So, you’ve popped the question, and now you need to buy “THE” ring. But not just any old ring – a unique gemstone engagement ring that dazzles your fiance and makes all your friends jealous.
Engagement rings can be tricky to purchase because you want to find something unique, classic, and timeless. You also want to make sure it goes with your fiance’s style. And, of course, you want to stay within your budget.
Whoop! That’s quite a lot to think about. But don’t worry; we’re here to help. Here’s our guide on how to buy unique gemstone engagement rings for him, her, or the couple.
Mark our words; with our tips, you’ll be engagement ring shopping like a pro in no time.
What to Look for When Buying a Gemstone Engagement Ring
That’s a question we often hear. And it’s no wonder, with so many different gemstones, settings, and styles to choose from, engagement ring shopping can be daunting.
But don’t fret; we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the different factors to consider when shopping for gemstone rings.
The Gemstone
When it comes to gemstones, you’re spoiled for choice. Of course, there are diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and more.
The gemstone you choose will be based on your fiance’s style, but also their birthstone. For example, if your fiance’s birthstone is a ruby, a ruby engagement ring would be a meaningful and personal choice.
The Setting
The setting is the metal band that holds the gemstone in place. The most popular option is gold, but you can also choose from silver, platinum, or rose gold.
The style of setting you to choose will be based on your fiance’s taste. For example, a solitaire setting is classic and elegant, whereas a halo setting is modern and glamorous.
The Budget
Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget when shopping for gemstone engagement rings.
The great thing about custom gemstone engagement rings is that they can be more affordable than diamond rings, so you may get a bigger and better ring for your budget.
For example, sapphire engagement rings are a popular and stylish choice that won’t break the bank.
The Style
If you’re an all things vintage kinda couple, then a vintage-inspired gemstone engagement ring would be a perfect choice. For something a little more unique, you could opt for a custom-designed engagement ring set with an extraordinary gemstone.
And if you want your gemstone engagement ring to be truly one-of-a-kind, consider using a family gemstone or heirloom diamond.
The sky really is the limit when it comes to gemstone engagement ring styles, so it’s just a matter of finding something that reflects your fiance’s taste and personality.
The Different Types of Gemstones Available for Engagement Rings
Diamonds are pretty, no question. Yet they aren’t the only game in town. There are a whole host of different gemstones to choose from, each with its unique properties.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the various gemstones you may want to consider for your engagement ring.
Sapphires
Sapphires are a popular option for engagement rings because of their variety of hues, including the traditional blue sapphire and pink, green, and yellow sapphires.
Sapphires are also durable stones, so it’s perfect for an engagement ring you can wear daily.
Rubies
In case you’re looking for a gemstone with a little more pizzazz, ruby is the one for you.
Like sapphires, rubies come in a range of different colors, from the classic red ruby to pink and purple. Rubies are also the birthstone for July, making a perfect choice for those with a July birthday.
Emeralds
Is your bae a May baby? If so, then a meaningful emerald engagement ring is a great choice. Emeralds are the birthstone for May, and they fit perfectly into a spring or summer engagement.
Emeralds are also unique and eye-catching gemstones that will make your bride or groom stand out from the crowd. You can pair the ring with gemstone earrings or a necklace for a coordinated look.
Tanzanite
If sapphires and rubies are too traditional for your liking, then consider tanzanite. Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone for engagement rings, but it’s quickly becoming a popular choice.
Tanzanite is a beautiful blue stone with a hint of purple, and it’ll just sweep your bride or groom off their feet.
Opals
For something different, consider an opal gemstone engagement ring. The fire in opal gemstones is said to represent the passion of love, making them a perfect choice for an engagement ring.
Opals also come in a plethora of different colors, from classic white opals to black opals. You can also find opals in various gemstone cuts, from the traditional round cut to more unique shapes like oval and marquise.
Morganites
You can’t beat morganites for a romantic gemstone engagement ring. Morganites are said to represent eternal love, making them the perfect gemstone for an engagement ring.
