The world of gemstones can be a complex one, and whether you’re buying a ring for an engagement, anniversary, or are simply looking to give a meaningful gift, there’s a great deal to consider.
There are so many stunning gemstones out there, each with the potential to reflect the personality of the wearer in unique ways. The question is, how do you decide?
This article is here to help you with a quick guide for choosing gemstones!
Carefully Consider the Meaning Behind the Gift
Choosing the perfect ring is mostly about the sentiment behind it. You’ll want to ensure whatever stone you choose for the ring is of a high quality, of course, but before any of that, you need to be clear on why you’re wanting to make a purchase in the first place.
For birthdays, you should consider the significance of birthstones: for example, the stones for December are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise, with each month having a separate selection.
If you’re buying for a certain event, there are some special signifier stones to consider here, too. Diamonds are traditionally given for engagements, for instance, so do some background research to find the best fit.
On Durability
Given that an expensive ring will be something that’s likely worn all the time, one of the most important aspects to consider is the durability of different gems.
The Mohs scale determines hardness, and Diamonds are rated as the toughest at 10. Rubies and sapphires are also very strong, with a hardness of 9, and emeralds come in slightly lower at 8.
Stones with scores below a 7 are best reserved for special occasions, as they’re more susceptible to scratches and general degradation over time.
Color and Style: Knowing Your Person
When you’re choosing a gift as expensive as a gemstone ring, you should be primarily factoring in the receiver’s personality and what you know they like and dislike.
This is going to differ significantly depending on the person, so think long and hard about them as an individual and see what pops out at you. You should be confident in trusting your intuition: if you have a gut feeling that a particular ring would be a great fit, go with it.
Of course, it’s important to always stay within your budget, but given the variability in different gemstones, there will be something at the right price point.
Wrapping Up
There’s a lot more to choosing the perfect stone than has been explored here, but everyone has to start somewhere (and getting started is often the most difficult part of this process).
One final element to be aware of is choosing a reputable supplier. Browse in as many physical and online jewelry stores as possible to get a feel for what’s out there, and always make sure you check plenty of reviews and have a thorough discussion with the vendor about what they’re offering (for diamond rings, Rare Carat has some great pieces, for example).
Above all else, try not to stress! While this is a big purchase, taking the time and effort to do your research, as you’re doing by reading this article, will ensure you make the right decision. Good luck!