The Purple Amethyst Engagement Ring

The Purple Amethyst Engagement Ring

With so many engagement rings to look at and choose from, why not be different and choose an amethyst for the stone in your finance’s engagement ring? Amethysts are the birth stone for February and if her birthday is in February it will be doubly special to present her with an amethyst engagement ring. Greek mythology gives an account of how this beautiful stone came into existence and how it came by its rich purple color.

Amethysts also have deeply religious associations and many faiths use it as a symbol of spirituality, sincerity, and purity, everything that is important to a couple that is about to wed. Purple is also considered to represent royalty, so present the queen of your heart with an amethyst ring.

Most amethysts are some shade of purple, from light lilac to deep rich purple. However, amethysts can also come in shades of green. They are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Africa, and Australia. Amethysts rate a seven on the hardness scale, so they are a very good choice for jewelry worn on a daily basis (Opals are a one and Diamonds are a ten). Amethysts can be cut into any shape just like a diamond and can be placed into any type of setting.

Aside from being the birthstone for February, the amethyst is also the gemstone that represents the sixth year anniversary of your marriage. Although the amethyst is not nearly as expensive as the diamond, the price can vary due to the size and color of the gemstone you choose for the engagement ring.

Taking care of the amethyst stone is very easy, simply soap and water. Do not place in an ultrasonic cleaner, avoid rapid temperature changes, and avoid contact with household cleaners to ensure that your amethyst remains intact for many, many years.

Many of the big named jewelers will carry amethyst engagement rings, but if you have difficulty locating one that says “pick me”, take a look at the following websites:

• http://www.myjewelrysource.com/amethyst-engagement-aquamarine-engagement.htm

• http://www.jewelsforme.com/itemlist-main.asp?

• http://www.mysolitaire.com/gemstonerings/

• http://www.ampalian.com/jewellery/search/amethyst/?page=1&s=amethyst

• http://www.belljewels.com/Gemstone_Rings-Amethyst.html

Picking a ring a ring that says “I cherish you” is hard to do because there are so many choices out there. Hopefully this has helped you to narrow your search for an engagement ring to the beauty of the amethyst.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

The rare and valued Tanzanite Stones

Tanzanite Engagement Rings: Tanzanite Stones are Rare and Highly Valued

Tanzanite engagement rings: So you are asking the love of your life to marry you, but you are in a quandary about the type of engagement ring to propose with. Why not show her what a rare and special gem she is to you by presenting her with a tanzanite engagement ring. Is her birthday in December, are you proposing in December, or is there a special date in December that you want to commemorate? Then tanzanite is the way to go as it was added in 2003 by the American Gem Trade Association as a birthstone for the month of December, the first gemstone added to the list in nearly one hundred years. Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, Africa and so far this is the only place that tanzanite is found and mined. Tiffany’s was the first to be presented with the gem after its discovery and they quickly realized its value. Through their promotion and advertising tanzanite became one of the most desirable and well-liked gemstones in the world.

When looking at a tanzanite in different lighting, you will see a stone that consists of dark blue, green-yellow, and reddish-purple coloring. The most sought after color of tanzanite is the one that is deep blue with hues of purple at the edges. Be sure that you are dealing with a reputable jeweler because some will substitute a different less expensive stone for tanzanite. Tanzanite may not be easy to find, but below are some websites that may offer you some help:

• http://www.myjewelrysource.com/tanzanite-rings.htm

• http://www.jewelsforme.com/itemlist-main.asp?

• http://www.ampalian.com/jewellery/search/tanzanite/

• http://www.ross-simons.com/Tanzanite/Rings.html

• http://www.angara.com/shop.do?cID=1941

Most, if not all, of the tanzanite that you view will have been heat treated to bring out the blue coloring. Tanzanite in its natural form is typically gray or brownish in color. If at all possible, it is best to look at loose stones and purchase one to place into a setting of your choice. The reasoning behind this is that you get a much better look at the stone and can inspect it for cracks or blemishes. Tanzanite is a softer stone that can damage easily and if the stone that you select already has a crack in it, the possibility that stone is going break increases. As with most gemstones, a tanzanite can be in whatever shape you desire. The trillion cut is the most expensive cut, being triangular with fifty-eight facets to reflect light creating sparkle or fire. Due to the fact that tanzanite is only mined in Tanzania, it is probably going to be one of the more expensive stones to consider for an engagement ring.