Moreover, the pretty pinks and peaches of morganites are simply gorgeous, and they’ll look stunning on your bride or groom’s finger. You can buy a couple’s set of gemstone rings with morganite gemstones to match. Or, if you’re buying it for your fashion-savvy bride-to-be, consider pairing it with matching gemstone bracelets.
How to Choose the Right Ring Size
So, you’ve sorted out the style of the ring and the type of gemstone you want to use. But how do you make sure you choose the correct ring size? Well, no rocket science is required here.
Several options exist for accomplishing this. The first is to simply ask your bride or groom-to-be what size ring they wear. If you’re feeling extra sneaky, you could also sneak a peek at their jewelry collection to get an idea of their ring size.
Another way to choose the right ring size is to use a printable ring sizer. You can find these online, and they’ll help you accurately measure your bride or groom’s finger.
Finally, you could take a trip to your local jewelry store and get your bride or groom’s finger measured there. Although this is the most reliable method for determining their ring size, it may give the game away if you’re trying to keep your proposal a surprise.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Shopping
On a strict budget but still want to make a grand gesture? Here are some suggestions for budget-friendly shopping:
- Choose a less expensive gemstone. For example, opt for a white sapphire instead of a diamond.
- Consider a vintage or antique ring. It’s not uncommon to discover stunning vintage gemstone rings for a fraction of their original cost.
- Go for a simple design. A ring with a particularly intricate design will likely cost more.
- Don’t forget about gemstone earrings and bracelets. These make a great alternative to an engagement ring and can often be found at a fraction of the cost.
- If you’re yet to make the promise, consider investing in a gemstone promise ring. These are usually much less expensive than engagement rings but still have the wow factor. Moreover, couples these days skip the engagement ring altogether and just get gemstone promise rings.
Which Metals Are Best for Gemstone Engagement Rings?
As much as gemstones are essential, the metal used in the engagement ring is just as important. Selecting the suitable metal for your ring is vital for more reasons than just its longevity.
Here are some of the most popular metals used in raw gemstone engagement rings:
Platinum
Platinum is the most expensive metal used in engagement rings. It’s also the most durable, making it a good choice if your bride or groom is particularly active. Platinum is a white metal, so it will give the gemstone a bright, sparkling look.
Gold
Gold is a classic metal used in engagement rings. It comes in a broad spectrum of colors, from traditional yellow gold to the more unusual rose gold and white gold. Gold is a softer metal, so it’s not as durable as platinum.
However, it’s still a good choice for an engagement ring, and it’s more budget-friendly than platinum.
Silver
Silver is a cheaper alternative to gold and platinum. It’s also a softer metal, so it’s not as durable. However, silver has a beautiful, bright white color, making it a popular choice for gemstone engagement rings.
Titanium
Titanium is a robust and durable metal that’s becoming increasingly popular in engagement rings. As a more affordable substitute for precious metals like platinum and gold, it’s a smart option for those on a tighter budget. Titanium is also a hypoallergenic metal, so it’s a good choice if your bride or groom has sensitive skin.
How to Care for Your Ring and Keep It Looking New
If you want your gemstone wedding rings or engagement rings to last a lifetime and always seem brand new, you must take proper care of them. Sure, you want your ring to look great, but you also want it to endure forever, right?
Following are suggestions for maintaining the beauty of your ring:
- Avoid exposing your ring to harsh chemicals, such as bleach.
- Remove your gemstone engagement ring before doing activities that could damage it, such as gardening, cooking, or cleaning.
- Gemstones are delicate, so avoid dropping or banging your engagement ring.
- Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned and serviced every 6 to 12 months.
- To clean the precious or semi-precious gemstones at home, soak them in a gentle soap and warm water solution. Gently brush away the crud using a soft bristle brush. After thorough washing, pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
Ready to Buy Your Boo A Gemstone Engagement Ring?
Now that you know all about gemstone engagement rings, it’s time you loosen up that purse string and buy your boo the ring of their dreams! Just remember to keep the 4 Cs in mind when shopping for a gemstone ring: cut, clarity, gemstone color, and carat weight. And voila!
You’re all set to buy a unique gemstone engagement ring that’s sure to take their breath away.
Which gemstone engagement ring will you choose? Let us know in the comments below!
