Engagement rings have been around for centuries, but innovators are finding ways to give couples more choices when deciding how to show others that they plan to spend their lives together.
In many cases, partners will wear their engagement rings for as long as they live, so choosing a gemstone that you can adore is critical when shopping for a ring. You can save money while keeping up with the latest trends by finding a hot engagement ring that will give your partner a permanent reminder of your love.
Moissanite Gems
When shopping for an engagement ring, you should keep in mind that there are options available beyond conventional diamonds. Diamond rings are unaffordable for many young couples, but you do not have to settle for a tiny stone when you are on a limited budget. Moissanite gems are one of the most popular alternatives because they look beautiful and resemble real diamonds. Diamonds have a hardness of 10 while moissanite gems have a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Therefore, unlike most alternative gems that are made from inexpensive materials, moissanite gems will not scratch and decay over time.
Another advantage of moissanite gems is that they can be made in large sizes without breaking your budget. You can buy a flawless 2-carat moissanite gem that resembles a $40,000 blue diamond for $1,000 or less. Even expert jewelers struggle to tell the difference between moissanite gems and ordinary diamonds. Although it is probably wise to admit to your partner that their gemstone is not authentic, your partner will not have to worry about friends and relatives knowing the difference. Many couples with limited funds purchase moissanite gems initially with the intention of buying a real diamond in future years once they have established stable finances.
AlmarinaStudio / ShutterstockOval Stones
Even if you can afford an ordinary diamond, you do not necessarily have to follow the norms of getting the usual brilliant-shaped diamond. Many couples are gravitating toward oval-shaped diamonds because these designs are unique and easier to wear. In large sizes, brilliant-shaped diamonds can snag on keys, soft surfaces, steering wheels, and other objects that most people handle on a daily basis. Oval stones are more elongated, so they follow the shape of your ring in a way that feels more natural.
Although oval-shaped diamonds are more rare than round diamonds, they are actually less expensive in most cases. Round diamonds are in high demand, but most couples do not even consider alternative shapes. You can purchase a larger diamond at a higher quality level if you shop around for an oval-shaped diamond that fits the specifications of your ring.
SPbPhoto / ShutterstockOther Unique Cuts
If you are willing to look beyond ordinary brilliant-shaped diamonds, you should consider the full range of unique diamond cuts that are available. Some of the hottest diamond cuts that you can buy include:
- Pear diamonds: Although pear-shaped diamonds are rare, they are growing in popularity because they symbolize that a woman is an independent individual.
- Heart diamonds: Nothing says romance like a heart-shaped diamond. Women often wear heart-shaped jewelry, so a diamond that complements other pieces of jewelry can be a perfect match.
- Princess diamonds: Square-shaped diamonds are known as princess diamonds in the jewelry industry. Princess diamonds are less expensive than ordinary brilliant-shaped diamonds.
Barbra Ford / ShutterstockArtificial Diamonds
Large diamonds sell for high prices because they are difficult to find in nature. Most of the diamonds that are mined out of the ground are too small to be useful for an engagement ring, so they are instead used for industrial purposes. Artificial diamonds have been available for decades, but they have come down in cost in recent years. Furthermore, modern man-made diamonds are grown in labs using exactly the same process that converts carbon into precious gemstones in nature. Even an experienced jeweler cannot tell whether a diamond was created in a lab without sophisticated spectroscopy equipment.
Lab-created diamonds are just 10 percent of the cost of an ordinary diamond, and they can be made with the finest quality found in nature. Additionally, the price of a lab-created diamond does not increase exponentially as gem size increases. Large diamonds can be grown at the same cost per carat as small diamonds. You also do not have to worry about contributing to environmental damage or unethical working conditions when you buy a diamond that was produced in a clean laboratory. Many couples are, thus, turning to lab-produced diamonds as a more affordable alternative to purchasing an expensive diamond that was mined out of the ground.
Gems Collection / Shutterstock“The Lover’s Knot”
One of the most popular trends for engagement rings in recent years has been a ring design known as “the lover’s knot.” Unlike traditional engagement rings, “the lover’s knot” does not make use of any gemstone. Instead, the ring is a simple band that shows two interlocking hearts or knots. The ring is designed in a way where it has no beginning or end point to symbolize unending love. Sailors would often give a “lover’s knot” ring to their girlfriends before setting out to sea.
Today, recent trends have led some couples to use “the lover’s knot” as an alternative to an engagement ring or a wedding band. The ring demonstrates permanent commitment and even an intention to marry without the expense associated with a traditional diamond or gemstone. Some couples plan to purchase a diamond ring at a later point in life when they have more money while other couples hold on to their simple ring forever. Regardless of how you use “the lover’s knot,” it can be a wonderful way to show your partner that you are serious about building a future together.
Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.