As mentioned earlier, tanzanite is a softer stone than most so it needs to be given a little extra consideration when taking care of it. Do not place tanzanite jewelry in an ultrasonic cleanser because the tanzanite will become damaged beyond repair. It is best to remove a tanzanite ring prior to washing dishes, using everyday household cleaners, or showering to prevent the stone from becoming damaged. To avoid damage when not being worn, place separately from other jewelry to prevent accidentally damaging the tanzanite stone. You should consider insuring your tanzanite against loss or theft because it is such a rare and valuable stone.What better way is there of saying “you are precious” than to present your bride to be with a precious and rare tanzanite engagement ring.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Be unique with your turquoise engagement ring

Looking for something different and unique to present to your beloved? A turquoise engagement ring might be just the thing to show her just how unique she is. Is there a special meaning for you in the month of December? Choosing a turquoise engagement ring is an additional way to commemorate December as it is the birthstone for this particular month. In many cultures, the blue-green stone is associated with luck, wealth, faithfulness and trustworthy relationships. It is also associated with the metaphysical characteristic of promoting happiness. What greater way can you represent the luck that you found your beloved and the wealth of love and happiness that the two of you will share?

The history of turquoise dates as far back as 3,000 B.C. The beauty of this gemstone has adorned many historical artifacts from all over the world from Egypt, Mexico, Turkey, Persia and the United States. The turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate that occurs naturally in all shades of blue. You can find it in shades from sky-blue, robin’s egg blue, blue-green, grayish green, or green. The more copper that the stone is composed of makes the stone bluer, while the more iron or chromium makes the stone greener. Rarely if ever, will you find a turquoise that has been faceted because faceting brings out the reflective properties of clearer gemstones, and turquoise is not clear. However, you can find many popular shapes such as marquise, oval or heart.

Due to the softness of turquoise, usually only a six, many stones are given a hardening treatment to make them more durable, as well as waxing or polishing to promote their color. Some stones may be dipped in a coloring agent before being sealed; according to rules of the ICA this must be indicated. Due to the softness of the stone, gentle care and cleaning are required. It is recommended that one should remove the turquoise before sun tanning as the UV rays can change the color of the stone. Also, when washing dishes, using household cleaners, or bathing the turquoise engagement ring should be removed to prevent damage. When storing, it should be stored away from other jewelry to prevent damage to the stone. If you have any doubts about the care or cleaning of your engagement ring, contact a reputable jeweler that has knowledge about this gemstone’s care.

Due to the uniqueness of using turquoise as an engagement stone, it may be very hard to find one unless you live in the Southwestern United States. Below we have listed a few links to help you get started.

http://www.silver-rings-direct.com/turquoise.html.

http://engagementrings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Turquoise_Engagement_Rings

http://www.purple-label.com/search/web/colour/aqua-or-turquoise

http://www.daysjewelers.com/category/rings/gemstone+rings/other+gemstone+rings.do?sortby=ourPicks&page=3

If you really want to impress your bride to be, consider custom designing her engagement ring. This will show her that a lot of love and thought went into the creation of her ring. One such designer that specializes in unique gemstone ring design is:

http://www.joannarepton.co.uk/jewellery_engagement_rings.asp

Show her that the sky is the limit when it comes to your love for her with a beautifully designed engagement ring that has “a piece of the sky” as the gemstone.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Onyx Gemstone: Hot new trend in engagement rings

Who said that an engagement ring had to be set with a diamond? Today’s trend is leaning towards the different and more unique as more and more engagement rings are being set with colored gemstones. One of the gemstones that have become increasingly popular is the onyx. Just like every woman must have a little black dress in her wardrobe, having jewelry that has a black stone in it is just as essential. Onyx symbolizes bonding, something that you are committing to when asking your love to marry you. For those with beliefs relating to the metaphysical properties of certain stones, the onyx aids new romances and helps to develop the communicative skills of lovers.

Onyx is actually a form of agate that is composed of microcrystalline quartz. In its natural state, onyx is usually banded and is intriguingly unclear. Most often onyx is tinted black to minimize the variations of coloring. Onyx is most often found where there is volcanic activity.

The onyx only has a moderate hardness compared to diamonds or other gemstones. One must exercise caution when wearing onyx jewelry to avoid sharp contrast in temperatures, ultrasonic cleaners, and common household cleansers. It is recommended to remove an onyx engagement ring when washing dishes or performing other household cleaning.

