Beyond Traditional White Diamonds
Inexpensive High Quality Stones
With growing awareness of the blood diamond industry (where the cultivation of real diamonds costs thousands of human lives), many brides and pre-engaged couples seek alternatives to the traditional diamond wedding and engagement ring. The choices are plentiful. Today's gemstones can be a traditional white or add a splash of color. Whether the couple is looking for a center stone or accents, this informative piece is meant to guide the shopping process.
Moh's Hardness ScaleThe durability of a gemstone is measured by Moh's Hardness the scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). The higher the number, the less likely a gemstone is to crack or chip. While fracture lines in the stone may force a stone to chip under pressure, Moh's scale is a general guide to the durability of a gemstone. For each stone listed below, the hardness level is provided. As a general rule of thumb, stones of a hardness of 8 or above are generally considered strong enough for long term wear.
Lab-Created Versus NaturalNatural stones are mined from the environment, and thus their environmental footprint may be larger than those of lab-created stones. They also tend to be more expensive. Lab-Created stones are often flawless in their appearance, while natural stones may include inclusions that detract from its brilliance. The choice is ultimately up to the couple, but lab-created stones are chemically identical to their natural counterparts and are just a fraction of the cost.
Topaz
- Hardness: 8.0
- Available colors: mystic (rainbow), blue (royal to aquamarine), light yellow, brown, pink, transparent (white), orange-red imperial (rare)
- While best known for a chilling crystal blue, Topaz is truly a diverse stone. Within each general color stone, topaz offers a multitude of shades and hues, from light and brilliant to deep and mysterious, yet it catches and refracts light beautifully in all shades.
Spinel
- Hardness: 8.0
- Available colors: deep purple, red, blue, pastel shades, orange, pink
- Spinel offers unprecedented clarity as a gemstone. In its deep shades of wine, red, and purple, Spinel offers unsurpassed elegance. In its lighter shades, spinel is both playful and young, perfect for a Spring wedding or for a couple who wishes to remember youth forever.
Chrysoberyl
- Hardness: 8.5
- Available colors: Lemon yellow
- A member of the Peridot family, Chrysoberyl is sure to be noticed for its high polish finish and good clarity. A perfect remind of Spring's sunshine!
Alexandrite
- Hardness: 8.5
- Available colors:
- Alexandrite is famous for its ability to color change under incandescent light. This stone can changes color from teal, purple, red, and green depending on the light. When over 1 carat, Alexandrite is often worth more than sapphire, ruby, or emerald.
Sapphires
- Hardness: 9.0
- Available colors: white, champagne, blue (sky to royal shades), pink, yellow, padparadscha (coral pink/orange)
- Sapphires are one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds, especially the white sapphire variety. They tend to have better clarity than rubies (although they are from the same corundum family). The padapradscha version of sapphire is a beautiful combination of pink and orange at the same time.
Rubies
- Hardness: 9.0
- Available colors: red, pink, magenta, purple, brown, orange
- A stone of romance and beauty, the Ruby is a classic sign of affection. The colorings of this stone depend on chromium and iron content. Medium to dark tones of rubies are generally preferred.
Before buying a gemstone, take time to research the available options. A little careful planning could save thousands of dollars and provide a durable, lasting wedding or engagement ring that the bride will love.
Sources:
- All Moh's Hardness scale ratings thanks to Gem Select.
- Contributing information courtesty of the Encylopedia of Gemstones.
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