Question by Edward: What gemstones are strong and durable enough for an engagement ring that will be worn 24/7?
I am looking to get my girlfriend a custom made gemstone and diamond engagement ring that looks pretty and will last. She doesn’t care if the stones are lab grown or naturally found, she likes different colours and variety and I have chosen to go with red, green, and white. The stones simply need to look pretty (shine/fire etc) but last. I am on a budget as we are just starting out and we are still in school so help me out here. We both think that blowing a load of cash on a rock is silly especially if there are less expensive, equally durable and pretty ones available that don’t have anything to do with Blood Diamonds. I heard that manmade gems are more perfect than the “real naturally occuring stones” but are not as durable. I was looking for durable gems for everyday wear that produce vibrant green and red to go along with a possible moissanite and diamond stones. For the red colour I was thinking garnet or spinel but am unsure if they will last as an everyday ring. For the green coloured gem Tsavorite Garnets look nice online but again are really expensive. Am I asking for too much? I have talked to a few jewelry store owners but they seem to not know what they are talking about or simply want to sell me something i don’t want… try to make them understand that it’s the thought that counts not the price of the ring and they’ll kick you out of the store. Seriously can anyone help me on this? I have even been to a custom jeweler that when I asked him for advice he tried to sell me Emeralds that were over 3000 dollars and pale. If anybody knows what they are talking about, help me find a place where I can get some pretty and strong gems for a custom ring that my girl can wear forever. I’m looking for a Moissanite or equally shiny stone as the centre, small but sparkly diamond, and durable colourful red and green gemstones.Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by nova_queen_28
I have an aquamarine & diamond engagement ring that I love and the jeweler & my research supported the fact that it would be very sturdy, here are pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=873001854309%3A1403692906
Personally, I wouldn’t want lab-created stones – but thats just me – besides, a good jeweler will make sure you get a naturally mined perfect stone (and you are going to pay alot for it). For your colors, I’d go with peridot (green) or green amethyst, garnet (red) and for the white either white topaz or white sapphire — and if you are on a budget I’d go with the topaz which is less expensive.
And I have to ask, if you are on a budget, why are you considering a custom-made ring? That alone is going to run you a premium.
For example, here is a beautiful (and huge) green amethyst ring with diamond accents in white gold at amazing price:
http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/14k-Gold-1-10ct-TDW-Diamond-Green-Amethyst-Ring/3647151/product.html
Here is a gorgeous peridot & diamond ring:
http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/14k-White-Gold-Peridot-and-1-10ct-TDW-Diamond-Ring-H-I-I1-I2/3308027/product.html
Here is a beautiful garnet ring:
http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/10k-White-Gold-Diamond-and-Garnet-Ring/2549351/product.html
Here is white topaz & diamond:
http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/10k-White-Gold-White-Topaz-and-Diamond-Ring/4023924/product.html
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