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Alternative Gemstones to Fit the Perfect Ring & Taste

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend. But what about all the other precious gemstones whose striking colors and luster have stolen the hearts of women for many years?

Traditions dictate that a man should spend about three monthly salary on an engagement ring. While this may be affordable for most prospective husbands, other men may choose to regard it as an escapable expense. This is because the majority agrees that the true value of the ring lies in its meaning and the intentions behind the proposal NOT THE COST.

The Meaning of a Marriage Proposal

But the concept of being engaged has changed over the years. In Victorian times, an engagement ring symbolized great partnership. On the man’s part, proposing marriage to a woman meant that he became legally obliged to marry her. If he chose to end their relationship, she was able to sue him for “breach of promise”. In the present day, proposing marriage to a woman, although taken seriously, bears no legal obligation. Women are happy to settle for rings with rocks that make bold statements to their family and friends.

Other Equally Appealing Precious Stones

Although there is nothing plain about a diamond (arguably the most sought after stone for marriage proposals), there certainly are alternatives that can add some character to that special engagement. For those who love beautiful colored gemstones, consider some of the stones below.

Tanzanite – a rare gem only found in the Merelani Hills which was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. This stone is a newcomer to the gemstone market and is referred to as the “Jewel of East Africa.” Tanzanite is typically brown with reddish, orange, yellow, or bronze hues and is a unique variety of the mineral zoisite.

Sapphire – is the ultimate blue gemstone that represents the soul and fidelity. Sapphire is an extremely durable gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, the most common being blue – a color associated with friendship and loyalty as well as harmony. It is known as “The Jewel of the Sky” and is the birthstone for September.

Emerald – an intense green gemstone, its magnificent green color speaks volumes as well as being May’s birthstone. It is known as the “symbol of spring.” In the ancient world this gem was believed to symbolize hope, arrival of spring and rebirth. Emeralds come in various varieties of light and dark shades of green and sometimes having background hues of different colors like yellow, blue, brown of gray. In its finest quality, an emerald is more valuable than a diamond.

Ruby – the birthstone for July is also known as the “King of Gems”. The ruby is considered the ultimate gemstone associated with love and passion and its sometimes referred to as the “blood” gemstone representing courage and bravery. It is rare to find in its top quality which displays all the characteristics of a precious stone: pure brilliance, lasting hardness and stunning color, which is noted as ruby’s most appealing feature.

Modern engagement rings don’t necessarily have to have diamonds on them, but they must fit the wearers taste. Marriage is about commitment and love and the ring only symbolizes the beginning of your journey together.