Gemstones are beautiful, but they’re also good for jewelry, investment, and gifts. If you’re a collector or an artist, gemstones are the perfect choice for you. Gemstones come in all shapes and sizes: from tiny to large, from transparent to opaque, from colorless to multicolored, and even sometimes with inclusions that make them unique.
If you’re in the market for a new piece of jewelry, we have some good news: This wedding season is going to be all about gemstones. Why? Because they’re classic! But also because they’re timeless and beautiful. So if you want to make sure your engagement ring or wedding band is perfect for your big day, read on as we discuss the most popular gems out there!
8 Diamond Alternatives That Are Perfect for Your Wedding Day
- Sapphire
The word sapphire comes from the Greek word for blue, “sapphirus.” Sapphires are found in many different colors and can be used to make jewelry, especially engagement rings. Sapphires are durable and scratch resistant, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings that you want to last a lifetime. Sapphires represent loyalty and faithfulness, making them an appropriate choice if you want to give your partner something that symbolizes your commitment to each other throughout life’s trials and tribulations.
- Diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth and a symbol of love, eternity, and commitment. Diamonds are forever! Since they’re so popular these days, you might be wondering where to find them. Look for loose gemstones, not those that come in settings or jewelry pieces. It’s best if they’re unpolished as well, polished ones have less value because they’ve been cut by machines instead of hand-cut by human beings like those in an antique store would be (and those tend to cost more).
- Rubies
Rubies are red gemstones that can be found in many shades of red, from light to deep. They’re one of the traditional birthstones for July, and they’re also associated with love and passion. Rubies are traditionally given as gifts on the 15th anniversary of marriage (or any other anniversary that falls within that year), which makes them a great choice for couples celebrating their wedding day!
- Emeralds
Emeralds are known for the green variety of beryl, which is a mineral that also produces aquamarine. Emeralds are the most valuable gemstones on earth, and they’re mined in Brazil, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, the latter being the largest producer of emeralds in the world. The birthstone for May is an emerald. It’s also associated with Gemini because it represents their zodiac sign.
- Pearls
Pearls are the perfect choice for the bride or bridesmaid who wants to look elegant and classic on her big day. A pearl necklace is of great value since it can be found in many colors and styles of jewelry (earrings, bracelets). Pearls are also a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s easy to wear again after the wedding day, they’ll never go out of style!
- Tanzanite
The famous Tanzanite stud earrings are derived from a blue-violet gemstone that’s been known to be mistaken for other minerals, like Zoisite. But they are two different minerals. Tanzanite is mined in Tanzania. Tanzanite can be found in many different colors, including violet, blue, and greenish blue shades. However, it’s best known for its deep blue-purple hue which comes from iron content (the deeper the color of the stone, the higher the amount of iron).
- Moonstones
Moonstone is a gemstone that has been known since ancient times and is still popular today. It’s a type of feldspar, which means it’s an aluminum silicate mineral. Its name comes from its resemblance to the moon. The stone has a waxy luster that closely resembles the moon, plus it comes in blue-gray shades that change color depending on how light hits them (this effect is called adularescence). Moonstones are found in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil and they’re sometimes called by their country of origin instead of by their scientific name (for example Indian Moonstone).
End Note
If you can’t decide on just one for your wedding day, we recommend going with a combination of the stones above. You can find many different combinations online or at jewelry stores that carry these types of stones. Feel free to mix and match as much as you want!