Pixels
About       Services       Shop       Engagement Guide       Jewelry 101       Contact
Birthstone of the Month: August Edition

Birthstone of the Month: August Edition

Birthstone of the Month: August Edition

Did you know there is more than just one August Birthstone?

June; find yours today at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI.August is one of three birth months represented by three different birthstones. Originally, August birthstones were marked by sardonyx; a beautiful multicolor layered stone made up of two different minerals. Soon after Peridot was added and took over as the primary gemstone. Peridot is easily recognized by its illuminating lime green glow. Spinel was later added, coming in a different array of colors, giving August the vibrancy it deserves, this stone is often mistaken for a ruby or sapphire because of its blood red color. In this article, we’ll explore the August birthstones in all their glory.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is the most ancient August birthstone, made with two types of chalcedonies (cryptocrystalline quartz): sard and onyx. The color is varied, with brownish red,  dark orange, white, and black layers. Sardonyx was common in Roman times when they used it on seals and signet rings because hot wax could not provide the same stickiness.
Its popularity originated more than 4,000 years ago in the Second Dynasty of Egypt. When battles occurred between Ancient Greeks and Romans, they wore sardonyx talismans detailed with heroic images and mythological gods like Mars and Hercules. They gave a lot of power to the stone, believing it increased bravery and granted the soldiers courage, a winning spirit, victory, and safety on the battlefield.
During the Italian Renaissance, sardonyx was closely linked to eloquence. Public speakers and orators used the gemstone to have clear and seamless communication with their audiences.
Sardonyx was the great equalizer, being worn by elites and regular men and women. It’s affordable now for anyone to enjoy.

Where It’s Found

Sardonyx can be found as an August birthstone in India, Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the USA.
If you’re lucky enough to be born in August, you have three stunning birthstones to highlight your birthday. Which one is your favorite?

Peridot

With its bright lime green color, the origin of peridot’s (sometimes called chrysolite) name isn’t clear.
We can trace back peridot jewelry to the second millennium BC when ancient Egyptian gemstones were found in deposits in the Red Sea on a volcanic island, now referred to as St. John’s Island or Zabargad.
Referred to as the “gem of the sun” by Ancient Egyptians, they believed this unique green glowing stone protected the person who wore it from night terrors. Cleopatra’s emerald collection could very well have been peridot. The proof is unclear.
In the Middle Ages, emerald was often confused with peridot for their similar glow and greenish hue. In Germany’s famed Cologne Cathedral, 200-carat gemstones cover the shrines there. These were also said to be emeralds, but in fact, they are not. They are peridots.
In the 90s, Pakistan found even more peridots, which were claimed to be some of the rarest and finest ever discovered. Known as Kashmir peridots, they measured out to be over 100 carats.
Another active peridot deposit on our planet today is found on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. Around 80 to 95 percent of the world’s peridot collection can be found there.
Nowadays, peridot is in high demand, and the supply is plenty, making prices for peridot more affordable than ever. Especially for people born in August, peridot is now accessible to be worn by anyone who celebrates their special birthday month.

Where It’s Found

The August birthstone peridot comes from a wonderful rich storied background. Most of the peridot in jewelry is sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States. Some peridot even came to Earth via meteorites and others can be found on beaches and volcanic islands like Peridot Beach and Hawaii. The sands seem to let off a greenish hue.

Spinel

Coming from the Latin word, spina, meaning thorn, Spinel refers to its crystals. The second August birthstone among the three, its color is bright and intense, varied like the Sardonyx. With hues of red, pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish green, this stone is not for the faint of heart.
Often confused with rubies or pink sapphires, spinel comes in a close second. It actually turns out that the most infamous rubies were spinels instead. Its notable qualities include an octahedral (having eight faces) structure and single refraction. It’s less hard than ruby and sapphire.
Red spinel, an extension of spinel itself, was believed to have medicinal effects for blood disorders and inflammation. They were also said to relieve anger, and anxiety, and bring about relief and harmony. The red spinel is a traditional gift for 22-year wedding anniversaries.

Where It’s Found

Spinel is sourced in several exotic locales including Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. The most intense colors like hot pink and deep red are from Myanmar.

