@@LittleCheekySmile Thank you! I totally get that, everybody has a budget. I would recommend looking at moissanite and some of these harder gemstones, like sapphires or rubies, for those less expensive options. These softer gemstones, like moonstones, are much cheaper but in the long run will cost you more money for repairs and sometimes full replacements. But in the end it's really just up to you, what makes you the happiest, and what your life goals are!
I’m going through the same thing. He proposed and apologized for not being able to give me a dream ring, but hey who cares, the Heart still wants what it wants, ring regardless lol.
I told my husband i didn’t want a diamond; I said a ruby would be great. He got me a lovely oval ruby stone with a diamond on each side and channel set diamonds in the band.
Lol funny those are the exact two I was torn between too and have decided to go with alexandrite as well it’s a shame that opals won’t hold up they are definitely beautiful
I hate to correct you, but I have been setting 1mm accent stones for 25 years with a microscope and they don not fall out if properly set. A beautiful delicate line of small stones can really add to a design
Yes great video I already knew about this being that I have worked in jewelry stores and I was just curious what you had to say but yep you're spot on and it's awesome that you're sharing with other people to inform them about what to look for because I know a lot of people they want to buy a lot of softer Stones I know that morganite is a big sensation when it comes to engagement rings and I know it is a little bit higher on the most scale but it's still a soft Stone and I wouldn't really suggest to morganite because a lot of women like to wear them on a daily basis for cleaning cooking and showering and that is just not feasible so maybe I'm one of your videos if you haven't already because I'm new to your page suggest about not choosing morganite although it is beautiful and if they do choose it don't wear it everyday and for every occasion like cooking cleaning showering that's just crazy anyway thank you for your informative video I loved it and I'm subscribing definitely
I was hitting a dead end looking at rings until I saw amethyst rings and fell in love. Purple isn't my favorite color but for some reason amethysts have always fascinated me, I always stop to look at them.
Mohs is really scratch ability, Not hardness per se, that is a misnomer, one stone scratches another etc., Sometimes the internal structure of prismatic crystals the stone can really take the hard knocks, but yes it may be a 7 like amethyst, but it’s prismatic crystal structure makes it very strong. Think beehive. Diamonds may be a 10 but they have terrible cleavage. Ask anyone who has knocked their solitaire on a granite bench top at exactly the right axis angle, ended up with a stone in pieces. Amethysts are my favourite stone. The ones from Uruguay are devine, and for colour and quality they are not that expensive. They are much maligned, used to be one of the 5 cardinal stones but were taken off the list. Spinel also come in many colours, similar to sapphire only without the price tag, the Vietnamese lavender blue ones are gorgeous they are an 8, worth a look.
That is very interesting, I have been seeing alot of the moonstone rings, and I think they are just beautiful. Is there anything that looks like moonstone that is high enough on the scale? Thanks, have a beautiful day!
Great question! For stone cuts, the ones that are the most durable are cuts with out any sharp edges or points that can get caught on things, so cuts like rounds or ovals. For settings, the most durable by far is a bezel setting, but if you don't like the look of a bezel you could also opt for a bezel prong setting. Here are a few links to videos where I go more in depth on these if you'd like more info 🙂 1. Durable Stone Cuts: ua-cam.com/video/EAsP3hcoHo4/v-deo.html 2. Durable Settings: ua-cam.com/video/u4ne33f7sH4/v-deo.html Hope that helps! ❤
Does anyone know of Aquaprase would be a good stone for an engagement ring? It’s a 7-7.5 on the mohs scale but a lot of sources say your engagement ring should be an 8 on the mohs scale at the very least.
Thank you for your video I am just engaged now my boyfriend has a friendship ring he bought himself only i have never seen it before the ring i gave my boyfriend my ring size also I am just wearing my claddgh ring as my engagement ring now 💍 All i know it is a ring in a box sliver he is hiding it very well i am just looking forward to seeing the day he puts it on my finger i come from a jewellery family but my boyfriend has hidden i know nothing about it just a sliver ring in a box a friendship ring 💍 i love my claddgh ring as my engagement ring now just engaged this year. We are happy couple and happy together.
