Colored center stones are what many of today’s brides are looking for when searching for a  unique look for their engagement rings. This isn’t the first time brides have gravitated towards colored gems for their rings. Jacqueline Kennedy’s diamond and emerald ring created huge demand for emerald and diamond combo rings, and Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring gave the blue gem’s sales a major boost! In the past, specific gemstones like sapphires and emeralds have had their individual trend moments but, now, it seems that every shade of the rainbow is in demand with today’s brides who want something more unique than a classic white diamond.

When you’re looking for a colored center stone for an engagement ring, there are two major categories to choose from: colored diamonds and gemstones. There are many different kinds of precious gemstones in a huge array of colors. From peridot’s olive green tint, to topaz’s fiery shine, or ruby’s deep red to sapphire’s rich blue, you can find a gemstone any color of the rainbow. Colored diamonds can also come in a variety of shades, though somewhat fewer shades than among gemstones. Still, you can find a brilliant array of colored diamonds in steel gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink to purple, brown, and black.

So, what are the differences between gemstones and colored diamonds? It essentially boils down to three things: hardness, sentimental value, and specific look.

You simply can’t beat the hardness and durability of a diamond. Gems are measured on a scale of hardness from 1 to 10, with diamonds being the hardest at a 10. This scale is called the Mohs scale and it measures hardness based on what would scratch the stone. Generally, for jewelry that will be worn often, you would want gems that are a seven or above, as some particles in dust or dirt can be a seven and simply washing your hands could rub these particles on the stone and scratch it. Many precious gems are at a seven or above but some that are increasing in popularity are not. One prominent example would be the opal. Opals are currently experiencing a wave of popularity as engagement ring stones but they range from 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale and are therefore much more easily scratched than other precious stones. Whatever look you desire for your ring, it’s important to realize that some stones may damage more easily than others and require more care to keep in good condition. Always do your research before purchasing an expensive piece.

Sentimental value is always important for an engagement ring. For those who want a diamond because it is a symbol of “forever,” but also want a colorful look, colored diamonds could be for you. Gemstones carry a variety of meanings. If you have a specific wish for what your stone should stand for, you have many sentiments to choose from. For example, emeralds are said to be the stone of the goddess Venus and are meant to preserve love. You should research the history and lore of the stone you’re considering if meaning is important to you.

Finally, if you have a specific look in mind, that may help you decide whether you would get a colored diamond or a gem. Colored diamonds are found at the rate of about 1 in every 10,000 diamonds and are therefore extremely rare. Because of this, they are not widely available in all shapes, sizes, and colors. If you are looking for something particular, like a pink diamond of a specific shade, size, and shape it may be impossible to find simply because of how rare that particular diamond might be. Choosing a gemstone instead could help you achieve a specific look simply because of the wider variety of gemstones available.

Whether you’re thinking of getting a colored diamond or a gemstone on your engagement ring, there are an incredible amount of beautiful designs and colors to choose from. Here at Diamond Studs, let us help you to research what you’re thinking of adding to your collection so you find that piece that’s right for you.