Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
The traditional engagement ring may be a solitaire diamond set in gold, white gold or platinum. Diamonds are by far the most popular gemstone used for gemstone engagement rings, or any type of jewelry, for that matter. But there is no law that says you can’t have to ruby engagement ring, a white sapphire engagement ring or a topaz engagement ring. Not everyone likes or wants a diamond engagement ring. There are women who just don’t like the look of a diamond ring on their finger.
If you decide to go with a non-traditional engagement ring and not use diamond as the center piece, you will have many alternatives to be able to create an unique engagement ring that reflects your taste and style.
However, before you go with another gemstone instant of a diamond for your engagement ring, there is one thing to keep in mind. When they say “Diamonds are forever,” it’s not just repeating a marketing slogan and a symbol of everlasting love, it’s because diamonds are the hardest substance found on Earth. A gemstone’s hardness is graded on the Mohs Scale. The scale was designed in 1812 by Frederich Mohs, a German mineralogist. Hardness represents how easily a stone can be scratched.
When choosing a stone for an engagement ring that will be worn everyday, anything lower than an 8 on the Mohs Scale is unsuitable.
Here is a list of more popular gemstones and metals and their relative hardness:
• Gold (pure): 2.5-3
• Platinum: 4.5
• Iron: 5
• Titanium: 6
• Tanzanite: 6.5-7
• Glass: 7
• Quartz (Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz): 7
• Tourmaline: 7-7.5
• Hardened Steel: 7-8
• Beryl (Emerald, Aquamarine): 7.5
• Cubic Zirconia: 8-8.5
• Moissanite (Lab Created Diamond): 9.25
• Diamond: 10
Here is a list of Birthstones and their relative hardness:
• Garnet (January): 6.5-7.5
• Amethyst (February): 7
• Aquamarine (March): 6
• Diamond (April): 10
• Emerald (May):7.5
• Pearl (June): 2.5-4.5
• Ruby (July):9
• Peridot (August):6.5
• Sapphire (September): 9
• Opal (October): 6
• Yellow Topaz (November): 8
• Turquoise (December):6
Sapphires and rubies, and scratchproof glass on watches, are types of corundum, meaning they all have a hardness of 9 and thus are suitable for engagement rings that are wore everyday. If you use gemstones with lower than 8 on the Mohs Scale, just be mindful of their relative hardness or softness and take extra care of your ring to prevent scratching or cracking the gemstone. This is true even with a diamond ring. As hard as diamonds are, they still can be scratched or chipped if they are abused.
Another non-traditional engagement ring to consider – one that doesn’t involve a gemstone: Irish Claddagh Ring.