Aquamarines are on the softer side. If you are super super careful with your jewelry and not super active, it would be ok. However if you need something more durable I would take a look at Montana Sapphires. They come in a variety of teal blue colors, and some look really similar to aquamarines ❤
Look I am just a female with gemmology as a hobby, definitely pro coloured gem stones. Diamonds for me are overrated and far too expensive. You will get more value for your money with a high quality coloured gemstone. Personally I like diamonds to play second fiddle the main concerto, as in small ones surrounding the centre stone. They are essentially carbon one of the most common elements on the planet, nothing rare about them at all. Whereas Morganites are part of the beryl family of gemstones along with emeralds and aquamarines, they are an 8 on the Moh’s scratchability rating. morganites are very popular right now, they come in colours that vary from pink to a soft peach tone.
When i get engaged I'd love to have an Opal, i cant wear it to work as i work in a hospital & would only wear it when going out or not doing activities
There’s something really cool made for doctors you probably already know about called a ring holder necklace. They are made of silver which is softer than gold and platinum so it can’t scratch the ring, and they hold the wedding ring securely. They are often used by nurses and doctors in hospitals but I also got one for my fiancée who works with his hands a lot! You can find them on Etsy and other places, there are a lot of designs
I have heard that diamonds lose their value over the years is this true? Personally when I get engaged I really want a blue sapphire but I also feel pressured to get a diamond because it’s “traditional”.
Don't feel pressured to go with what is "traditional" or what is the "right choice." Go with the stone that lights you up and makes you excited, after all you are the one who is going to be wearing it everyday :) A lot of these gemstones I mention here as being durable come in a variety of colors so I would explore those too and see what you love. Diamonds are definitely not the only option anymore. If you do go the diamond route, make sure you get a GIA graded stone and that it comes with a grading report, because that will help you get some resale value.
Garnets rate a 6-7.5 on the Mohs Scale, so they are on the softer side of gemstones. Like with all jewelry, the better care you take of the piece the longer it will last. If you are someone who is really active, or have a job that requires you to work with your hands, i would not recommend it. But if you are someone who is really careful with your jewelry you could make it work.
Nothing wrong with that, I have worn sapphires for 50years. As I explained in another post if you don’t want the expense of diamonds. Russian Lab Diamonds they have all the composition of a diamond, but not the price tag. Or even Moissanite about 1/10th the price of diamonds. Only the experts would know, and even then they would need all the equipment to assay it.
Lab grown gemstones typically fall at a lower price point than mined gemstones are are physically and chemically the same as their mined counterparts - that may be a good place to start looking!
My BF proposed this weekend and asked me to pick out a ring. I said yes without question but I come from wealth and he does not. I’m trying to design a ring that won’t break his account but still good quality. Is there any option other than a diamond?
You can also do a Russian Lab Diamond, has all the properties of a diamond, for all intents and purposes no one would know the difference, even the experts can’t tell without the proper equipment, set it in 18ct or platinum, don’t go too big. Coloured stones are also a good alternative. Sapphires, morganite, spinel or tanzanite. Diamonds have a buying and selling price, they drop 50% the minute you walk out of the shop, diamonds are still carbon, nothing rare about them at all. It has been biggest marketing propaganda con job incurred on the general public. Search WWW for An article “ diamonds are bull shit.” You seem to have your heart in the right place. Educate yourself a bit further. Good luck
If you want something that looks like a Diamond without the price tag, I would suggest white sapphire 😊 or like the comments above, you could try going for a colored stone (rubies and emeralds will always be valuable, but other stones like morganite and tanzanite are beautiful!). Congratulations on your engagement 💛
@@parismichelle1366 I wouldn’t do a white sapphire and here’s why. I have some white sapphires in some of my rings. The problem is white sapphires do not sparkle like diamonds. You are better off getting cubic zirconia if that is the look you want because they are not quite as hard as a diamond but they are almost indistinguishable to the naked eye. Yes a Jeweler can tell if they examine it but most people don’t know just by looking at it. I have a blue sapphire and I still love it.