There is a multitude of ways that one can design an engagement ring with an onyx. Settings made of white gold, platinum, silver, or yellow gold. The blackness of the stone lends to creativity and versatility. No matter what your beloved wears, an onyx engagement ring will compliment her clothing choice from dressy to casual. The most elegant settings for onyx are often antique in style.

Most jewelers carry a variety of onyx rings in a variety of settings, but if you need a little help choosing the engagement ring that stands out, we have a few sites that may aid you in your search.

http://www.ross-simons.com/Onyx/Rings.html

http://www.antiquejewelrymall.com/onyxrings.html

http://www.jmauerjewelry.com/ondienri.html

http://www.the-way-we-were.com/onyxrings.html

If you wish to present your intended bride with a ring that is stylish, simplistic, and unique, you cannot go wrong with an engagement ring that is designed with an onyx gemstone.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Why you should consider an aquamarine engagement ring

What better stone to choose for an engagement ring than one that represents optimism, wellbeing, and faithfulness? We are talking about the beautiful Aquamarine gemstone. Not only is this gemstone a great conversation starter, it also is the birthstone for the month of March. The name aquamarine has Latin origins, “aqua” meaning water and “mare” meaning sea.

The aquamarine is aptly named because of the wide spectrum of blue colors that it comes in; from a pale blue to a deep sea blue-green. The deeper colors are more sought after, therefore more expensive. No matter what shade that you decide on for the stone for an engagement ring, the ring will is bound to be commented on.
Most aquamarine stones have been heat-treated to enhance the blue coloring. This treatment has no effect on the quality or the hardness of the stone. The aquamarine rates a 7.5 on the hardness scale, making it a perfect choice for daily wear.

The aquamarine is a virtually flawless stone, rarely if ever having inclusions that are sometimes common in other gemstones. This gemstone is great for being cut into any shape and faceting enhances the sparkle and beauty of the stone. Due to the beautiful blue coloring of the aquamarine, the most common settings are either platinum or white gold. However, the blue is equally as beautiful in yellow gold settings.

Caring for the aquamarine gemstone is simple. Simple cleaning with soap and water brings back the beauty of the stone. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, rapid temperature changes, and contact with most household cleaners to prevent damaging the gemstone.

Finding aquamarine gemstone rings for engagement purposes should not be hard as most jewelers carry a variety of styles. But if you do have difficulties or cannot find a design that strikes you as the one you must have, you should look online and you will find many reputable jewelers. So if you are planning a wedding by the seaside or just want a ring that is special and unique, consider the distinctive aquamarine gemstone for the engagement ring you present to your beloved.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Thinking of buying a pink sapphire engagement ring?

One of the finest gemstones on earth, diamonds pale in comparison to a choice selection of pink sapphire engagement rings. Your bride will be speechless when she sees the dazzling engagement ring you have picked out for her. [Except to cry YES!] Choose an engagement ring to fit your fiancé’s personality and announce to the world your bond as a couple. Pink sapphires range in color from a pale, almost nude, pink to a bright hot pink.

Chances are the love of your life adores pink and has been surrounded with the color in her bedroom, dreaming of you and a fairytale wedding. Wow, that can be a lot of pressure! Do not feel you have to make this decision alone, and enlist advice from your girlfriend’s family and friends. They are certain to be tickled pink being included!

The traditional cost of an engagement ring is said to equal to two-month’ salary. There has been a trend in colorful pink and green theme weddings. This is a perfect blend of classic feminine and masculine colors. It is only natural for a pretty girl to ‘be in the pink’.

The sapphire is linked most often to qualities of loyalty, faithfulness and honesty. This is why it is a chosen favorite for engagement rings. The sapphire received immense popularity when Prince Charles presented Lady Diana with an oval sapphire surrounded by fourteen diamonds for their engagement. There is a legend that the Ten Commandments are believed to have been made of sapphire.

Pink Sapphires are offered in round, or oval shapes; rectangular and square cuts are also available. Sapphires are quite hard, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale, with the diamond being the only gem that is harder. Synthetic sapphires were first created in 1902, and it is hard to tell them from natural sapphires except by the trained eye. Sapphire is the birthstone for September, and in the same gem family as the ruby.

