What Stones Make the Best Engagement Rings
Updated on October 28, 2022 | By Samara Davis
Engagement rings are a core symbol of commitment in a marriage. Styles, shapes, and stones are all aspects of a ring that can reflect the personalities and preferences of the couple it belongs to, adding meaning and emotional value to the piece. Read on to find the best engagement ring materials and stones for your partner.
Diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest gemstone on earth, with a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale. These sparkling stones have a long history of symbolizing a relationship’s health, love, and strength. Diamond engagement rings signify lifetime commitment and forever between couples.
These gemstones are perfect for long-term wear. They withstand extreme temperatures without losing their luster and durability. You don’t have to worry about your diamond ring getting ruined by sweat or water.
Diamonds are versatile. They come in various colors and cuts that may enhance or simplify the shine of the stone, such as the following:
- emerald cut – a long rectangular cut, usually set vertically
- marquise cut – a soft-edged cut, almost resembling an oval with tapered ends
- princess cut – a simple square cut; this can appear larger though its surface area may be the same as a round cut stone
- pear cut – shaped like a teardrop
- round cut – circular or oval-shaped
- radiant – elements of emerald or princess-cut diamonds; cut to highlight the depth of the stone
Gold
Gold is a popular, classic, and timeless engagement ring material that represents wealth, health, and power. The material has a high luster, shining more brightly than other metals. Gold comes in a variety of beautiful colors such as white, “rose”, and yellow. These bright to warm and golden colors make them a great complement to different skin tones.
Gold can be recycled and reused like all metals without losing its original beauty or value. Its softness makes it malleable and easy to work with. This is also one of the most durable metals. It won’t start fading or tarnishing like other metals when exposed to water or sweat. Gold rings look good with other materials like silver or platinum.
Sapphires
If you are looking for something classy and timeless, consider a sapphire. These stones have been worn by royalty for generations. Kate Middleton and Empress Josephine, for example, received sapphire engagement rings.
Sapphires are the hardest non-diamond gemstones on the planet, with a hardness score of 9. This feature makes them long-lasting and valuable. These precious stones signify loyalty, faithfulness, and honesty. Giving your special one a sapphire engagement ring indicates a strong and healthy relationship.
Sapphires come in a rainbow of colors, but the most common is deep blue. Like diamonds, sapphires can be cut into different shapes and styles such as round, oval and radiant. Sapphire engagement rings match well with other gemstones that have similar characteristics to create a stunning design.
Emeralds
Emeralds are another “royal” gemstone on the list symbolizing growth, love, peace, and luck. The stone resists scratches and breakages with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs Scale, making them durable. They won’t fade or lose their luster over time.
Emeralds are rare and high quality. They are primarily a deep, rich green, though they can be more yellowish or bluish. Emerald rings need special care because of their delicacy— potential imperfections may occur during the cutting process.
Choose Your Engagement Rings
The quality, stone, band material, and style all contribute to the value of a ring. Consider what colors and cuts you (or your fiance) love and will want to wear all the time! Knowing more about the stones and metals that make a ring will help you create the ideal engagement ring for your partner.
