For wedding rings, you can choose from a wide variety of gemstones, available in virtually any colour and price range. Finally, I need to know: Which Gemstone Is Ideal For An Wedding Ring? We’ve compiled a list of the best stones for wedding rings.
What Is A Wedding Ring?
A wedding ring, also known as a wedding band, is a piece of jewellery worn on the ring finger of the left hand to signify the wearer’s marital status. It is typically made of precious metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum, and is often adorned with diamonds or other precious stones.
The tradition of wearing a wedding ring dates back thousands of years, with evidence of rings being exchanged during wedding ceremonies found in ancient Egypt and Rome. In Western cultures, the tradition of exchanging wedding rings became more widespread in the Middle Ages.
Today, wedding rings are an important symbol of commitment and love between spouses and are often inscribed with special messages or dates to commemorate the wedding day. In some cultures, it is customary for both partners to wear a wedding ring, while in others only one partner may wear a ring.
Wedding rings come in a variety of styles and designs, from simple and understated bands to elaborate and ornate designs. Many couples also choose to have their wedding rings custom-made to reflect their unique personalities and styles.
What Is A Popular Stone For A Wedding Ring?
Diamonds are the most popular stone for a wedding ring. They are known for their durability, brilliance, and symbolism of everlasting love, making them the perfect choice for a ring that represents a lifelong commitment.
However, there are other popular stones for wedding rings as well, including:
1. Moissanite
Moissanite is a gemstone that was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, who found it in a meteorite crater in Arizona. It is composed of silicon carbide and has a chemical formula of SiC.
Moissanite is known for its brilliance, fire, and durability, making it a popular alternative to diamonds. It is almost as hard as a diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, with a rating of 9.25 compared to a diamond’s rating of 10. Additionally, moissanite has a higher refractive index than a diamond, which means it reflects more light and appears more sparkly.
Moissanite is typically lab-created, although it can occur naturally in very small quantities. Because it is produced in a lab, moissanite is more affordable than diamonds, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery.
Moissanite is available in a range of colours, including colourless, near-colourless, and fancy colours such as yellow, green, and pink. Like diamonds, moissanite is also graded for clarity and cut, with higher-quality stones having fewer inclusions and better proportions.
While some people prefer the traditional look and symbolism of a diamond, moissanite is a great option for those who are looking for a more affordable, yet still beautiful and durable, alternative.
2. Sapphire
Sapphire is a precious gemstone that is most commonly known for its beautiful blue colour, although it can also be found in other colours such as pink, yellow, green, and purple. It is a type of corundum, which is a mineral made up of aluminium and oxygen.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and is also the traditional gemstone for the 45th wedding anniversaries. It has been prized for its beauty and rarity for thousands of years, with the ancient Persians believing that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the sky was painted blue by its reflection.
Sapphire is a durable stone, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it a great choice for use in jewellery. It is often used in engagement rings and other fine jewellery pieces due to its beauty and durability.
Sapphire is commonly found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Madagascar, although it can also be found in parts of Africa and Australia. The value of a sapphire is based on factors such as colour, clarity, and size, with the most valuable sapphires being those that are deep, vivid blue and have few inclusions.
In addition to its beauty, sapphire is also believed to have healing properties, with some people using it to promote mental clarity and reduce stress. It is also believed to bring wisdom, truth, and good fortune to those who wear it.
3. Emerald
Emerald is a precious gemstone that is known for its beautiful green colour. It is a type of beryl, a mineral that is composed of beryllium, aluminium, and silicon. Emeralds are typically found in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and other countries that have deposits of beryl.
Emeralds have been prized for their beauty and rarity for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were believed to have healing properties, and the Incas and Aztecs of South America treasured them as sacred stones.
Emeralds are relatively hard and durable, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes them suitable for use in jewellery. However, they are also relatively brittle, which means that they can chip or crack if subjected to too much pressure.
