Engagement & Wedding Rings with Crystals: Are They a Good Buy?
A proposal is already a memorable event all on its own, but why not add a bit of extra flair to the occasion with a sparkling crystal engagement ring?
Why Choose A Crystal Engagement Ring?
Diamonds have long been the traditional gemstone for engagement rings. Not only are they beautiful, but as the world’s toughest gemstones, they represent the couple’s long-term commitment to one another. Many proposals have also been made with heirloom diamond engagement rings that have been passed down from one generation to the next, further cementing the idea of a love that will endure for an eternity.
While crystals may be a less expensive alternative to the diamond, they are not without their own glimmer and shine. In fact, many crystal jewelry pieces are just as dazzling as any old diamond engagement ring. Crystals are also available in a myriad of colors and can be either raw or polished.
One should also remember the historical significance of crystals as healing stones long before they were sold in jewelry.
Crystal engagement rings have become popular for these reasons and others, and are a wonderful token of affection and a life of commitment to your partner.
Popular Types of Crystals Used in Wedding and Engagement Rings
Below is a short list of gems that can be used in the place of a diamond engagement ring, along with an overview of their symbolic meanings and healing properties.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque blue-to-green gemstone that has been prized as a healing crystal for thousands of years. Besides being revered for its unique and captivating hue, turquoise is coveted as a stone of wisdom, tranquility, hope, good fortune, and protection. It is believed to temper excesses, restore calm, relieve stress, moderate aggressiveness, and help the wearer become grounded. Turquoise in lighter shades is said to promote peace and inner harmony through spiritual understanding.
Purple and Yellow Sapphire
Ranging from medium purple and dark reddish purple to violet, purple sapphire is believed to have a calming effect on the mind. It is also known to regulate the glands and strengthen the veins, as well as help deal with blood-related disorders. Because it neutralizes worries and unnecessary anxieties and curbs emotional instability, it aids and supports the resetting of balance and reaffirming of faith.
Yellow sapphire is available in a range of golden yellow and orange hues, with lemon-yellow being the most highly sought-after color. As a healing crystal, yellow sapphire bestows good health, wisdom, property, honor, and fame, as well as protection from evil spirits. It also heals the wearer from ailments of the mouth and kidneys, fevers, coughs, and rheumatism.
Red Coral
Red coral, also known as Praval or Moonga, is one of the most popular gemstones in the astrological world. Ruled by the planet Mars, red coral can create a sense of action in the wearer thanks to its vibrant color. It also transmits courage, helping the wearer to overcome fear and nervousness. Offering amazing healing benefits, red coral can treat many skin-related ailments, hiccups, colic, and heartburn, as well as aid in the release of impurities from the muscular system. At the same time, it stimulates the pursuit of goals and protects from depression and despondency.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is the gemstone of unconditional love. It is believed to promote emotional healing and positive relationships and instills a sense of compassion in the wearer. Rose quartz has also long been thought to open the heart to love, friendship, healing, and inner peace, thus promoting trust and harmony in one’s self and relationships with others.
Emerald
Emerald endows the wearer with patience and promotes friendship, equality, contentment, and loyalty. Believed to have healing benefits for both the body and mind, emeralds can cure insomnia, lift depression, detoxify the blood, and cure afflictions associated with the eyes, heart, pancreas, spine, lymph nodes, kidneys, intestines, and thymus. The green color is related to spring, renewal, growth, and rebirth, and has therapeutic qualities for the eyes and vision. Emerald is also associated with fidelity and true love, making it a perfect option for a wedding or engagement ring.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a natural stone believed to harvest the moon’s energy, manifesting the passive and relaxing energy of the yin, thus promoting balance and positive well-being. It also serves to enhance intuition and inspiration. As a healing crystal, moonstone jewelry is believed to promote a stress-free and balanced life because it stabilizes the emotions, providing calmness. A stone that symbolizes ‘new beginnings’ due to its ability to promote inner growth and strength, a moonstone is a great choice for a crystal engagement ring.
The Best Metals for Crystal Engagement Rings
The setting metal you choose for your engagement ring – whether you opt for a diamond, a colored gem, or a raw stone – is just as important as the gem itself. The metal conducts power and light, both of which serve to enhance the color and beauty of your chosen stone. Also, bear in mind that your choice of metal and stone will affect the overall price of your engagement ring.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a classic choice that pairs especially well with a diamond. Its cool grey tone complements the whiteness of the diamond, making it appear even more brilliant. It also pairs well with a variety of colored stones given its neutral color. Furthermore, a silver engagement ring is a great choice for those looking for an affordable metal that will stand the test of time.
The main drawback of sterling silver is that it is prone to tarnishing. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening and prolong the life of your jewelry.
Gold
Everybody is familiar with yellow gold as the most popular choice for wedding and engagement rings. However, what many people may not know is that it is also available in white and rose gold. Yellow gold is typically perceived as traditional, rose gold as romantic, and white gold as modern.
Given your range of options, you can pair gold with just about any kind of crystal or gemstone. Gold is also the most hypoallergenic metal, especially in a high karat like 14K or 18K gold. That being said, the price of gold is typically much higher than sterling silver, so it might not be the best option for someone with a limited budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal Wedding and Engagement Rings
Which crystal is best for an engagement ring?
There is actually no such thing as the ‘best’ when it comes to choosing an engagement ring stone. It is a subjective choice made by the giver or the wearer. The most popular gem is obviously a diamond, but nothing is stopping you from buying a ring set with sapphire, emerald, ruby, morganite, tanzanite, amethyst, or opal if that’s what you prefer. You can find a large collection of unique engagement rings at online jewelry shops like James Allen and Blue Nile.
Can engagement rings be set with crystal?
Of course! Engagement rings can be set with any type of gemstone as long as it is mounted in a secure setting. Indeed, you can find crystals that display the same sparkle as a diamond and even some that can outshine it!
What stone is bad luck in an engagement ring?
Traditionally, pearls are supposed to be avoided in engagement and wedding rings because they are believed to bring tears. Westerners believe that opals are not good for engagement rings either. Other cultures believe that gemstones with culets (i.e., those shaped to a point at the bottom) bring bad luck because evil spirits could get into the stone via the culet and put a curse on the wearer.
Why do people wear three-stone engagement rings?
A three-stone ring is among the most popular styles for an engagement ring, especially as an alternative to the classic diamond solitaire ring. This style of ring features three stones, with a center stone flanked by smaller stones on either side. It is also called a Trinity or Trilogy Ring and it represents friendship, love, and fidelity. As an anniversary ring, it symbolizes the past, present, and future.
What is an accent ring?
An accent ring is one with a large center diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds on the side. The smaller diamonds are known as ‘accent stones’. These enlarge the central stone and add a bit of extra sparkle to a diamond engagement ring.
Are accent diamonds worth anything?
Yes, accent diamonds also have value. They may be smaller, but they are as real as the central diamond. Generally, diamond accents that are graded average in color and clarity cost from $300-$400 per carat, increasing to $1000 per carat for high-quality cuts. The size of the diamond accents varies depending on the setting and size of the main diamond. Accent diamonds weigh between 0.10 – 0.20 carats.
What does it mean when they say ‘diamond accent’?
When you hear the words ‘diamond accent’, it generally means that there is more than one stone mounted on the ring.
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