 

 

Looking For More Information?
If you are looking for more information on birthstones or are interested in seeing them in person, give us a call at 810.229.5335, or stop by our location in Brighton, MI to see our engagement rings firsthand. For even more information, check out our Jewelry 101 blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Lab Grown Diamond vs. Mined Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamond vs. Mined Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamond vs. Mined Diamond

Lab grown diamonds have skyrocketed in popularity in the past few decades. For the eco-conscious consumer, lab grown diamonds are a stellar option, but it can be difficult to get an unbiased opinion about them. Are these man-made diamonds worth the investment, or should you always stick with natural mined diamonds to ensure the best bang for your buck?

Here’s what you should know about lab grown diamonds versus mined diamonds.

What is a Mined Diamond?

A mined diamond, also known as a natural diamond, is formed naturally deep beneath the Earth’s crust where temperatures and pressures are very high. They’re sometimes called “natural diamonds” because they’re formed naturally and then mined when rare volcanoes erupt and bring them close to the surface.

Unfortunately, due to poor planning and weak regulation, diamond mining has prompted environmental issues such as land degradation, soil erosion, and devastation of water resources. It has even forced local communities to relocate.

For this reason, lab grown diamonds — identical in every way to earth-mined diamonds except they are grown in a lab — have become popular.

What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is that these stones are grown in a machine rather than in the earth. Both are made of carbon, and they will “test” as a diamond because they have identical properties.

The Advantage of Lab Grown Diamonds

Here are some of the reasons that buyers select lab grown diamonds over mined diamonds.

  • Budget: If you have a small budget, you can get a bigger lab grown diamond than you would a mined diamond. They are less expensive for the same quality.
    Appearance: You’ll still get the same beautiful look from a lab grown diamond that you would a mined diamond.
  • Ethics: A large reason people prefer lab grown diamonds is that they have a trackable origin. Mined diamonds are at risk of being “blood” or “conflict” diamonds — traded or mined illegally in war-torn areas. Lab grown diamonds don’t carry these ethical implications.
  • Sustainability: If you want an eco-friendly option, then lab-grown diamonds are the way to go. They don’t require a mining process at all. Although, they’re still not ideal for the environment because lab grown diamonds require a lot of energy to create.

The Disadvantage of Lab Grown Diamonds

Yet, lab grown diamonds aren’t perfect for every buyer. Consider these factors before purchasing.

  • Resale value: Mined diamonds have a clearcut resale value because of their established history. Lab grown diamonds have seen prices fall in the past few years because of increased supply. If you want a sustained resale value, mined diamonds are a better bet.
  • Perception: Lab grown diamonds can be a personal preference. They’re ideally suited for those who don’t want to impact the environment negatively or want the largest possible diamond for the budget. However, if you haven’t talked about the details of a ring or rock with your potential fiancé, it may not be the best move to surprise them with a lab grown diamond. They’re a newer option and are sometimes seen as the ”cheaper” choice.
  • Custom: The gap is starting to close between lab grown and mined diamonds. However, the large majority of people still default to mined diamonds as the customary choice.

Buying a diamond — or jewelry of any kind — is a big decision. At F.A.O. Jewelers, we believe in arming our customers with the best information available, so they can make the best decision possible. If you are looking for more information on mined & lab grown diamonds or are interested in seeing them in person, give us a call at 810.229.5335, or stop by our location in Brighton, MI to see our engagement rings firsthand. For even more information, check out our Jewelry 101 blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

How Much Should You Spend On an Engagement Ring?

How Much Should You Spend On an Engagement Ring?

How Much Should You Spend On an Engagement Ring?

When it comes to engagement rings, it can be hard to know how much you should spend at the jewelry store. After all, this is a ring that will symbolize your love for one another and should last a lifetime. But still, the price is a very personal decision. With that in mind, we want to help you make the best decision when it comes to spending your money on an engagement ring diamond. We’ll go over different things you should consider when making your purchase, as well as what range of prices you can expect depending on the quality of diamond you choose. Let’s get started!

Jewelers typically suggest spending two-months’ salary on an engagement ring, but this is a guideline that doesn’t work for everyone. If you have debt or are otherwise cash-strapped, you may not be able to afford a two-month’s salary ring without going into debt. There are plenty of beautiful engagement rings out there that cost less than two months’ salary, so don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune just to pop the question!

