If you are in the market for an engagement ring there are plenty of options to choose from. Of course one of the most traditional choices is the diamond. However, I want to share some ideas for alternatives to naturally-mined diamonds that are lower-cost and environmentally conscious.
If you don't want to stray too far from the traditional diamond engagement ring choosing a man made diamond will cut the ecological impact and along with the cost. Here are a few of those options to consider.
Some diamond "stimulants" are cubic zirconia and moissanite. Both are created in a lab and look very similar to diamonds but are composed of different substances. Cubic zirconia is very durable with a close visual likeness to diamond and is also low cost. Moissanite is a popular choice as it is very durable with a wonderful brilliance. If price is not a concern, there are actually lab created diamonds which are physically, optically, and chemically indistinguishable from our natural diamond.
If you like the idea of adding color to your engagement ring there are many beautiful gemstones to consider. Sapphires are a very durable choice and come in a variety of colors. In addition there are many gemstones with traditional meaning to add a special significance to your ring.
Here is a short list of gemstones and their meanings:
- Agate: truth, protection, strength
- Apatite: communication, and the blending of the old and the new
- Aquamarine: courage to overcome fears, protection on journeys
- Blue topaz: courage to overcome fears and obstacles — associated with fidelity, friendship, gentleness, and integrity
- Garnet: passionate commitment and devotion
- Onyx: thought to deflect the negativity of others — associated with determination and perseverance
- Opal: love, passion, lightness, inspiration, creativity, and spontaneity
- Pearl (pearls are organic rather than a gemstone): harmony, humility, purity, worth
- Rose quartz: gentle love, peace, and calm — associated with the removal of negativity and the healing of emotional wounds
- Ruby: friendship, fire, love, royalty, happiness, the opening of the heart
- Turquoise: friendship — associated with nature (the blue sky and green earth)
If you not looking for a stone as the centerpiece of your engagement ring then a knot ring may be the appropriate option.
There are a couple of different knots you can choose from, each with it's own meaning. The infinity knot stands for eternal love. Two interlocking overhand knots with parallel wires symbolizes that each person is flexible, yet they’re remain inseparable. And last, two interlocking knots of different materials represent the entwining of your two lives forever.
Now that you are getting an idea of the direction you want to go in, check out my available engagement rings or contact me to discuss a custom design.