Aquamarine is a softer stone and more prone to damage, but a bezel setting will help to protect it. I would just be really careful with your hands and anytime you're doing something active being sure to take the ring off. At the end of the day, yes durability and longevity are important when you're spending a lot of money on this piece, but you are the one who has to be happy and you are the one wearing the ring everyday. So, yes take into consideration practical elements, but don't forget what lights you up and what you love :)
My engagement ring is yellow gold channel set emeralds. My husband doesn't like the Tiffany setting and I have to agree with him. The stones are very secure an gorgeous. Green is my favorite color. Besides its his birthstone!
So helpful to keep in mind for my journey thank you so much!
I’m watching this because I don’t want my boyfriend to spend so much money on an engagement ring.
And I loved this video!
@@LittleCheekySmile Thank you! I totally get that, everybody has a budget. I would recommend looking at moissanite and some of these harder gemstones, like sapphires or rubies, for those less expensive options. These softer gemstones, like moonstones, are much cheaper but in the long run will cost you more money for repairs and sometimes full replacements. But in the end it's really just up to you, what makes you the happiest, and what your life goals are!
I’m going through the same thing. He proposed and apologized for not being able to give me a dream ring, but hey who cares, the Heart still wants what it wants, ring regardless lol.
I told my husband i didn’t want a diamond; I said a ruby would be great. He got me a lovely oval ruby stone with a diamond on each side and channel set diamonds in the band.
same hahah
Great info 👍 Appreciate so much!
You are most welcome!
Thank you so much for your help! I was torn between opal (my birthstone) or alexandrite and this helped clarify things for sure!💕✨
Alexandrite is definitely the better choice for an engagement ring.
You are so welcome!
Lol funny those are the exact two I was torn between too and have decided to go with alexandrite as well it’s a shame that opals won’t hold up they are definitely beautiful
I hate to correct you, but I have been setting 1mm accent stones for 25 years with a microscope and they don not fall out if properly set. A beautiful delicate line of small stones can really add to a design
What do you know?
Yes great video I already knew about this being that I have worked in jewelry stores and I was just curious what you had to say but yep you're spot on and it's awesome that you're sharing with other people to inform them about what to look for because I know a lot of people they want to buy a lot of softer Stones I know that morganite is a big sensation when it comes to engagement rings and I know it is a little bit higher on the most scale but it's still a soft Stone and I wouldn't really suggest to morganite because a lot of women like to wear them on a daily basis for cleaning cooking and showering and that is just not feasible so maybe I'm one of your videos if you haven't already because I'm new to your page suggest about not choosing morganite although it is beautiful and if they do choose it don't wear it everyday and for every occasion like cooking cleaning showering that's just crazy anyway thank you for your informative video I loved it and I'm subscribing definitely
Thank you!
I was hitting a dead end looking at rings until I saw amethyst rings and fell in love. Purple isn't my favorite color but for some reason amethysts have always fascinated me, I always stop to look at them.
Try Alexandrite rings!
Mohs is really scratch ability, Not hardness per se, that is a misnomer, one stone scratches another etc., Sometimes the internal structure of prismatic crystals the stone can really take the hard knocks, but yes it may be a 7 like amethyst, but it’s prismatic crystal structure makes it very strong. Think beehive. Diamonds may be a 10 but they have terrible cleavage. Ask anyone who has knocked their solitaire on a granite bench top at exactly the right axis angle, ended up with a stone in pieces. Amethysts are my favourite stone. The ones from Uruguay are devine, and for colour and quality they are not that expensive.
They are much maligned, used to be one of the 5 cardinal stones but were taken off the list.
Spinel also come in many colours, similar to sapphire only without the price tag, the Vietnamese lavender blue ones are gorgeous they are an 8, worth a look.
@@blacksorrento4719 Finally, it is a clever comment. Thanks!
The anthemiyst gemstone for a ring is that good
Please let me know
Great video :) I’ll never buy a diamond will keep you in mind when I’m looking for a rock
can you do a video or comment on morganite please?
I really appreciate how simple and straight to the point this!
thank you for appreciating my candor!
So educational! I wouldn't have known.
Thank you Kelsey! I'm so glad that you found this video valuable. XO, Abby
Are Topaz and Spessartine Garnets good for every ring stone settings?
That is very interesting, I have been seeing alot of the moonstone rings, and I think they are just beautiful.
Is there anything that looks like moonstone that is high enough on the scale?
Thanks, have a beautiful day!
