The Engagement ring stands as a bold declaration of eternal commitment and love to our beloved partners. From what used to symbolize ownership back in Ancient Rome, they are anything but that today. The classic diamond ring remains a popular choice for couples, but in recent times, different precious gems have also been gaining prominence. Here are 4 precious gems commonly crafted into Engagement rings today.
Diamonds
The earliest natural diamonds were discovered in India in 4th Century BC, commonly worn as adornments, used as talismans to ward off evil spirits, and were believed to provide protection in battle. Today, a Diamond ring signifies a token of purity, devotion and eternal love.
The most important characteristics to understand when deciding on a diamond is the 4Cs of Diamond:
Cut - The cut of a diamond refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.
Color - Understanding the color of diamonds is important in choosing the right diamond. Interestingly, the diamond color evaluation of most diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value.
Clarity - Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of characteristics such as inclusions and blemishes, as well as how these characteristics affect the overall appearance of the stone. If you are trying to determine what is the best clarity for a diamond, remember that no diamond is perfectly pure. But the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity.
Carat - The term carat refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. A common misperception is that a larger carat weight is always better than a smaller carat weight. While it’s true that a big rock can be a status symbol, carat weight is not related to sparkle. Beautiful sparkle is the result of a well-crafted cut.
Source: GIA - 4Cs OF DIAMOND QUALITY
Origins of the Diamond Engagement Ring
The idea of a Diamond Engagement ring exchange originated with Archduke Maximilian in 1477, who presented a diamond ring to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. These rings were mainly reserved for the royal, wealthy and powerful at the time, hence was generally interpreted as a status symbol of the elite.
Diamonds
The earliest natural diamonds were discovered in India in 4th Century BC, commonly worn as adornments, used as talismans to ward off evil spirits, and were believed to provide protection in battle. Today, a Diamond ring signifies a token of purity, devotion and eternal love.
The most important characteristics to understand when deciding on a diamond is the 4Cs of Diamond:
Cut - The cut of a diamond refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.
Color - Understanding the color of diamonds is important in choosing the right diamond. Interestingly, the diamond color evaluation of most diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value.
Clarity - Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of characteristics such as inclusions and blemishes, as well as how these characteristics affect the overall appearance of the stone. If you are trying to determine what is the best clarity for a diamond, remember that no diamond is perfectly pure. But the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity.
Carat - The term carat refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. A common misperception is that a larger carat weight is always better than a smaller carat weight. While it’s true that a big rock can be a status symbol, carat weight is not related to sparkle. Beautiful sparkle is the result of a well-crafted cut.
Source: GIA - 4Cs OF DIAMOND QUALITY
Origins of the Diamond Engagement Ring
The idea of a Diamond Engagement ring exchange originated with Archduke Maximilian in 1477, who presented a diamond ring to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. These rings were mainly reserved for the royal, wealthy and powerful at the time, hence was generally interpreted as a status symbol of the elite.
Source: The drum
The real change came about when Diamond company, De Beers unveiled their “A diamond is forever” advertising campaign in 1948. With these 4 words, the popularity of these gems rose dramatically and revolutionised people’s views about diamonds. The public began to appreciate their sheer brilliance and associate it with the epitome of romance. So this, coupled with its affordability, has made the Diamond Engagement ring proposal a decorated custom to this day.
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Rubies
Rubies originated from all around the globe such as Africa, Tanzania and Burma. They were historically worn among European royalty, symbolising passion, wisdom, romance and most importantly, love.
The many colours of Rubies
Source: GemsPrice.com
This precious gemstone ranges from red to pink and even yellow (bet you didn’t know that!) due to the presence of chromium, with each one reflecting a unique hue of its own. The most sought after ruby comes from Burma, also known as pigeon’s blood rubies due to their quality and desirable colour. The value of Pink rubies, however, is determined by the intensity of colour. Those that appear more distinctly pink will carry a higher price tag.
Heated vs Unheated treatment
99% of rubies today undergo heated treatment, a process to enhance their colour and clarity and obtain a high-quality gem. Lower temperatures rarely diminish its value, but treating at extreme temperatures may decrease the quality of this gem.
Unheated Rubies are naturally occurring gemstones that have not been treated. These are fairly easy to identify due to their fingerprint-like and unaltered mineral inclusions. Other properties may also include inclusions that are intact, straight and angular. Natural rubies are extremely valuable due to their rarity and high demand, which comes with a hefty price tag as well!
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Emeralds
Historically representing the Goddess of Venus in Ancient Rome, Emeralds holds an entirely different meaning today. This green gemstone symbolises peace, commitment and unwavering love, given to a beloved in hopes of a strong and ever-lasting marriage. One of the earliest Emerald Engagement rings was worn on the left finger by Sumerians. Over time, Vintage and Victorian centric designs have risen in popularity.
Characteristics of Emeralds
Colour and clarity are 2 of the most important characteristics of Emeralds. The saturation and consistency are helpful in determining the quality of the emerald. Naturally, the richer the colour, the more costly it is! Emeralds usually have inclusions, also known as ‘Jardins’ and tiny fissures within the gem. These imperfections can add to its overall beauty, but one thing to keep in mind is to not let these fractures extend to the surface.
Popular Enhancements for Emeralds
Source: GIA - Emerald Inclusions
Did you know that Emeralds are among the gemstones with the most inclusions? This special characteristic of theirs makes them incredibly unique, but also brings about many enhancing techniques. One of these preferred methods is through filling its fissures with natural Cedar wood Oil. On the other hand, more permanent solutions will include the injection of artificial resins such as Opticon before the initial cutting process, making the gem more stable and durable.
Sapphires
Like Rubies and Emeralds, Sapphires are not what normally comes to mind when talking about Engagement rings. However, these elite gemstones have been gaining traction in the past century ever since the late Princess Diana of Wales was spotted wearing a 12-carat Ceylon Sapphire Engagement ring gifted by Prince Charles in 1981. Historically associated with royalty, Sapphires represent sincerity, virtue, faithfulness and sophistication.
The Multitude of Colours
Sapphires come in a multitude of colours, with the 3 most popular colours being blue, pink and yellow. Blue is well-liked among sapphire enthusiasts, especially the cornflower blue resembling the same hue as the flower itself.
Pink Sapphires get their vivid colour from the presence of chromium. The different hues of pastel pink to deep magenta creates a feminine and elegant persona, making it a widely popular choice of Sapphire.
Yellow Sapphires also get their distinct colour from the presence of another trace element, iron. They range in colour from pale yellow to ones with a tinge of orange. Among the available colours, the irresistible beauty of the canary yellow makes it a fan favourite.
Engagement rings hold a unique significance to each person. At Carat 55, we take pride in handcrafting delicate jewellery reputably sourced from the finest gems around the world. Let us help you pick your perfect Engagement ring for a moment of a lifetime today!
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