One of the biggest trends in engagement rings in the last 5 years is replacing the center diamond for a colored gemstone. I have seen a rainbow of colors as a center stone that really make an engagement ring unique. But, as a gemologist, some of those choices haven’t been the best in terms of longevity. Women want to wear their engagement ring all the time, and it is my goal to help my brides with that, so my professional advice is to go with Sapphire! Why, you ask? Let’s explore three reasons!
Durability: As you may have read in a previous blog, www.angelacisneros.com/post/how-durable-are-you , gemstones need both hardness (resistance to scratches) and toughness (resistance to breaking and chipping) in order to have longevity of beauty. The Moh’s Hardness scale puts Sapphire as a 9 which is one step below diamond. It is relevant to point out that the step is quite a BIG step, but it is the next gemstone after diamond to hold its beauty after every-day wear. Sapphire also scores an Excellent in toughness meaning normal wear-and-tear will not cause it to break or chip.
Something for Everyone: Sapphires are of the mineral family called Corundum, and Corundum comes in a rainbow of colors! Blues, greens, pinks, yellows, peach, purples, oranges, and all the colors in between! (Technically, Ruby is also part of the Corundum family, but we have always called the red version Ruby.) With all these colors and in between colors available, you can choose a center Sapphire that is unique to you.
Supports Families: I work with several Sapphire and other gemstone dealers whose business model is to go to the mines in Africa or Sri Lanka, develop relationships with the small miners and their families, and buy rough gemstones directly from them. Roger Dery is one of my suppliers who has been doing this work for over 35 years. He created the Gem Legacy 501(c)3 that supplies the miners and their families with education, vocational training, mining supplies, and food supplies. He leads teams of jewelers every year (pre-pandemic) and helps them select rough gemstones to purchase, which he then cuts and facets when he gets home.
As you can see, Sapphire (or Ruby) makes a great alternative to a diamond engagement ring. You can also get fancy by having Sapphires as the accent gemstones, as well! I would love to help you with you with a Sapphire (or diamond) engagement ring! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:
One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)
Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)
Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 24 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)
Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.angelacisneros.com/book-appointment
Photo Credit: Omi Prive
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