A Guide to Gemstones: Picking the Perfect Stone

If you’re about to pop the question, choosing the perfect wedding and engagement rings can be an arduous task! Concerning engagement bands specifically, a gorgeous gemstone is often the centrepiece of the ring, so selecting the right stone is imperative. Considering your partners feelings and personal tastes is, of course, the most important part of the selection process, but one question remains steadfast; what do each of the gemstones signify? In this article, we’ll cover the meaning behind each choice of gemstone and their corresponding cuts, so you can be certain you’ll slip the most radiant ring on your partner’s finger.

 Curious About Cuts?

It’s no secret that engagement rings are a symbol of love and promise, acting as the precursor to an eternity of dedication to your partner. Choosing the correct stone to adorn the chosen ring goes deeper than just picking the biggest and most expensive rock you can find; each style of cut holds emblematic weight and symbolism. Bearing this in mind, a solid knowledge of the significance behind each style may help streamline the process when choosing the right shape for your partners ring, allowing you to tailor your choice to align with their defining characteristics and personal aesthetic.

There are a wide array of unique cuts from which to choose from, but fear not! We’ve outlined some of the spectacular shapes and their corresponding properties, so you’ll have an idea of the very best shape to slip onto the finger of your special someone.

• Round – Standing tall as the most popular choice of cut, rounded gemstones are a timeless fixture in most jeweller’s line-ups. Symbolic of everlasting love and commitment, round cuts are a simple and effective gemstone to adorn your special someone’s engagement band.
• Oval – Recently benefitting from a surge in popularity, oval gemstones are quickly becoming a standout purchase amongst pre-nuptial buyers. The lengthened cut brings further clarity to the gemstone, invoking feelings of grandeur when worn. The shape itself symbolises longevity and creativity, with its elongated form reflecting a continuous and passionate journey – a sublime choice for those infatuated with their brilliantly inventive long-term beau.
• Radiant – Highly sought after by celebrity buyers, radiant engagement rings are famed for their individual brilliance, combining elements of emerald cuts with the timeless nature of the rounded cut. A fiercely dazzling glow emanates from this cut when placed under direct light, so it’s a fantastic choice for those with a fiery, glamourous partner.
• Asscher – Another mesmerising design, asscher cuts are recognised for their distinctive, squared form and rounded edges. Often described as producing a “house of mirrors” effect, it’s conception in the 20th century has led this cut become hailed as a timeless classic by many who purchase. This shape is an excellent ring-topper for those with an appreciation for artistry and visual flair.
• Heart – An overall thematically appropriate choice for lovers globally, heart shaped gemstones are inherently saccharine and eye-catching. Heart cuts are fairly uniform in their symbolism, serving as the ultimate signifier of unrelenting affection and raw passion for your partner.
• Pear – Similar in nature to the oval cut, pear cuts combine the amazing qualities of both round cuts and the similarly outstanding marquise cut. Its teardrop formation will be sure to inspire rivers of joy to stream from your partners eyes upon receipt, with its signifying features being linked to elegance and uniqueness. This cut has steadily grown in popularity in the modern era, with its brilliant formation and intense sparkle drawing the attention of many.
• Marquise – Due to its lengthened appearance and pointed ends, this cut is inherently imbued with regal qualities that reinforce its carat weight. Symbolic of grandiosity and motivation, this cut is the first choice for those buying for a partner with adventurous tendencies.
• Emerald – Not to be confused with the brilliant green mineral with which it shares its name, emerald cuts are characterised by their rectangular form and step-cut facets. Often described as bewitching when placed under a beam of light, an emerald shaped cut is symbolic of transparency and overriding honesty, with its expanded shape highlighting its purity in line with its symbolism.
• Cushion – Recognised for its squared shape and rounded corners, this cut emanates a softer energy due to the pillow-like appearance from which it gained its namesake. Unsurprisingly, this cut symbolises comfort and pure romance, with it often appealing to those in warm, passionate relationships.
• Princess – A stone fit for royalty, princess cuts take a squared off appearance with corresponding pointed edges. Increasing in overall popularity during the early 2000s, this semi-modern design is now adored for its vintage charm. Unsurprisingly indicative of sophistication and royalty, its sharpened points and bold facets are representative of a stylish and continuously evolving love.

