If you are asking this question, congratulate yourself: few people ever stop to consider the many beautiful options open to them when buying engagement rings. People are so accustomed to a single assumption that they seldom look beyond the basics.
Yet by looking farther than the same old same old a customer can introduce romance, new symbolism, and a lively set of choices into an otherwise rather humdrum selection of rings, and if a couple is thrifty and desirous of saving money to be invested elsewhere in their marriage the possibilities are extremely promising.
The choices break down into three categories, if you are going to have a ring at all. You can choose a ring with no stone: a simple band that will harmonize with a wedding band, perhaps engraved with words that matter to you, or embossed with a pattern that appeals and coordinates with your wedding band choices.
As these are simply bands, they can be examined along with wedding sets...you can mix and match, you can duplicate, turning a single band into a double band when you are done. Enough original designers would be excited by the challenge of designing a dual band set that you may be able to commission such a work without spending too much money, and count the savings on the stone to make up the difference.
If you choose a stone, the remaining two choices are to go with some form of stone or synthetic that looks like diamond, or simply lighting out for the unknown country and finding a stone that suits you perfectly, both as individuals and as a couple.
Stones that are commonly used as diamond substitutes include the very popular cubic zirconium, which is heavier than diamond though it wears less well and can discolor over time. It remains the single most popular diamond substitute available, it wears well overall, and is beautiful.
Moissanite, a synthetically produced stone based on a gem found in the heart of a meteorite, is also superb, though more expensive than cubic zirconium stones. The stone is slightly harder than diamond, twice as brilliant (a factor that increases its beauty but does lead to identification by those who prefer the muted fire of a diamond), and refracts light somewhat differently, leading some people to feel that it has a faint greenish tinge. The pros and cons of Moissanite are largely a matter of taste.
White sapphire has been used as a diamond substitute for over a hundred years now. The fire of a white sapphire is softer, and the durability less than diamond, but it is still beautiful, can be cut in the same shapes as a diamond, and few will think to challenge the lovely luster of the white sapphire.
If you want to consider stones outside the diamond look-alike field, then there are no limits besides those you set for yourself. Because the stone will be worn constantly over a long period of time it is wise to choose stones with strength and hardness: ruby, sapphire, jade, and similar stones are good choices.
A color that goes well with the range of colors often worn is wise. But beyond that the entire world of fine stones is open. A star sapphire or other carborundum such as ruby? Of course! Such a beautiful change from the facets of a diamond! What about a carved jade gemstone in a solid gold mounting? It will last forever, and jade offers an infinite range of colors.
There are as many variations on engagement rings as you can conceive of. This is your ring -- yours and your love's. If either of you thinks "oh, blah, diamond" or "we could spend the money so much more wisely," then it is time to start discussing the many choices open to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment