As the traditional diamond engagement or wedding ring slowly loses popularity, various alternatives are being used in its place. One newbie on the scene, be it a bit uncommon, is the birthstone.
Elle reported that in 2019, Etsy named birthstone engagement rings as one of their breakout wedding trends. “On Etsy, we’ve seen 34K searches for ‘birthstone engagement rings’ in the last three months, and I predict the trend will continue to grow,” Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson explained at the time.
According to The Jewellery Editor, there are a few things to consider when opting for the birthstone engagement ring, which could mean that you’re walking down a path that comes with many more decisions. However, they claim that this option is becoming more and more popular.
Canadian jeweller Kat Florence, who launched her own brand of jewellery specialising in unusual gemstones and owns a store in London, told The Jewellery Editor that “a lot of people are going in that direction”, adding that “Everyone feels attracted to their birthstone, and jewellery represents who we are, so birthstones are the perfect point to begin.”
Of the things which need to be considered, one of the most important is the hardness of the stone. When selecting the birthstone as the gem for a ring, depending on your partner’s birth month, they may end up with a stone which is not durable. For example, it is not recommended that opal be used for a ring, as it is a fragile stone. We’re sure you want the ring to last a lifetime! So keep this in mind when making your final choice, and be sure to ask your jeweller about durability, hardness, and inclination to be damaged with scratches.
It is reported that any stone which ranks above 7.5 on the Moh’s Hardness scale, which measures how easily you can scratch a gem, is a good option. Those below 7.5, of course, can be used for a ring too. However, you’d have to be much more careful with your ring.
Regardless, birthstones are pretty, colourful, meaningful and trendy. If you love the idea of a ring that represents you and when you were brought into the world, then perhaps your mind is already made up.
Here is a guide to your options, including Moh’s Scale values from Gem Rock Auctions, for birthstone engagement rings:
January: Garnet (6.5 – 7.5 Mohs)
February: Amythyst (6.5 – 7.5 Mohs)
Also read: Stone of the Gods: Amazing amethyst rings
March: Aquamarine (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
Also read: Amazing aquamarine engagement rings
April: Diamond (10 Mohs)
Also read: How to choose the right diamond for you
May: Emerald (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
Also read: Enchanting emerald engagement rings
June: Pearl (2.5 Mohs)
Moonstone (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
Alexdandrite (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
July: Ruby (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
Also read: The fiery king of gems: Romantic rubies
August: Peridot (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
Sardonyx (7.0 Mohs)
Spinel (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)
September: Sapphire (9.0 Mohs)
Also read:The royal touch: Sophisticated sapphire rings
October: Opal (5.5 – 6.5 Mohs)
Also read:The Queen of the gems: Opulent opals
Tourmaline (9.0 Mohs)
November: Citrine (7.0 Mohs)
Topaz (8.0 Mohs)
December: Tanzanite (6.5 – 7.0 Mohs)
Also read: Say ‘I do’ to tantalising Tanzanite
Blue zircon(7.5 Mohs)
Turqouise (5.0 – 6.0 Mohs)
Blue Topaz (8.0 Mohs)
Also read: Why we wear diamond engagement rings
Image: Instagram / Fauverie
