Gemstone Engagement Rings to Avoid & What to Buy

Nothing fills us with more love than to chosen to make a couples' special forever rings. We love working directly with clients to turn their heart's desire into a reality. 

Around 2.3 million couples tie the knot in the United States each year. If you want to get engaged, you’re probably looking at a variety of gemstone engagement rings and bombarded by ads for different pieces throughout your search. It’s easy to be swept up in it all. While there are many types of gem engagement rings, which gemstones make the best engagement rings, and why? Which gemstones should you avoid?

Choosing the right engagement ring isn’t just about its size, color, or style. It’s about its durability too. In this guide, you’ll learn about the handmade gemstone engagement rings that you should avoid and what rings you should keep an eye out for instead.

What Are Gemstone Engagement Rings?

Gemstone engagement rings are engagement rings that do not feature a diamond as the center stone. Instead, precious gemstones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire are the centerpiece of the ring. However, not all gemstones are equal, and there are many that you should avoid when choosing a ring for yourself or your partner.

The Benefits of Choosing Handmade Gemstone Engagement Rings

Gem engagement rings have been gaining popularity in recent years. Many lovebirds have begun to steer away from traditional diamonds to save money and find a ring that’s more personable. Some of the best benefits of choosing a gemstone engagement ring include:

•       Colorful Expression: Color is a fantastic way to express yourself. Many people have favorite colors, and colors are often used to convey specific meanings. For example, dark blue sapphires stand for love and loyalty and have become one of the most popular choices for engagement rings.
•       Cost Cutting: Diamonds are notoriously expensive. It’s common for handmade gemstone engagement rings to cost a fraction of what you’ll pay for a diamond engagement ring. That means more money to set aside for your wedding, honeymoon, or other expenses.
•       Fun Shapes: Gem engagement rings often come in unique and fun shapes, whereas diamond rings do not. Gemstones are commonly sold in unique styles and varying sizes.

Are Gem Engagement Rings Durable?

Not all gemstone engagement rings are the same. Diamonds are always going to be the most durable engagement ring you can find. They are the only stone that has a 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. But that doesn’t mean that gemstone rings are ruled out either. Many types of gem engagement rings are highly durable and easy to take care of. Knowing what gemstones to pursue and which to avoid will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

The Types of Gemstone Engagement Rings You Should Avoid

You want your gemstone engagement ring to last forever, but whether or not it may boil down to the gemstone used in the ring. Some gems have lower durability, making them more susceptible to damage, breakage, and scratches over time. The types of handmade gemstone engagement rings you should avoid include:

•       Garnet: Garnets only contain a hardness rating of 6.5 to 7.5, depending on their quality. Unless you buy a high-quality garnet, your engagement ring will be prone to damage.

The Best Choices for Custom Gemstone Engagement Rings

Some custom gemstone engagement rings have a hardness rating that makes them less prone to scratches and breakage. If you’re searching for the best types of gem engagement rings, keep an eye out for:

•       Emeralds: Emeralds have a hardness rating of 7.5 and up, making them very durable. Emeralds come in various shades but are best known for their striking green colors.
•       Aquamarines: Aquamarines have a hardness rating similar to emeralds, but these gemstones are a fascinating blue. Some aquamarines contain a hint of green, giving the gem a sea blue look.
•       Topaz: Not only do topazes come in beautiful shades, but they also have an 8/10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Topazes are most commonly blue, but they can also have yellow and pink hues.
•       Spinel: Spinels are another 8/10 gemstone. One of the best things about these gems is that they come in various colors, including blue, red, or pink.
•       Sapphire: Sapphires are one of the most popular types of gemstone engagement rings. They symbolize love and loyalty and have a hardness rating of 9/10.

Choosing the Best Custom Gemstone Engagement Rings

Choosing the right gemstone engagement ring is essential to finding a ring that will withstand the tests of time. It’s vital to avoid engagement rings that use softer gemstones as these gems are more prone to breakage, scratches, and other damages. Fortunately, there are many highly durable gems to choose from, including sapphires, emeralds, and topazes.

Are you looking for the perfect gemstone engagement rings for your bride-to-be? Then, take a look at our one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry collection.