The value of an emerald is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, and size. The most valuable emeralds are those that have a deep, vivid green colour with few inclusions, or flaws. In some cases, emeralds may be treated to enhance their colour or clarity, although this can also affect their value.
Emeralds are often used in fine jewellery, including engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces. They are also believed to have healing properties, with some people using them to promote emotional balance, reduce stress, and enhance intuition.
4. Ruby
Ruby is a precious gemstone that is known for its rich, vibrant red colour. It is a type of corundum, a mineral that is made up of aluminium and oxygen. The red colour of ruby comes from the presence of chromium in the mineral.
Ruby has been treasured for its beauty and rarity for thousands of years. In ancient India, it was known as the “king of gems” and was believed to bring good luck and protect its wearer from harm. Ruby is also one of the birthstones for July and is the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversaries.
Ruby is a relatively hard and durable stone, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is suitable for use in jewellery, including engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces. The value of a ruby is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, and size, with the most valuable rubies being those that have a deep, pure red colour with few inclusions.
In addition to its beauty, ruby is also believed to have healing properties, with some people using it to promote vitality, energy, and courage. It is also believed to enhance passion and improve relationships.
While the most popular colour for ruby is red, it can also be found in other colours such as pink, orange, and purple. The pink variety of ruby is known as pink sapphire, and the orange variety is known as padparadscha sapphire.
5. Amethyst
Amethyst is a violet to a purple-coloured gemstone that is a type of quartz. Its colour comes from trace amounts of iron and other minerals that are present in the crystal. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is also the gemstone that is traditionally given for the 6th wedding anniversaries.
Amethyst has been treasured for its beauty and believed to have healing properties for centuries. In ancient Greece, amethyst was believed to protect its wearer from drunkenness, and the word “amethyst” actually comes from the Greek word “amethysts,” which means “not drunken.” Amethyst was also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and to promote clarity and spiritual awareness.
Amethyst is a relatively hard and durable stone, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is suitable for use in jewellery, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The value of an amethyst is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, and size, with the most valuable amethysts being those that have a deep, rich purple colour with few inclusions.
Amethyst is typically found in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia, although it can also be found in other parts of the world. In addition to its beauty, amethyst is also believed to have healing properties, with some people using it to promote emotional balance, reduce stress, and enhance intuition. It is also believed to have protective qualities, shielding its wearer from negative energy and promoting spiritual growth.
6. Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue-green coloured gemstone that is a type of beryl. Its colour ranges from pale blue to deep blue-green, and its name comes from the Latin words “aqua” (water) and “marina” (of the sea), which reflects its colour.
Aquamarine has been treasured for its beauty for centuries, and it is the birthstone for March. It is also the traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversaries. In ancient times, it was believed to have a calming effect on the ocean and to protect sailors and fishermen from danger.
Aquamarine is a relatively hard and durable stone, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is suitable for use in jewellery, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The value of an aquamarine is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, and size, with the most valuable aquamarines being those that have a deep, rich blue-green colour with few inclusions.
Aquamarine is typically found in countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Russia, although it can also be found in other parts of the world. In addition to its beauty, aquamarine is also believed to have healing properties, with some people using it to promote emotional balance, reduce stress, and enhance communication and self-expression. It is also believed to have a soothing effect on the mind and to promote mental clarity and spiritual awareness.
Ultimately, the choice of stone for a wedding ring comes down to personal preference and budget. Some couples may choose a stone based on its symbolism or meaning, while others may choose one based on its beauty or affordability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gemstones such as moissanite, sapphire, emerald, ruby, amethyst, and aquamarine are all popular choices for engagement rings, wedding rings, and other types of jewellery. Each gemstone has its unique beauty, properties, and meanings that make it special and desirable. Whether you choose a gemstone based on its colour, durability, symbolism, or spiritual significance, it is important to choose one that speaks to your style and values.
Gemstones have been treasured for centuries for their beauty and symbolism, and they continue to be a popular choice for those who want to add a touch of glamour and meaning to their jewellery collection.
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