The Cuttings Blog

Whether you are considering the different options for an engagement ring, or looking to purchase a new piece of jewellery for another occasion, it is important to take your time when selecting the stone for your new piece. For some people, a diamond is not the obvious choice and so, with this quick guide, we can introduce you to some different options.

An important factor to take into consideration is how often the ring will be worn; if it is an item that is going to be worn constantly then it would be wise to avoid stones which are more delicate. On the other hand, if the ring is only going to be worn on special occasions, then this is a great opportunity to incorporate a new stone into your jewellery collection.

The stone which is closest in appearance to diamond is Moissanite; it is the perfect choice if you are looking for a something hard-wearing as it is 9.25 on the Mohn’s Hardness Scale, as opposed to diamond which is 10. Be careful to purchase moissanite off a trusted jeweller, and not online, as other diamond simulants are only 7.5 and decrease in quality after a year. If you do find high-quality moissanite, it can be very impressive and have a higher reflective index than diamond, and also greater depression.

The joint-third hardest stone, after diamond and moissanite, is Sapphire. Sapphire comes in a range of colours including green, violet and pink, but the primary hue is blue, making it the most precious and valuable gemstone in this colour. White topaz is also available, which is an elegant choice. Sapphire is popular with our customers for September birthdays.

Rubies are striking blood-red gemstones, often found in the same geographical environment as sapphire and are equally as strong. They are available either heat-treated for a clear finish and deep colour or, for a more traditional look, they are also admired for their imperfections. They are also suitable for engagement rings.

If you are looking for a more delicate stone, suitable for occasion-wear, Pearls are the obvious choice; they are elegant, iconic and timeless, but unsuitable for wearing daily as they are only 3-4 on the hardness scale, which means they can be scratched with a copper coin. Perhaps if you are approaching your 30th wedding anniversary, a pearl ring or necklace would be the perfect choice.

Other gemstones to consider include Emerald, a precious stone renowned for its rich green tone, or the more fragile Opal – a crystal which reflects every colour of the rainbow.

Here at Cuttings, we have the knowledge and expertise to work with you to either find or create the perfect piece of jewellery for any occasion. Don’t rush the decision, pop into either of our stores today and one of our experienced advisors will guide you and make sure you choose the right gemstone.