Understanding The Four Main Precious Stones
Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are four of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. For anyone looking to purchase an outstanding engagement ring with an impressive gemstone here are some interesting facts and features of these four sparkling beauties.
Diamond – The Sheer Stunner
Diamonds are Forever
Possessing the highest shine of all transparent gemstones, diamond is the hardest material on earth that can only be scratched with another diamond. Its name comes from the ancient Greek adámas meaning “unbreakable”.
Diamonds reflect light in an unparalleled way, especially when placed under directional spotlights. With every slight twist of the hand, a diamond ring will shimmer in endless ways demanding attention.
Understanding the 4 C’s
In order to determine their quality, diamonds are graded using the 4C's system: carat weight, color, clarity and cut.
Which metal setting complements a diamond?
The beauty of diamonds is emphasized by all noble metals, from gold in all its shades to platinum.
Fun facts
Diamond is the birthstone for April and the gem of the tenth and sixtieth wedding anniversaries.
Learn more about the 7 Factors to Consider when Buying a Diamond
Ruby – The Love Talisman
Burning with Passion
A variety of the corundum family, ruby is famous for its deep red hue and vibrant glow. Bearing the color of love and desire, ruby is the ideal romantic gift for a woman in love.
Record breaker
Over the years, finest-quality rubies have broken auction price records, commanding the highest per-carat value of all colored gems.
Watch for the Silk
Pure rubies exhibit thin inclusions called needles. When they intersect in groups, they create a phenomenon called “silk” which softens the color causing the light to beautifully scatter across the stone’s facets.
Which metal setting complements a ruby?
The ruby’s bright red hue can be paired with any gold color: white, rose, yellow and gold, but also platinum.
Fun facts
Ruby is the birthstone for July and the gem of the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.
Learn How to Choose a Quality Ruby
Emerald – The Rare Gem
Rich in Symbolism
Known for its intense green shade and a clear depth of colour that very few gems possess, emerald is the precious stone that symbolizes renewal and hope.
A Royal Affair
The rich green stone has been a gem of fascination for royalty in the past centuries. Cleopatra, the famous Queen of Egypt, had a soft spot for lush emeralds and loved wearing them.
The Perfect Cut
The precious stone often has intricate inclusions called “jardin” (the French term for garden) which make cutting the gemstone more challenging. Gem cutters have hence developed a special cut called emerald cut which gives the stone a rectangular or square shape.
Which metal setting complements an emerald?
Emeralds are normally cast in yellow gold, but their vivid colour is greatly intensified by noble platinum and white gold, too.
Fun Facts
Emerald is the birthstone for May and the gem of the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.
Learn How to Choose a Quality Emerald
Sapphire – The Cobalt Charmer
Not Only Blue
Pure sapphires are actually white, but in the presence of titanium and iron traces they acquire a velvety blue colour. Apart from this classic shade, there are the less available “fancy sapphires” that come in every colour from green to pink and even black, except for red sapphire which is the ruby.
Crown Jewels
The world’s most famous sapphire engagement ring is the one previously owned by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and currently worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Which metal setting complements a sapphire?
The aristocratic colour of this gemstone looks stunning against every metal colour, from platinum to white, yellow, and rose gold.
Fun Facts
Sapphires are known as the gemstones of wisdom, truth and justice.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries.