish. Rhodium wears off over time, so your ring will need to be re-plated periodically.

Rose gold, on the other hand, is naturally a warm-toned metal that ages to a more natural patina over time. It is a beautiful option for those who want a more organic, earthy feel to their jewelry.

When it comes to reselling your diamond engagement ring or wedding band, knowing the metal type is vital. This is how you will determine the value of your ring, and how it compares to others in the market. Gemesti is happy to evaluate your diamond ring(s) for free, using the industry’s most well-respected valuation service.

4. Carat Weight

Often, jewelers may try to steer you toward bigger stones, because carat weight is what determines a diamond’s price. This can be true, but it’s important to consider other aspects of the gemstone as well — like cut quality. Buying a big stone that’s not well-cut can result in poor sparkle, which is a huge no-no.

It’s vital to understand that carat weight measures the total mass of a gemstone, rather than its visual size. A gem can look small, but have a high carat weight. This is because a diamond’s shape and quality determine how much light it reflects and refracts.

Loose gemstones and diamonds are measured on a special scale that works in carats, or sometimes in pennyweight, which is also abbreviated as dwt. When a diamond is already set in jewelry, however, it’s difficult to accurately measure its carat weight. For this reason, a jeweler will typically estimate a stone’s carat weight by measuring its diameter.

For example, a round brilliant diamond of 1 carat will have a different diameter than a princess cut diamond of the same weight. This is because a more brilliantly-cut diamond will reflect and refract light more efficiently, causing it to appear larger. In addition, a diamond with a higher clarity grade will be more beautiful than one with lower clarity. The bottom line: a skillfully-cut, high-quality diamond of any carat weight can be stunning and worth the investment.

5. Color

The color of a diamond or gemstone plays an important role in its value. When a gem is clear, it is considered more valuable. A stone that is cloudy, however, has a lower value. This is because blemishes and inclusions diminish a diamond’s clarity. Appraisers also look at the color of a gemstone and look for discrepancies between its inside and outside colors. They may also take into consideration the number and severity of blemishes or inclusions.

The color can also influence the price of an engagement ring. For example, if a diamond is set in yellow gold it will be more valuable than a white gold setting. The metal purity also contributes to a ring’s value; 22k gold is worth more than 14k gold. A brand name can also increase the value of a diamond ring, as does having original boxes and paperwork.

While it might seem like there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the perfect engagement ring, it really comes down to finding the style that suits you and your partner best. Whether it’s a classic big stone plopped onto a platinum band or something a bit quirkier, an engagement ring is meant to be worn by its owner and reflect their unique personality.

With wedding costs continuing to rise and many couples looking to save money, it is becoming increasingly common for millennials to choose engagement rings that are not made of diamonds. While diamonds will always be a popular choice, it is nice to see that other gems are gaining in popularity.

6. Style

Diamonds are still the most popular choice for engagement rings, but they’re not the only option. Couples with a more modest budget can opt for a diamond alternative, such as moissanite, opal, or emerald, which offer a similar sparkle at a lower cost. These alternatives also come in a wide variety of styles, including halo settings and cluster designs. To see the different styles of engagement rings you can buy, visit website of Kush Diamonds today!

The ring style will help determine the overall look of your engagement ring, and it’s the first decision you should make. Modern rings may feature simple solitaires or bezel and other minimal settings while classic engagement rings showcase timeless designs with traditional cuts, like round, marquise, pear, oval, square, and heart-shaped diamonds.

The ring’s metal is also an important consideration as it impacts the longevity of your jewelry and can affect its color. Platinum, for example, is a popular choice as it maintains its bright white color with little need for routine maintenance, unlike 18ct white gold, which requires routine re-plating. Many couples choose to pair a white gold band with a platinum accent for a unique look that is both classic and contemporary. For an even more unique touch, consider adding a hammered texture or a hand-engraved message on the ring’s band for a personalized look. Your ring’s style will serve as a constant reminder of your love for one another, so you want to choose a design that speaks to both your personality and personal taste.