Diamond or Coloured Stones: What Stone Type Should You Go For Your Engagement Ring

Choosing the correct gemstone type is one of two key decisions that you will make when purchasing your engagement ring, and it is arguably the most significant factor that will affect the price of your ring. As gemstones come in a number of different types, in a variety of colours, caratages in addition to the key factors that determine gemstone quality. These factors are well understood in the world of diamonds, where there is the 4Cs of diamond quality, which provides a framework for measuring the value of the diamonds. When it comes to other (i.e. non-carbon-based) gemstones, things get more complicated, but as we shall see, in a good way. However, the basic factors that govern gemstone quality remain, with the rarer and more beautiful stones being the most valued remains. Here we will look at both categories of gemstones more broadly: diamonds and coloured non-diamond gemstones (as there are diamonds that come in different hues), and see what is the best choice for you.

Why Diamond are a Top Choice for Engagement Rings

Much has changed in the world of fine jewellery over the past decades. Notably with the entry of larger and newer sources of diamond alternatives: notably the enduring popularity of the other three gemstones that make up the top four. Along with the entry of newer, and exotic gemstone types (like moissanite, morganites etc.): which might be cheaper, but are valued for a variety of particular reasons. However, when one considers the decision to choose a diamond engagement ring, the colourless variant, a number of factors stand out. The notion that diamonds are forever has become firmly ingrained in the minds of people today, and for those who wish to set themselves apart in terms of their gemstone selection for their engagement rings, diamonds remain the top choice. The idea of owning a diamond engagement ring still carries that magical feeling, but its strengths do not solely lie in the aesthetic dimension alone.

Long History of Diamond Use

Diamonds are arguably the most beautiful gemstones in the world. The usage of these carbon-based gemstones in precious jewellery goes back well over a thousand years. With its near-global recognition of its beauty which is defined as its glow, hardness, and durability and the numerous secondary factor that correspond to diamond quality. Such as a diamond’s fluorescence, which is the ability of the diamond to emit a slight glow when subject to ultraviolet light (UV). These and a number of other factors have set diamonds apart from other stones over the years, making them globally recognized, valued for their rarity, and with long-lasting value (diamonds are forever), making diamonds a solid choice for engagement rings.

Established Diamond Quality Measure: The 4Cs

As noted diamonds are measured according to strict measure that is known in the gemstones and fine jewellery world as the 4Cs. The 4Cs of diamonds measures the quality of a cut diamond stone according to the quality of its colour, carat, cut and clarity. The specifics of each of these points are the subject of extensive study, but a quick breakdown goes as follows. The Color of a diamond is the most important factor, in relation to the debate on diamonds vs coloured stones, for in the gemstone industry diamonds are valued for their colourless character. The presence of colour in the gemstone is viewed as an adverse factor in relation to quality. In the industry, diamonds are valued according to a colour scale that goes from D-Z with the lower or no colour in the diamond (represented by D colour diamonds) being the most valued, with the quality and hence the price declining as the gemstone colour goes down on that particular scale. When it comes to a carat, the principle is the larger the diamond the better its value; in terms of clarity, the fewer inclusions and other blemishes the more valuable the stone. And with cut, this is a broader debate, but this factor correlates with other factors of diamond quality and the skill of the jeweller.

Advantages of Choosing Colored Gemstones for an Engagement Ring

Coloured gemstones are those which are not carbon-based, and which contain colour. Natural colour, notably since we are only dealing with gemstones that are sourced from nature, which contain various hues as a product of the natural chemical reactions that occur during their time of development. However, the colour in these gemstones may have been enhanced via accepted treatment practices, such as heating. Since our focus here is on popular coloured gemstones collectively, we shall be aggregating their strengths into one, and how they match up with diamonds.

Affordability

When it comes to choosing diamonds over other stones, the single biggest factor one must consider is the price. Diamonds are not only the most sought after gemstone in the world, but they are also the most costly. Especially when seeking quality stones, that match up in terms of carat, cut, is set in the right engagement ring setting, quality diamonds can command high prices relative to other gemstones in the market. Here coloured gemstones whether sapphires, rubies, emeralds and especially amethysts can be more attractive options in terms of cost. As they tend to be relatively cheaper on a per carat basis. This is mainly due to the number of options on the market.

Diversity

The advantage of going with coloured gemstones is that they are in greater abundance, owing to the sheer number of coloured gemstones that are there on the market. Besides the top four or five precious gemstones, there are other quality gemstones that match up from the standpoint of colour, carat, cut and durability. From garnets (predominantly red), aquamarines (light sea blue), so the choice in terms of gemstones are larger, that is one wishes to go beyond the more conventional choices. And if one considers some of the rarer more exceptional stones, even the generally cheaper stones tend to command a higher price and quality, so there is something there for everyone, for all budget ranges. This brings us to the subject of choice.

Choice

When it comes to choosing the right gemstone for your engagement ring, we know price is a key factor, along with the range of diverse gemstones, which naturally strengthens the choice of the customer. If you are in the market for a gemstone, opting for the coloured types (i.e. colourless diamonds) will provide a range of choices: from the size of the gemstone, colour, cut, and importantly the many ranges of hues. You see there is one single colour: blue, red, green, purple etc. Gemstones come in numerous shades and tones, which in relation to the band design and gemstone placements, will provide a huge range of choices for you to choose from.

Side by Comparison of Diamonds and Colored Stones

When it comes to the strengths of diamonds in relation to other gemstones, a number of factors immediately stand out. First diamonds are and still remain the top gemstones in the world. However, in recent years there has been stiff competition from gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds and possibly even amethysts, which make up the list of top coloured gemstones. Whilst nothing has come close to beating the dominance of diamonds, these gemstones are making their case for the top choice for gemstone of choice for engagement rings. However, the popularity of coloured gemstones like sapphires have steadily grown over the years, with some variants in these gemstone categories: notably those which stand out in terms of colour, clarity and cut. Here we look at diamonds and coloured gemstones generally and see how they differ.

Which Type Should you Choose For Your Engagement Ring: Diamonds or Colored Gemstones 

There is no simple answer to this question. Since the decision to choose a coloured gemstone or a diamond comes down to a number of factors. From the stylistic expectations of the buyer, his/her budget, and importantly, a factor that is often looked at, the beliefs and values of the buyer. When it comes to coloured gemstones, one of the key factors driving their popularity is their association with the mystical. A factor that greatly influences the purchasing of gemstones in places like the subcontinent. A more probable factor is the price, as diamonds are generally perceived to be more expensive. However, high priced coloured gemstones can be found in sapphires, emeralds, rubies and even among aquamarines, amethysts and opals. Again there is no simple answer, however as a practical consideration one may go with one’s birthstone.