Gemstone Engagement Rings

Engagement rings with a coloured centre gemstone are a very popular option. They give you a ‘big show’ for less money than a diamond and also help you to ‘stand out of the crowd’. But how do you choose the perfect coloured gemstone for your engagement ring?

• - First and foremost make sure that you are happy with the colour of the stone— regardless of whether the colour you like is a popular colour. Colour is very much a matter of personal taste.
• - The ideal coloured gemstone must also perform well in every day wear ... this means it must not be too brittle or scratch easily
• - Above all, a coloured gemstone should look bright, lively and well cut. Look for an intense and consistent colour. The stone should not have any banding or patching, unless it is a characteristic of the stone, e.g. watermelon tourmalines or parti-coloured sapphires. Clarity is also a most important criteria … there should be no flaws or only insignificant ones in the stone. Strong flaws would not only be visually unsightly, they would also jeopardise the strength and stability of the stone.
• - Think also of cabochon gemstones – that is coloured gemstones with a buffed top. Cabochon engagement rings have been popular for years in Europe and are now available in Australia in a variety of styles. They can be either set in very sober and contemporary rings or in a vintage cluster ring. You might be surprised!

Article provided by: Deborah Windfield Jewellery