Alternatives to Diamonds For Engagement Rings

In 1939, a copywriter for N.W.Ayer created the slogan "A Diamond is Forever."

The slogan forever changed the market for engagement rings, first here in the United States, and later in other countries around the world.

As we approach the wedding season in one of the most difficult economic environments many of us have ever know, it might be well to remember that although the brilliant slogan tapped deep emotional reservoirs, it is just that...a slogan. In addition, although we have been taught that two-to-three months salary is the "right" amount to spend on an engagement ring, today, that money might be needed for other more prudent reasons.

In other words, when it comes to engagement rings, despite the most brilliant slogan of the twentieth century and despite the assiduous efforts of marketers, there is no right or wrong gemstone or budget.

And, there are plenty of beautiful, durable and lower cost gemstones, both natural and synthetic, that can serve as an enduring symbol of your feelings.

Synthetic substitutes for diamonds include cubic zirconia which is hard and optically flawless. It sells for just a few dollars a carat. Another synthetic is Moissanite, a more recent arrival on the gem scene. Moissanite is more expensive than cubic zirconia, but it also has more fire (the ability of a gem to break white light into spectral colors).

If synthetic gemstones don't appeal to you, consider the range of natural options. One of the most famous sapphires of all time is the one Prince Charles gave to Lady Diana upon their engagement.
And remember, that although sapphires are often thought of as blue, they are available in a multitude of colors, sizes and prices.

Another option is garnet. Although we often think of garnets as the red gemstone in Victorian jewelry, spectacular finds, principally in Africa, have given us a variety of colors from green to yellow to orange to earthtones.

An even lower cost option can be amethyst, a beautiful, durable gem quartz in colors ranging from pale violet to a rich deep grape purple.

A caution: when considering alternatives to diamonds, be sure to evaluate the toughness and durability of the gem. These are gemological concepts that your jeweler should be familiar with. For example, corundum (sapphire) is tough and durable. Organic gems (pearls and coral) are not. If your jeweler can't discuss toughness and hardness, buy somewhere else.

[http://www.TopDrawerChoice.com] manufactures handmade gemstone jewelry. Fleury Sommers, owner of the fine art and craft gallery has been a pearl and gemstone dealer and gallery owner for over twenty years.

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