Consider the Particulars

After you’ve selected the perfect combination of gorgeously grafted gemstone and an accompanying underlying metal, it’s time to delve into the particulars. Personal taste is the driving force behind choosing the perfect engagement ring and considering your partner’s personal tastes is paramount before finalising your purchase.

Another aspect that many leave unconsidered is the size and width of your partners finger, with differing bone structures having corresponding ring types that best fit their form. Shorter fingers will benefit from elongated gemstone cuts and wider fingers flourish when sporting bolder shapes, so a careful assessment of your spouse-to-be’s digits will allow for an informed final decision.

Personalisation stems far beyond ring width and diamond shape, however. Options such as personal engravings or matching initials on wedding bands are commonplace but will require pre-planning with your chosen jeweller in order to achieve the desired result.

Familiarising yourself with the key ring band shapes will allow you to select the most comfortable shape, maximising both wearability and visual impact. The four key styles are as follows: D-Shape, Court, Domed Court and Flat Court, all of which provide subtle differences in their form and appearance. Court style, for example, is the classic choice and favours a rounded surface area on both the interior and exterior of the ring, allowing for a supremely comfortable fit. Each style differs in form, seeking to emphasise wearability without sacrificing distinctive design. The width of each band, whether a pair of wedding rings or a lone engagement ring are dependent on the wearer’s preferences, so whether you’re buying a pair or just one piece, ensure to do your due diligence before making a final purchase.

Delightful Diamonds and Amazing Alternatives

Now that we’ve covered the cuts, let’s get into the specifics, shall we? Diamonds are synonymous with engagement bands and stand out as the supreme pick. However, there is a whole host of visually striking stones out there, waiting for the right ring finger to spend its days with.

Diamond – Granted the title of “girl’s best friend” in popular consciousness, diamonds are overwhelmingly prevalent in tandem with engagement bands overall. Sporting a wide variety of colourations and formations, it’s difficult to go wrong when deciding to go with a diamond.

Ruby – A deep red jewel with notions of integrity, health and joy attached to its composition, rubies are a vibrant option for buyers seeking an amazing alternative stone. Stoke the fires of your love with a crimson centrepiece for your lover’s ring.

Sapphire – Rumoured to bring good fortune to those who sport the stone, Sapphires are often associated with loyalty, grandeur and honesty. If you’re seeking to bring the peaceful shades of rolling ocean waves into your love life, a cerulean engagement stone is the correct course of action.

Emerald – A vibrant green stone, emeralds are a fantastic fit for almost any engagement band. The associated meaning accompanying the choice of an emerald stone often befits those with steadfast, hopeful and compassionate dispositions.

Topaz – Rumoured to bring manifestations of health, adoration and power, topaz engagement rings are said to bring vitality to their wearers. If you’re looking for a gemstone with connotations of mindfulness and mental strength, there’s no better choice than topaz.

Amethyst – Coming in shades of purple, amethysts sport a deeper colouration than most engagement stones. Commonly referred to as the “stone of peace”, amethysts are said to inherently provide feelings of tranquillity and mental clarity to those who bestow this beautiful fixture on their rings.

Onyx – Recognised for their durability, onyx rings are theorised to protect good relationships when gifted to the wearer. As far as alternative engagement stones go, onyx gems are the correct choice for those seeking protection and balance in their lives.

We hope you’ve found our overview insightful and you’re well on your way to selecting a sensational stone. We recommend taking the time to read our engagement ring buyers guide in combination with this article, which can be found here. Happy hunting!