Cut, Color, and Clarity of Diamond

When you’re looking at engagement rings, it’s important to keep in mind the “Four Cs.” The Four Cs stand for Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color. These are the main characteristics that will affect a diamond’s quality and price.

Next, start to narrow down the type of engagement ring diamond you’re looking for. Keep in mind that carat weight, cut, clarity, and color will all affect the price of a diamond. For example, a one-carat diamond with excellent cut, clarity, and color could cost anywhere from $2000 to $5000. However, a one-carat diamond with poor cut, clarity, and color could cost as little as $200.

The sparkle factor of the ring depends directly on the cut. So, choose the ring with a brilliant cut so it will hide other things. If your budget is a bit low, you can select the ring with a bit of a yellowish color touch and less clarity, but the cut is something not to compromise on. A ring with a good cut will look fabulous in every way.

Another great way to lower the cost of a diamond is to slightly lower the carat weight. When looking at a one-carat diamond running the price of for example $2000 you can lower the weight to 0.89 carats, while keeping the same cut, clarity, and color, this could lower the price by a few hundred dollars. With the size difference not being noticeable to the naked eye.

– If your budget is low, you can compromise on color and clarity.
– Do not compromise on the cut because the cut is the ultimate source of sparkle.
– Lowering the weight of a diamond slightly under the traditional one-carat, two-carat, three-carat size, can significantly reduce the price without compromising the look of the size.

Choose the Setting According to Your Budget

Remember that your diamond ring will consist of two parts (setting and center). Once you choose the right diamond, you will then have to select the setting. The most expensive setting is the platinum setting. White gold is comparatively less expensive, so you can choose as per your partner’s choice.
– If your budget is high, you can choose the platinum setting.
– Platinum is the most expensive.
– You can also opt for white gold if your budget is a bit low.

So, how much should you spend on an engagement ring?

It’s a tough question. Just remember, you should never spend more than you are comfortable with. The most important thing is to communicate with your fiancé and set a budget that works for both of you. With a little bit of planning, you can find an engagement ring that fits your style and budget.

Birthstone of the Month: June Edition

Birthstone of the Month: June Edition

Birthstone of the Month: June Edition

First of all, where did the idea originate from?

Birthstones actually have a somewhat religious origin. The Exodus describes a ceremonial breastplate worn by Moses’s brother, Aaron, encrusted with 12 gems. Laden with spiritual importance, it was believed that the 12 stones were related to the twelve months of the year, as well as the zodiac signs.
Over the years, the list of stones has been modified several times, to fit the epoch, and the tastes of customers and jewelers worldwide, but the idea remains the same.

What does a birthstone do?

It’s believed that wearing the appropriate gem for your birth month brings good fortune, love and happiness. But not only that. Birthstones are thought to help clear up emotional and mental blockages, and help your spirit keep true north.
A big idea behind birthstones is that, by wearing the appropriate gem in the appropriate month, you get to channel the Universe’s healing power to your being, and that helps you navigate uncertain times in your life, and find strength.

June Birthstones

June; find yours today at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI. Those born in June are blessed, having not one but three gemstones to choose from: a classy pearl, a shimmering moonstone, and the wonderfully versatile alexandrite. Of course, each carries its own properties, so we urge you to choose wisely – pick the gem that best reflects your personality and your emotions. So, let’s talk a bit about them, and see which one suits you best!

Pearl

Origins

Traditionally, pearls have always been considered some of the most elegant gems, as well as the most romantic ones, due to their origin. According to Greek myth, the first pearls appeared when Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the sea (famously, Aphrodite was born from the foam of the waves). The shed droplets of water that dripped off the goddess’s skin crystalized, resulting in what we today call pearls.
Through much of history, pearls were a gem destined only for the richest, most resourceful individuals, due to their incredible rarity. It was only in the 20th century, thanks to the culturing of saltwater pearls, that this astonishing gem became accessible to the general public.

Meaning

Pearls are largely thought to embody purity, modesty and general calm. As birthstones, they will keep your aim true, and are also believed to chase away anxious dispositions, and quieten worry and fear.
Pearls are romantic in a pristine, innocent way, channeling the healing power of healthy love. Speaking of which, pearls are also believed to bestow various healing properties. In Sanskrit tradition, pearls were associated with long life and prosperity, while Asian cultures link pearls to healthy digestion.