The popular star sapphire, called so because of the appearance of a sparkle in its center, has historically been thought of as a love charm throughout many cultures. Helen of Troy attributed her battle conquests to a star sapphire she owned. The bands of light across the stone that created the star like appearance are said to represent destiny and hope. The rare pink sapphires are most found in Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Sapphires are said to have given wisdom and afforded protection to generations of Kings. In ancient times, priests often used the sapphire in order to help them to predict the future. In the Bible, the sapphire was one of twelve stones given to Moses to place in the breastplate of Aaron. Sapphires were also placed in the foundation of the walls of Jerusalem.

Sapphires are a durable gem, and easy to care for, which do not scratch or crack easily. Their value depends on color, transparency, and size. Sapphires have with a rich history and unusually long life expectancy.

Sapphire is given for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries. The Star Sapphire is often gifted on the 65th anniversary. Your new wife will cherish her ring, and pass it down for many generations to come! Congratulations, Prince Charming, your captivating Princess awaits you, and that stunning pink sapphire engagement ring!

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Thinking of buying a yellow sapphire engagement ring?

Yellow Sapphire Engagement Rings

You are about to ask the woman of your dreams to marry you and you want to select a stone that epitomizes all of the qualities that your beloved possesses. A Yellow Sapphire represents wisdom, virtue, future, devotion, truthfulness, and children just to name a few things among many. The color yellow brings to mind happiness and warmth. Isn’t that exactly what your future wife brings into your life?

With the rising costs of gasoline today, which in turn raises costs in just about every other market, one probably does not have a large budget with which to purchase an engagement ring. The good news is that Yellow Sapphires are very affordable. It is easy to select a larger carat stone in a beautiful setting for a lot less money than a smaller diamond ring would cost. As far as what types of cuts are available for Yellow Sapphires, the sky is the limit. This gemstone looks beautiful in emerald cuts, marquise cuts, oval cuts, pear cuts, or other traditional cuts.

Sapphires of all colors are found in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar and Australia. Some are even found right here in the U.S. in Montana. Yellow Sapphires come in shades of pale lemon to very rich golden hues. A Yellow Sapphire looks absolutely stunning when placed into settings of white gold, platinum, or silver.

When it comes to durability, a sapphire is a perfect choice. According to the Mohs scale, sapphires rate at a 9 for hardness, the only gemstone that rates higher is the diamond which rates a 10. A Yellow Sapphire is a great choice for woman who wears her ring daily, not wanting to keep it in the jewelry box most of the time. As with most gemstones, caution should be used when using household cleaners.

A Yellow Sapphire engagement ring is sure to please your lady-love, and be a real conversation piece. Show her just how special she is with an engagement ring that shows how much thought and consideration went into the selection of her ring.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

White (Colorless) Sapphire Engagement Rings

The durability and hardness of the white sapphire comes second only to the diamond,and at a price point that is significantly less – the popularity of this stone as an alternative to the diamond is no surprise to us.

Unlike man made synthetic diamonds, the ceylon white sapphire is an all natural gemstone. Primarily mined in Sri Lanka, Sapphires are one of the biggest industries on the island. Most people associate the September birthstone with the color blue, but you can also find the gemstone in shades of pink, yellow, purple and “white”. Non-blue sapphires are also referred to as fancy sapphires.

When in it’s colorless form, the white sapphire makes for the perfect alternative to a traditional diamond ring. To save on money, some couples will choose a colorless sapphire as their center stone and real diamonds as side stones in their bridal ring sets. Though white sapphires are a naturally brilliant gemstone – it does not have the same dispersion (fire) as a diamond, or the stimulant moissanite stone. For this reason the white sapphire will dull more easily than a diamond.

If you’re going to purchase a white sapphire there are a few things to consider, most obviously is the color. White sapphires have a tendency to gray – so when purchasing yours it should literally be as colorless as possible. White sapphires are often heat treated to get that absolutely clear color that many go far. A 100% naturally colorless sapphire is rare. It has also been noted that an emerald cut diminishes the brilliance of the stone.

Gemstone Engagement Rings

Gemstone Engagement Rings

Blue sapphire engagement rings have been known to be preferred by royalty because the blue sapphire stone is even more rare than a diamond and is almost as hard. This is a nice factoid to share with your number one queen as you slip a blue sapphire engagement ring on her ring finger. Blue sapphires come in a range of shades from a light to deep blue. The blue color is due to the level of titanium in the stone: the more titanium, the richer the color. However, too much color can actually create a dull black effect, reducing the price of the stone.

