Trend Alert: Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Rings

Thanks to the commercialization of the diamond and wedding industries, the diamond has become a “symbol” of love and marriage. This puts an unfortunate amount of unnecessary stress and pressure on couples who may be under budget restrictions. However with the growing awareness of conflict diamonds, many people are turning away from diamonds in favor of human friendly stones. At www.DiamondAlternative.com - we help you find those!

Similar to the fashion industry, the jewelry industry is heavily influenced by Hollywood celebrities, starlets and socialites. When we see our favorite celeb wearing a butterfly necklace, without a doubt – sales of butterfly necklaces and pendants sky-rocket the next day! Gemstones as center stones in engagement ringshas been trending in popularity with Hollywood A-listers and royalty, particularly as they become more socially conscious to things like conflict diamonds. Sapphire engagement rings became very popular when Prince Charles proposed to Prince Di – now, several decades later – the gemstone engagement ring as proven to be more than just a “fad”. Sapphire and diamond engagement rings are amongst the most popular of all gemstone combinations.

In the 1980’s, Princess Diana sparked a massive trend for sapphire engagement rings after Prince Charles went down on bended knee and proposed to her with a sapphire ring. However, their popularity gradually waned and the diamond solitaires retained their position. During this recent credit crunch period though as budgets have become tighter, couples have strived to find other options and diamond and sapphire white gold rings have provided an answer. This is such an important, once-in-a-lifetime purchase that even if a prospective buyer has to tighten their purse strings, they still want a gorgeous ring that captures the romance and majesty of the moment.

Fortunately, white gold sapphire and diamond rings can offer it all. With the sapphire’s undeniable beauty and as the most durable gemstone after the diamond, this gemstone provides fantastic value for money. Not only do they create rings that look spectacular but that will withstand a lifetime of wear. While white gold offers the splendour of platinum but costs less.

One of the other main factors for their burgeoning popularity has to do with women becoming increasingly more involved in the selection process. It is now more common these days for women to choose the ring for herself and a sapphire diamond ring may more accurately reflect her personality and style then a simple solitaire. As it is a ring that will be worn continually it is essential that it truly reflects who she is and is a ring she can be proud of for life.

Michelle Elkins is a regular contributor to The Diamond Store, one of the largest online jewellery retailers which provides everything from white gold diamond and sapphire rings to diamond stud earrings at a fraction of high street prices.

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