Choosing Diamond and Gemstone Rings

Diamond and Gemstone Rings are beautiful and unique. There are many styles, cuts, and weights. Learn here what a diamond is and what gemstones are.

Gemstones

There are over 130 species of minerals that have been cut into gems, fifty varieties are in common use
Gems are classified into different groups, species and varieties.

Ruby is the red variety of the species corundum.
Emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), bixbite (red), goshenite (colorless), heliodor (yellow), and morganite (pink) are all varieties of beryl.

Gems have refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture and lustre. They may have luminescence and different absorption spectrums.

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known. Diamond rings symbolise eternal love and affection. It is easy to be overwhelmed when buying diamond and/or gemstone rings. There are multiple styles, band widths, and settings. The size and weight of the stone is something that must affect your choice.

Settings are the way a stone is placed on a ring. An example of a setting is the traditional solitaire, a single diamond, set in a four or six pronged mounting, high above the band. This jewellery design lets the most light refract in the stone. The diamond solitaire setting is very easy to clean and cheaper than other settings.

In the Diamond Accent setting, smaller stones are used. The Channel Street Baguette style uses stones set into the band that accentuate a center stone.

Gemstone settings are basically any setting with a combination of diamonds and other precious stones. The colors of the other stones enhance the beauty and sparkle of the diamond (i.e. rubies, emeralds, or sapphires). One way to do this is put a diamond in the center with the birthstones of the couple on either side. If children come along their stones can be added. Gemstones rings are made with almost any precious stone such as Fancy Gems, Sapphires, Topaz, Emerald, Black Onyx or a Ruby.

The Truffle setting usually accompanies a three stone ring with a large stone and smaller stones on either side and is a design where loops on each of the stones connect the stones together. There are many combinations of metals, diamonds and gemstones that can be created. Decide what you want and what you can afford and come up with the perfect ring.

Gemstones and diamonds can be cut in round, rectangular, or oval. Shapes such as hearts or diamonds are also used in gemstones. Almost any shape is possible. When choosing a diamond ring or a gemstone ring consider your budget. The likes and dislikes of the person who will receive the ring is crucial to your decision. For example you see an exquisite diamond ring that has the birthstone of the person to whom you will give the ring. It so happens that the ring is in your price range. Right next to it is a very simple diamond in a solitaire setting and it is very pretty. Now you think the more exquisite one is perfect and you purchase it. When you give it you can't help noticing a look on their face that you can't explain. Later it is explained to you that simple designs are more the persons style so you return the ‘gaudy' ring for the simple solitaire one.

So think about your budget. Think also about the recipient; do they wear jewelry and if so, is it simple in design, or are they more the type that loves ornate pieces. Know that for the most part your choice will be gratefully accepted. Good luck!

About the Author Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.