I would recommend an inclusion-forward (I am creating a new term!) milky white diamond.
@@abbysparksjewelry thanks 😊
What types of cuts and setting styles do you recommend as being more durable?
Great question! For stone cuts, the ones that are the most durable are cuts with out any sharp edges or points that can get caught on things, so cuts like rounds or ovals. For settings, the most durable by far is a bezel setting, but if you don't like the look of a bezel you could also opt for a bezel prong setting. Here are a few links to videos where I go more in depth on these if you'd like more info 🙂
1. Durable Stone Cuts: ua-cam.com/video/EAsP3hcoHo4/v-deo.html
2. Durable Settings: ua-cam.com/video/u4ne33f7sH4/v-deo.html
Hope that helps! ❤
Does anyone know of Aquaprase would be a good stone for an engagement ring? It’s a 7-7.5 on the mohs scale but a lot of sources say your engagement ring should be an 8 on the mohs scale at the very least.
Corundum is also beautiful im suprised that u didn't mantioned it ;)
She did, corundum is the mineral name for sapphire.
Abby, what do you think about Swarovski stones on engagement rings?
Personally, its a pass! Basically, its glass. But choose what you love!
Thank you for your video I am just engaged now my boyfriend has a friendship ring he bought himself only i have never seen it before the ring i gave my boyfriend my ring size also I am just wearing my claddgh ring as my engagement ring now 💍 All i know it is a ring in a box sliver he is hiding it very well i am just looking forward to seeing the day he puts it on my finger i come from a jewellery family but my boyfriend has hidden i know nothing about it just a sliver ring in a box a friendship ring 💍 i love my claddgh ring as my engagement ring now just engaged this year. We are happy couple and happy together.
Hi what about Aquamarine Stone?
Aquamarines are on the softer side. If you are super super careful with your jewelry and not super active, it would be ok. However if you need something more durable I would take a look at Montana Sapphires. They come in a variety of teal blue colors, and some look really similar to aquamarines ❤
What is different between diamond and Morganite please thank you
Look I am just a female with gemmology as a hobby, definitely pro coloured gem stones. Diamonds for me are overrated and far too expensive. You will get more value for your money with a high quality coloured gemstone. Personally I like diamonds to play second fiddle the main concerto, as in small ones surrounding the centre stone. They are essentially carbon one of the most common elements on the planet, nothing rare about them at all.
Whereas Morganites are part of the beryl family of gemstones along with emeralds and aquamarines, they are an 8 on the Moh’s scratchability rating. morganites are very popular right now, they come in colours that vary from pink to a soft peach tone.
When i get engaged I'd love to have an Opal, i cant wear it to work as i work in a hospital & would only wear it when going out or not doing activities
There’s something really cool made for doctors you probably already know about called a ring holder necklace. They are made of silver which is softer than gold and platinum so it can’t scratch the ring, and they hold the wedding ring securely. They are often used by nurses and doctors in hospitals but I also got one for my fiancée who works with his hands a lot! You can find them on Etsy and other places, there are a lot of designs
Interesting how the line on the scale goes almost vertical at the end yet is still only a one point different. 🤔
Turquoise ring how much
I have heard that diamonds lose their value over the years is this true? Personally when I get engaged I really want a blue sapphire but I also feel pressured to get a diamond because it’s “traditional”.
Don't feel pressured to go with what is "traditional" or what is the "right choice." Go with the stone that lights you up and makes you excited, after all you are the one who is going to be wearing it everyday :) A lot of these gemstones I mention here as being durable come in a variety of colors so I would explore those too and see what you love. Diamonds are definitely not the only option anymore. If you do go the diamond route, make sure you get a GIA graded stone and that it comes with a grading report, because that will help you get some resale value.
Get what YOU like, bit what others like.
Is Alexandrite a good option for an engagement ring??
I think it would be a great choice. I think it's an 8.5-9 on the mohs scale. And it's beautiful!
It is indeed one of the more durable options!
What about garnet is that a good option ?
Garnets rate a 6-7.5 on the Mohs Scale, so they are on the softer side of gemstones. Like with all jewelry, the better care you take of the piece the longer it will last. If you are someone who is really active, or have a job that requires you to work with your hands, i would not recommend it. But if you are someone who is really careful with your jewelry you could make it work.
