The Best Stones for Rings: A Guide to Finding Yours

In the world of jewellery, there are few pieces as symbolic and personal as a ring. Whether it’s a friendship ring, an engagement ring, or simply a daily wear accessory of yours, a ring is something you can wear for years on end, and feel connected to it every time you look at your hand. It’s not just any piece of accessory; rings are special items that will have an increasing sentimental value for its over time, and they are getting increasingly popular.

A stone is the perfect way to show that off. A well-cut piece of gem will reflect your personality and taste, perhaps much more than any other material out there. There are a lot of beautiful gems and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and types – some softer than others – so finding the right one to fit your style will be no mean feat! Let’s take a look at some of the best stones for engagement rings, see what they have to offer and discover which ones might be right for your unique tastes...

Factors One Must Consider While Choosing the Stone for the Ring

Budget

There are a number of things you’ll want to consider when choosing a gem for your ring. Most importantly, you’ll want to think about your budget. The price of each stone is different, so you’ll want to make sure you have saved enough money before you go shopping.

Type of Stone

The second factor that you must consider is the type of stone you want. There are plenty of different types of gorgeous gems out there, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. The type of stone you choose will be very important in the long run, so you’ll want to choose wisely and carefully.

Ring Type

Before even getting into the nitty-gritty of what sort of gems you might want, you should consider what type of ring you want. There are many different types of rings on the market. Knowing which type you are looking for will help you make an informed decision. If you are looking for gemstones for engagement rings, you would want to choose some durable stones that will maintain their luster, such as diamonds.

Stone Size

Once you’ve decided on the type of gem for your ring, you’ll want to think about the size of the gem. Every ring is worn differently, depending on the physical attributes of the owner, and how they use their hands on a daily basis. Make sure the gem you choose is small enough to fit comfortably on your finger without being too bulky or choose a larger stone if you want to just flaunt it in parties or other types of public events.

Cut and Color

You’ll also want to consider the cut of the gems. The cut will determine how light the stone will reflect and the strength of the stones. One more thing to consider is the color of the stones. Most people will choose a stone that matches their skin tone, but some might go for something a little bolder and brighter.

Ring Size

While this isn’t something you’d normally think about before buying a ring, you should consider your ring size before choosing a stone. Certain types of stones, such as ruby, turquoise, and opal, come in sizes that can’t be resized – so if you want to ensure your ring fits, make sure you choose a gem that is resizable!

Clarity and Texture

The clarity of the stones is also a major factor to take into consideration. A stone with higher clarity will be more expensive and a bit more difficult to find, but it will also reflect light better, thus being less cloudy. You’ll also want to consider the texture of the stones. While most stones are smooth, some might have a bit of a texture to them. This shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re looking for a smooth ring and texture might make it a bit uncomfortable.

Longevity

When choosing the right stones for your ring, it is important to consider the longevity of the stone. You want your precious stones to last forever while maintaining their shine. Therefore, it is important to choose a stone that is durable and will not fade over time.

What Determines a Stone's Longevity?

Now that you know what are some important factors you must consider before investing in precious stones for your engagement rings or any ring with stones.

There are many different factors that can affect how long a gem will last. Things like the price of the ring, or how often it is worn, can play a role in determining the longevity of the jewellery piece. By taking all of these things into consideration, you can help to extend the life of your stones and keep it looking beautiful for many years to come.

Mohs hardness scale

The Mohs hardness Scale is a chart that was developed in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs. The mohs scale measures the measure the scratch resistance and hardness of materials, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. With a diamond ranking 10 as the hardest stone, it is no surprise that diamond is a popular stone for jewellery, industrial cutting, and various other applications.

The strength of the stone is one of the most important factors in its long-term viability. The harder a stone is, the more vulnerable it is to damage. However, hard stones are more resistant to wear and tear, so it is best to get a hard stone for rings.

Affordable and Stylish Stones for Rings

Colored Diamonds

While diamonds have become synonymous with gemstone engagement rings, they are also a great option for any style of rings at any given time. They score 10 on the mohs hardness scale, which means your engagement rings will last forever. With a wide range of colours and cuts, you can find diamonds of any colour and in any style you want. Diamonds are one of the more precious stones and come with a high price tag, but are worth every penny due to their brilliance and rarity. Of course, the colour and cut of the diamond you choose will also determine its cost.

Blue Diamonds

There are very few gemstones like Blue diamonds as they are the rarest form of diamonds on the planet, and are usually found in just one mine in Australia. While they are beautiful, they are also some of the most expensive diamonds on the market. Blue diamonds have a unique blue tint to them that is unlike any other, and can vary in shade from an almost violet blue to a royal blue, or even a deep navy. Blue diamonds are typically the most expensive due to their rarity, but other colours of diamond such as pink diamonds, which can also be very costly.

Pink Diamonds

The pink diamond is one of the most sought-after gems on the planet, and is found in very few places in the world. Pink diamonds are vibrant, and can range from a light pink that is barely discernible from a white diamond, to a deep pink that is almost red in colour. Pink diamonds are usually found in Brazil, and are therefore much cheaper than blue diamonds. Being a little cheaper than others doesn't mean they are any less good in terms of quality for engagement rings. It is still a diamond and that naturally makes it the hardest gemstone.

Emeralds

Ranking 7.5 to 8 on the mohs hardness scale, Emeralds are one of the most famous gemstones and are associated with royalty in many cultures. Even Princess Diana had a emerald cut Aquamarine engagement ring. Emeralds can come in any colour of green, ranging from blue-green to yellow-green, and are usually found in Columbia. They are usually found as rough emeralds that need to be professionally cut, polished and set in order to be worn as jewellery. The price of the emeralds of your choosing will vary wildly on the colour of the gemstone.

Ruby

Ranking at 9 for hardness on the mohs scale, ruby is the second most popular stone used in engagement rings. It has a rich colour and is associated with love, passion and energy. Ruby is one of the rarest gemstones and is usually found in Myanmar, Thailand or Afghanistan. Ruby is one of the most expensive stones due to its rarity and the extensive process of mining and refining it. 

Sapphire

Sapphires are one of the most popular blue stones, and there is a type of sapphire for every person and every style. Sapphires come in every shade of blue, and can also be found in yellow, orange and purple colors as well. Sapphire is one of the most common stones used for engagement rings, and is also used in other jewellery pieces due to its strength and toughness.

Conclusion

There are few things as personal as a piece of jewellery. Whether you’re shopping for a special gift or buying something for yourself, rings are a great way to express yourself and a way to showcase unique style. Rings can be worn as a statement piece or as a simple, everyday accessory. No matter what your budget is, there’s sure to be a ring that’s perfect for you. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right stone for your rings.

The type of metal, the setting, and the style of the rings all play a part in choosing the perfect stone. But don't forget that the stone itself is a reflection of who you are. There's a stone out there for everyone. All you have to do is find it. With so many options available, taking the time to find the right stone is a great way to make your rings more special.