Are Diamonds Still a Bride's Best Friend?
If you’re planning on getting engaged or looking for a wedding ring, you’ve probably looked at rings. And while looking at rings, you’ve probably seen diamonds – galore. Square cut, emerald cut, princess cut, and on it goes… But what about other options?
For 100s of years, diamonds have been a standard stone featured in engagement rings. Archduke Maximillian of Austria had a diamond ring created for his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477, which started a trend of aristocracy wearing diamond engagement rings. By the Victorian period, engagement rings featured diamonds mixed with other precious stones, often in the shape of a flower! Diamonds became less popular in the west by the 30s.
However, in 1947, De Beers created a campaign to promote their diamond engagement rings with the slogan, “A Diamond is Forever” – with the word “forever” symbolizing the commitment of marriage. Since then, engagement rings and wedding bands solely featuring diamonds have been consistently in style.
Today, as our society strives for betterment, people recognize how unethical and environmentally damaging diamond mining can be. Some are opting for ethically mined diamonds, and even lab-grown diamonds. Today’s options are so vast, a diamond is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stunning gems to flash on your finger.
Moissanite
Moissanite features a hardness comparative to diamonds, so you will not have to worry too much about your rings through daily tasks.
Ruby
If vintage is your style, you may want to opt for a ruby. Rubies also have a similar hardness to diamonds, which helps them last over time.
Amethyst
Amethysts range in color from a deep, rich, purple, to light pink. They are known for their brilliant clarity.
Emerald
Emeralds are one of the rarest gemstones. If you want a ring no one else has, opt for this stunning jewel.
Opal
If you can’t decide on one color, then opal is for you! This stone scratches easier than others, but its kaleidoscope of colors more than makes up for its delicacy.
Diamond
If your heart is set on a diamond, this stone is still a great choice. Lab-grown, environmentally friendly diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular choice, as are diamonds that have an easily tracked supply chain.