Moonstone

Origins

Named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, the moonstone is one of the most fascinating minerals on the market today. While Pliny described the changing colors of the stone, in accordance to the moon’s cycles, Hindu cultures believed this stone to be actual solidified moonbeams, thus accounting for the stone’s different shimmers of color.
It’s the thin layers of feldspar caught inside the stone that cause the light to scatter, causing adularescence. While moonstone comes in several tints (yellow, pink, orange, etc.), the classiest and finest type of moonstone is practically colorless, with a thin layer of shimmery blue.

Meaning

Because of its powerful connection with the moon and its cycles, this precious birthstone has always been associated with femininity. It’s a powerful fertility symbol, but also believed to convey other traditionally feminine qualities like softness and intuition. By sporting moonstone, you’re channeling divine feminine energy, and celebrating the goddess in yourself.
Moonstone is also a gem that represents change (much like the cyclical lunar transitions) and inner clarity. People wearing moonstone might be going through a time of transition, and struggling to find their way. This potent birthstone is thought to help them see the way, and find stability in a new phase of their life.

Alexandrite

Origins

First discovered in the Ural Mountains, in Russia, this relatively modern gemstone is named for the then-heir apparent, the future Czar Alexander II. At its core, alexandrite is a very rare type of chrysoberyl, a popular mineral. The reason why alexandrite has, since its discovery, become so popular, is its unusual chemical composition, which allows it to change its colors. This allows alexandrite to shift from pale, emerald-like red (due to its chromium content) to deep ruby red.

To date, one of the rarest gemstones is thought to be cat’s eye alexandrite, which is an effect obtained through thin, appropriately-oriented inclusions into the stone, which create a cat’s eye effect.

Meaning

Because of its Imperial origins, alexandrite is thought to be a very regal, very noble birthstone. Alexandrite is associated with an increase in self-esteem, and a shift in attitude. It encourages the wearer to find joy in every situation and to nurture self-respect and inner light. In time, this allows one to navigate difficult situations, and not lose heart.

Alexandrite is also a stone of physical wellbeing. It’s associated with healthy circulation, and thought to restore balance inside the wearer’s body. To put it simply, alexandrite steers you away from negative energies (physical, mental or emotional) and orients your soul towards light and freedom.

How to wear your June birthstone

June babies are lucky, since the month’s three birthstones offer a lot of versatility. Each of the three stones can be worn independently, or you can use other gems to compliment them. Alexandrite, thanks to its green sheen, pairs remarkably with emerald, while the deep blue hues of moonstone contrast well against diamonds.
Pearls, because of their impressive range, can be accessorized with several gems, including moonstone and alexandrite, if you’re looking to channel all three of June’s birthstones.

Looking For More Information?
If you are looking for more information on birthstones or are interested in seeing them in person, give us a call at 810.229.5335, or stop by our location in Brighton, MI to see our engagement rings firsthand. For even more information, check out our Jewelry 101 blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The 4 C’s To Picking The Perfect Diamond

The 4 C’s To Picking The Perfect Diamond

Whether it’s for a necklace or an engagement ring, knowing what to look for when buying a diamond is essential. The trick to buying the perfect diamond is first understanding the 4 Cs of diamonds. The 4 Cs are the 4 most important traits of a diamond and serve as the jeweler’s cheat sheet to finding the best diamonds. So, what are the 4 Cs of diamonds, who came up with them, and what do they mean?

The 4 Cs: A Crash Course

For centuries, the jewelry industry was a patchwork of different systems and standards, with no formal education for the jewelers in the trade. This endlessly confusing system allowed for rampant fraud to take place. One of the biggest problems was the total lack of training and education for jewelers. Because of this, an ambitious and charismatic jeweler named Robert Shipley had an idea.

In the 1930s, Shipley, himself a successful jeweler out of California, came up with an idea to professionalize the jewelry industry through proper education. This idea led to his creation of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the early 1930s. To this day, the GIA is still the world’s foremost resource for all information, training, and certification for jewelers all over the world.

Shortly after establishing the GIA, Shipley set to work standardizing the diamond grading process. To him, the most important thing was to keep it simple. Shipley identified the 4 most important traits of a diamond: color, clarity, carat, and cut. By the end of the 1940s, the 4 Cs of diamonds were created and the jewelry industry was forever changed.