Is 3 stone white sapphire ok for a engagement ring?
Nothing wrong with that, I have worn sapphires for 50years.
As I explained in another post if you don’t want the expense of diamonds.
Russian Lab Diamonds they have all the composition of a diamond, but not the price tag.
Or even Moissanite about 1/10th the price of diamonds.
Only the experts would know, and even then they would need all the equipment to assay it.
Is jade stone ok or its low and should move on likewise
more durable option would be green sapphire
I'm so in love with green diamonds/emeralds but i don't want to spend a crazy amount of money, what exactly should i look for?
Lab grown gemstones typically fall at a lower price point than mined gemstones are are physically and chemically the same as their mined counterparts - that may be a good place to start looking!
Perhaps lab-grown emeralds would be an option you'd like? More cost effective than their natural counterparts and pretty!
Omg your so beautiful ✨✨✨✨✨
Amethyst. Is it a good engagement stone?
A more durable stone would be a purple sapphire!
You didnt add amethyst. Isnt it at seven?
My BF proposed this weekend and asked me to pick out a ring. I said yes without question but I come from wealth and he does not. I’m trying to design a ring that won’t break his account but still good quality. Is there any option other than a diamond?
I heard moissanite is a great alternative! It’s durable but it’s a fraction of the price of diamond
You can also do a Russian Lab Diamond, has all the properties of a diamond, for all intents and purposes no one would know the difference, even the experts can’t tell without the proper equipment, set it in 18ct or platinum, don’t go too big. Coloured stones are also a good alternative. Sapphires, morganite, spinel or tanzanite. Diamonds have a buying and selling price, they drop 50% the minute you walk out of the shop, diamonds are still carbon, nothing rare about them at all. It has been biggest marketing propaganda con job incurred on the general public. Search WWW for An article “ diamonds are bull shit.” You seem to have your heart in the right place. Educate yourself a bit further. Good luck
If you want something that looks like a Diamond without the price tag, I would suggest white sapphire 😊 or like the comments above, you could try going for a colored stone (rubies and emeralds will always be valuable, but other stones like morganite and tanzanite are beautiful!). Congratulations on your engagement 💛
@@parismichelle1366 I wouldn’t do a white sapphire and here’s why. I have some white sapphires in some of my rings. The problem is white sapphires do not sparkle like diamonds. You are better off getting cubic zirconia if that is the look you want because they are not quite as hard as a diamond but they are almost indistinguishable to the naked eye. Yes a Jeweler can tell if they examine it but most people don’t know just by looking at it.
I have a blue sapphire and I still love it.
What about an aquamarine in a Halo Bezel setting? Would that be a great option? Aquamarine is my birth stone also it’s more on my budget.
Aquamarine is a softer stone and more prone to damage, but a bezel setting will help to protect it. I would just be really careful with your hands and anytime you're doing something active being sure to take the ring off. At the end of the day, yes durability and longevity are important when you're spending a lot of money on this piece, but you are the one who has to be happy and you are the one wearing the ring everyday. So, yes take into consideration practical elements, but don't forget what lights you up and what you love :)
Is a 7 on the scale good for hardness?
Yeah! She said anything form 7-10 is good for an engagement ring. Anyhting lower would be for sometime wear
It's fair! better to be in a colored sapphire
What about purple stone
purple sapphire is best
im having such a hard time finding rings im kinda picky and I hate diamonds and gold
What do you like instead?
@@jane-cn6nd I found a pretty silver ring with moonstone. but i also found amethyst to be nice
My engagement ring is yellow gold channel set emeralds. My husband doesn't like the Tiffany setting and I have to agree with him. The stones are very secure an gorgeous. Green is my favorite color. Besides its his birthstone!
What stone do you have in your engagement ring?
Moissanite 😊
@@itsbambi92 It's a fantastic white option that's not a diamond!
Garnet pretty strong 7.5 to 8.5 according to google
Its all about what you choose! It's ok- ruby would be better choice! More durable
Diamonds are just SOOOO pointless! I hate them haha. Am I being selfish? Should I just suck it up and get her a diamond?
My advice- do her!! It's okay to believe that but she doesn't...