24 May 2019

Engagement season has arrived!

More and more people are seeking alternatives to diamonds because of their bad reputation and high price despite their abundance. Their desire to be unique makes consumers want to opt for coloured gemstones! Here are some long-term options to create beautiful jewelry that will last over time.

You have a wavering client that cannot make a choice or is just curious to see all the options?

Did you know that you can come meet with your customers here at our office?

Sapphires and rubies

Undoubtedly the number one alternative to diamonds, corundum is one step ahead other gemstones.

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and high brilliance, it makes an excellent choice. Another one of its great assets is that it can be found in every colour and shade one can imagine.

No matter the style or taste of your customers, they will certainly find a sapphire that they love!

Spinels

It is of no surprise to find the spinel in this list as it used to be mistaken for corundum.

Although it has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, it is rather the high lustre and bright colours of the spinel that make it a remarkable alternative. Colours range from light lavender to neon pink to trendy gray.

Chrysoberyls

The chrysoberyl is the least known stone of this list, however it remains a very good option. This durable stone has a hardness of 8.50 on the Mohs scale and it displays a variety of optical phenomena such as the cat’s eye and colour changing effects. Collectors are particularly fond of this coloured stone not only for its beauty but also for its rareness.

STONES YOU MAY WANT TO AVOID

Eventhough the customer is always right, sometimes it is necessary to set him back on the right path. For a young couple an engagement ring is often seen as an investment.
They want it to last several years and possibly be passed on to their children. Some options are unwise for such a jewel to be worn every day.

Opals

Opals are relatively fragile with a hardness of 5.50 to 6.50 on the Mohs scale and low to medium toughness. Worn every day it may scratch or even break. The appearance of the opal and its colour schemes can also change over time if it is not properly kept.

Moonstones

Just like opals, moonstones have a fairly low level of hardness (6-6.50 on the Mohs scale). They also have a 'good' cleavage in two directions, which makes it easier for them to break or crack.

Emeralds

Unlike both previous stones, emeralds and other beryls have a good hardness level (7.50-8 on the Mohs scale). Inclusions that are present in the stones are rather what weaken them. Cracks and inclusions are not always visible to the naked eye as they can sometimes be hidden by oil impregnation. Since the vast majority of emeralds are oiled we may consider that inclusions are always present although we do not see them!

Peridots

The peridot has a hardness of 6.50 on the Mohs scale. Its reaction to certain acids is what causes its weakness. The shine and surface appearance of the stone can be altered when in contact with perfume, hand cream or other scented products.

Tanzanites

Like most stones on this list, the tanzanite has a hardness of 6.50 on the Mohs scale. It can therefore get scratched over time, which will give it a dull appearance.