Color

One of the 4 Cs of diamonds is color, best seen close-up, like with this fancy color diamond; come see it in real life at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI.
When it comes to diamonds, the best color is an absence of color. Over the years, many different methods of color grading for diamonds were developed and used. So many, in fact, that many of the systems conflicted with each other. It was more and more difficult for jewelry customers to get a clear and consistent grading. That’s when the GIA and their 4 Cs of diamonds stepped in.

The GIA color grading scale goes from D-Z, and it actually rates a diamond’s colorlessness. The purest diamonds in the world have no color in them and they’re rated a D. As you go down the scale, diamonds appear more and more yellow or brown. Z-rated diamonds have a pretty distinctive yellow-brown hue to them.

You can get an excellent visual of the color grading scale right here on our site.

Fancy Color Diamonds

Not on the GIA color grading scale are what’s known as “Fancy Color Diamonds”. These are some of the rarest, most precious, and most valuable gemstones on earth. Fancy color diamonds are absolutely stunning and they come in a whole array of different colors. These natural diamonds come in vibrant hues of blue, red, green, purple, gray, black, and basically any other color you can imagine. Because fancy diamonds are so rare, they typically command a much higher price than colorless diamonds.

Clarity

One of the 4 Cs of diamonds is clarity, and these stunning stones are about as clear as can be; see the real thing at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI.
The clarity of a diamond refers to the perfection of the diamond. In order to determine the clarity of a diamond, a professional gemologist needs to inspect the stone for imperfections, like inclusions and blemishes.

An inclusion refers to an imperfection within the diamond. A blemish refers to an imperfection on the outside of the diamond. Inclusions and blemishes diminish the value of a diamond because they affect both the beauty and structure of the gem.

The GIA, in their 4 Cs of diamonds, came up with a generalized, universal grading system for clarity. The scale is broken into 6 categories and 11 total grades. The variations between these different categories may seem slight, but skilled gemologists can tell the difference.

GIA Clarity Grading Scale:

FL – Flawless: No blemishes or inclusions detected at 10x magnification.
IF – Internally Flawless: No inclusions detected at 10x magnification.
VVS1 & VVS2 – Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions only slightly detectable by skilled graders at 10x magnification.
VS1 & VS2 – Very Slightly Included: Inclusions can be detected (with some effort) at 10x magnification.
SI1 & SI2 – Slightly Included: Inclusions detected at 10x magnification.
I1, I2, & I3 – Included: Inclusions are easily detected under 10x magnification.

Carat

The carat is the easiest of the 4 Cs to explain; it refers to the weight of the diamond. Diamonds are incredibly valuable stones, and some of that value is dependent on how big the diamond is. One metric carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. To be as precise as possible, each carat is broken into 100 points. This allows the carat of a diamond to be precise down to the hundredth decimal point.

Cut

The cut is the final C of the 4 Cs of diamonds, and it's the most complex one; come learn more at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI.
Finally, there’s the cut of a diamond. This member of the 4 Cs is often hailed as the most important “C”. It’s also the most difficult to rate because of its complexities. A diamond’s cut essentially rates how beautiful a diamond is based on how it interacts with light.

When people think of “diamond cut”, they’re typically thinking of the shape of the diamond instead of the cut. The best cut diamonds seem to come to life under light. They sparkle and shine in the most beautiful ways. This is achieved by, very precisely (and artfully!), cutting and shaping the diamond’s facets to perfectly bounce light across and through the diamond.

The most seasoned and skilled diamond craftsmen and women can almost make the light dance across their diamonds. This skill requires an incredible amount of patience, precision, and creativity in order to achieve the perfect cut.

The diamond cut grading scale, from the GIA, goes from Excellent to Poor.

Find the Perfect Diamond at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI

Finding the right diamond for your piece of jewelry is easy, with a little guidance from the pros. That’s what we’re here for. The diamond experts here at F.A.O. Jewelers have years of experience finding the perfect diamonds. With a huge supply of individually sourced diamonds, we can help walk you through the 4 Cs of diamonds to ensure you get the perfect stone.

