an engagement ring is one of life’s most expensive purchases

Choosing a diamond engagement ring

I’ll let you into a secret..

Many of us women don’t consider the durability of gemstones when we’re thinking about engagement rings.

In short, we tend to go for what looks good and feels nice on our fingers.

I remember when I first got engaged, I was 17, I had a teeny weeny diamond, but it was huge to me being my first engagement ring. 

At the time I worked in an office, so was typing all day and couldn’t help but look at my ring at every opportunity and made sure it was visible to all and sundry at every opportunity.

Diamonds remain the most traditional and popular choice in engagement rings today.

They are graded by the “the four Cs” – cut, colour, carat, and clarity.

Cut determines the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle.

Colour ranges from colourless to canary yellow. Diamonds with less colour are considered more valuable.

Carat measures the weight of the stone. In most cases, higher carats translate to more expensive stones.

Clarity refers to the amount and size of inclusions and blemishes on the stone. Flawless clarity shows no imperfections, while included clarity has a significant number of flaws.

Diamonds are the most durable of the gemstones, rating a perfect ten on the Mohs Scale of Hardness which means how resistant the stone is to damage.

Choosing a Ruby engagement ring

Rubies are a stunning deep red stone, representing nobility, purity, and passion throughout the ages.

They make an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

A Ruby will hold its colour and style for years to come, looking as fresh at your 25-year vow renewal as it did at your wedding.

It’s said that Rubies boost your energy levels, promote self-esteem, heighten your intuition and spiritual wisdom.

A symbol of good fortune, pure love and loyalty.

Because a Ruby sits at a nine on the Mohs’ Scale, this can make them quite expensive.

Choosing a Sapphire engagement ring

Long before diamonds became the popular stone for engagement rings, a sapphire was high up there on the popularity list.

The colour of sapphires can vary a lot.

There are sapphires with hints of yellow, purple and even orange, and of course, blue is the most famous of colours.

A Saphire is believed to bring gifts of fulfilment, joy, prosperity, inner peace and beauty.

Sapphires receive a Mohs’ Scale rating of 9.

Choosing an Aquamarine engagement ring

This is one of my favourite stones.

The word Aquamarine is Latin for water of the sea, referring to the ocean-like colour of the stone.

A calming, soothing stone which is said to inspire truth, trust and letting go.

Another favourite stone for engagement rings.

However, its Mohs’ Scale rating of 7.5 to 8 indicates that, with extreme wear, it may show signs of scratching over time.

Choosing an Emerald engagement ring

Green emeralds are popular for engagement rings, as they symbolize love and new beginnings.

Emeralds are regarded as a symbol of truth and love—a gift from Thoth, the ancient god of wisdom.

And they are pretty scratch-resistant, too, ranking a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs’ Scale.

Although some say they are prone to cracking and chipping.

Choosing an Opal engagement ring

Opals have always been associated with love, passion, and desire.

It is a seductive stone that intensifies emotional states and releases inhibitions. It can also act as an emotional stabilizer. 

Wearing an opal is said to bring about loyalty and faithfulness.

Opals are usually a gift for the 14th anniversary but seem to be becoming popular for engagement rings.

The transparent hue of an opal gives every ring a unique look and camouflages any surface scratches that may come with time. 

While it’s not the most durable choice for everyday wear, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs’ scale, it is an unusual and pretty stone for an engagement ring.

Choosing an Pearl engagement ring

Pearls are the ultimate symbol of wisdom.

Valued for their calming effects, pearls represent serenity while strengthening valuable relationships and conveying a sense of safety.

Pearls also symbolize purity, as well as integrity and loyalty.

I love a pearl, whether in a ring or a necklace.

They are an old fashioned gem that’s becoming popular in engagement rings again.

Elegant and modest, this choice is popular for the no-frills bride. 

The plethora of options available—like saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls, and cultured pearls—make it easy to find a ring that suits both your budget and style. 

But it is only a 2.5 to 4.5 on the MOH scale, making them susceptible to scratching and discolouration.

The fact is that all of the stones above are beautiful, but don’t be afraid to think out of the box when choosing a ring.

You might want to go for something unique to you, and that’s good.

It was something unique I wanted when my partner proposed in November 2021. 

For love nor money, could I find a ring that I liked and wanted, but I kept on looking and eventually found it in January 2022.

I wanted my stone to mean something to me, so I finally settled on a tourmaline.

Tourmaline is a stone that stands for compassion, healing and friendship.

A stone that attracts money (who doesn’t want more money), it’s also a good stone for keeping you grounded.

Many couples are stepping outside the norm these days and choosing unusual rings, with settings they design themselves and have a jeweller make it for them.

It’s about your ring being unique to you both, a ring that matches your personality, so if you want something “different”, then go for it.