Most blue sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Madagascar. Burmese sapphires tend to cost more than those from Sri Lanka and Madagascar due to their brilliant color. Kashmir blue sapphires are the most rare and expensive of all as the supply found in a remote region of India was exhausted around a 100 years ago, thus escalating price and demand.

Prices for blue sapphires depend on whether or not they’ve been treated (with untreated costing much more) as well as color, cut, tone (lightness or darkness of stone), saturation (degree to which hue is hidden by other shades), and clarity. One carat blue sapphires can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Buy your ruby engagement rings with pride! Don’t let anyone tell you that diamonds are better as engagement rings. Only you and your potential spouse should decide what fits in with your style, taste, and budget……..not popular opinion…. or your future mother-in-law. Besides, you can always tell the nay-sayers that large rubies are even more rare than diamonds. Rubies belong to the corundum family. Any other color besides red from this family is considered a sapphire. Rubies are almost as hard as diamonds. Diamonds are considered a “10″ on the hardness scale while rubies come in at a 9. Rubies have somewhat less clarity than other gemstones and tend to have at least some small inclusions. Most rubies are heat-treated to improve their color, but stones in their natural form do exist. Cushion cut and oval rubies are the most common shape. Burmese rubies are considered to be the most desirable.

You may be able to save money by purchasing a ruby with a slightly off-shade i.e. a little bit lighter or darker than what is considered ideal… a vivid red color. You can also save some dough by purchasing synthetic versus natural rubies. Rubies belong to the corundum family. Any other color besides red from this family is considered a sapphire.

Rest assured that buying opal engagement rings for your partner will not bring them bad luck but perhaps even the opposite. Concerning the opal gemstone superstition, some still feel that it is bad luck to purchase an opal for oneself, but good luck if someone else gives one to you. Throughout history there have been negative connotations associated with opals. Interestingly enough, it is said that the diamond dealers became nervous in the 18th and 19th century about the beatiful gemstone stealing away diamond customers and further perpepuated stereotypes of the opal to prevent this from happening. The powers that be tried hard to defeat this bad luck urban legend when huge amounts of opals were found in Australia.

I personally love opal engagement rings. With their rainbow hues, I just think opals are some of the prettiest stones around. The rainbow shades are oftened referred to as a “play of color.” Most of the opal supply come from our Aussie friends in Southern Australia.

Here’s the science behind the opals. Opals are a noncrystalline form of the mineral silica which are formed from amorphous “balls” or “lumps” of silica. In other words, water in the ground carrying dissolved silica seeps through sand and dirt, where the silica particles are deposited in cracks. As the water evaporates, the silica particles cement together to form the opal. The color is caused by the diffraction of light. Where the tiny spheres of silica are of a similar size and arrangement, the light reflecting from them is divided into its spectral colors, and the stone appears to contain all the colors of the rainbow. Where the spheres are larger and less uniform, the range of color is more limited.

One of the major downfalls of opal engagement rings compared to diamonds is that opals are a much softer stone. While the diamond is considered to be a 10 on the Mohs hardness sclae, the opal rates between a 5 and a 6. This means that over time, it is possible for the opal to break and you must be careful to treat it with care and look for a ring setting that best preserves its integrity (i.e. semi-bezel is a good choice).

Opals exhibit an impressive color range. They can be white, pink, green and blue, gray, or black. Australian boulder opals are the most durable of opals as well as the most robust in color. As a result, they are considered to be valuable and are pretty pricey Black opals are actually the most rare and expensive. They have a dark backdrop with a rainbow colors or deep blue-green hues. Fire opals, which have any color backdrop but exhibit an unusual amount of red color play are also fairly rare

There are a thousand legends and stories related to the opal gemstone.

The Ancient Greeks believed opals fell from heaven during flashes of lightning and provided individuals with the ability to see into the future.

The Romans thought that wearing opals made one more lucid in thought and spontaneous in action.

Can you believe this? In his play “Tweltfh Night,” Shakespeare made use of the gemstone to make an analogy between the opal’s changing colors and the ever-changing moods of a woman. Hmmmmmmmm…….not sure if I like the comparison.

The author just recently celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut diamond on her ring finger. She and her husband put together http://ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect engagement ring.

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