Give us a call at 810.229.5335, or stop by our location in Brighton, MI to see our engagement rings firsthand. For even more information, check out our Jewelry 101 blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The 6 Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings – That Aren’t Diamonds

The 6 Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings – That Aren’t Diamonds

When it comes to gemstones for engagement rings, diamonds are by far the most popular. There are tons of practical reasons most people choose diamonds for their engagement ring – they’re incredibly strong and stunningly beautiful – but these lovely gemstones definitely aren’t your only choice. If you’re looking for something more unique, these are the 6 best gemstones for engagement rings – that aren’t diamonds.

Ruby

Rubies are one of the best gemstones for engagement rings and one of our favorite stones here at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI.
Rubies are among the hardest known minerals, making them the perfect choice for something that will be worn every day – like an engagement ring. Besides their incredible strength, rubies are breathtakingly beautiful. The rich red hues of these stunning gemstones make them the perfect representation for love, romance, and passion.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 9

Sapphire

Another super-tough gemstone that’s perfect for an engagement ring is a sapphire. Best known for their deep, royal blue color, sapphires actually come in just about every color except red. Some sapphires even have a special property called pleochroism, where the gem changes colors based on how you look at it.

If you’re looking for something really special, check out star sapphire rings. These unique stones sport a scintillating star pattern in the center of the sapphire. The result is a truly unique and utterly beautiful piece of jewelry.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 9

Topaz

If you’re looking for a versatile gemstone with tons of beautiful colors and cuts to choose from, then let’s introduce you to Topaz. Topaz is one of the best gemstones for engagement rings because there are options and variations that suit just about everybody’s taste.

Not only does topaz come in a wide variety of colors, from blue and purple to red and orange, but they’re tough as well. Coming in at an 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, topaz is durable enough to wear everyday and beautiful enough to show off to everyone you know.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 8

Spinel

Spinel is one of the most beautiful gemstones on earth. So beautiful, in fact, they are often mistaken for rubies. The Black Prince’s Ruby, a world-famous gemstone and one of the Crown Jewels of the UK, is actually a world class spinel that was mistaken for a ruby for over 1,000 years.

With a hardness rating of 8 and the type of beauty that can fool royalty for over a millennia, Spinel is one of the best gemstones for engagement rings.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 8

Emerald

Another one of the best gemstones for engagement rings is the ever-beautiful emerald; find yours today at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI.
If you’re looking for a gemstone that’s instantly recognizable and perpetually beautiful, an emerald may be the perfect choice for your engagement stone. This verdant gem rates between 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning emeralds are strong enough to handle the everyday wear of an engagement ring.

If you have a partner who has a thing for green, then choosing an emerald for your engagement ring should be a no-brainer.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 7.5 – 8

Aquamarine

Another excellent option when it comes to alternate gemstones for engagement rings is aquamarine. This lovely stone comes in colors reminiscent of the watery world for which they’re named. This sea-colored gem is the perfect choice for someone who has an affinity for the ocean and is more than capable of holding its own in comparison to over gems.

Not only are aquamarine engagement rings beautiful and romantic, but they’re extremely tough as well. Coming in at a hardness rating of 7.5 – 8, there are only a few gems harder than aquamarine.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 7.5 – 8

Honorable Mentions – Moissanite

I think that no list of alternate gemstones for engagement rings is complete without mentioning Moissanite. With a hardness rating of 9.5, only diamonds are tougher than Moissanite, but nothing compares to the sheer brilliance of this otherworldly stone.

Moissanite might just be the rarest gem on earth, mostly because it’s actually extraterrestrial. First discovered in a meteorite in the late 1800s, Moissanite is so difficult to find in nature that it’s now exclusively made in the lab. These lab-made gems have the exact same composition, beauty, and toughness of their spacefaring siblings, but at a much more reasonable price.

Mohs Hardness Rating: 9.5

Design the Perfect Engagement Ring at F.A.O. Jewelers in Brighton, MI

When deciding on the best gemstones for your engagement ring, you don’t have to do it alone. The jewelry design experts here at F.A.O. Jewelers are here to help. With a huge supply of different high-quality gemstones, we can help you make the engagement ring of your dreams.

Give us a call at 810.229.5335, or stop by our location in Brighton, MI to see our engagement rings firsthand. For even more information, check out our Jewelry 101 blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.