Alternative e-rings

[DeepThought]

Hi all, I'm new here. I am looking into engagement rings for my girlfriend, but I'm ethically opposed to the diamond industry and want to explore alternative gemstones. I know sapphire is a common alternative, but I recently came across Jeremejevite, and find them to be absolutely stunning. And the fact that they are considered very rare is also very cool. A concern I have is about the hardness of this stone and other gemstones for daily wear in a ring. Is a hardness of 7 really that fragile?

 

[chrono]

Other things to consider isn't only the MOH hardness but durability, cleavage, and brittleness. Depending on the colour and size, it could take you years to find a decently cut nice looking jeremejevite.

Cut and paste from here:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/[/URL]

Mohs 9 - Ruby and Sapphire: generally considered the most durable of the colored gems. If untreated in any way, will hold up very well in most all situations. Even those subjected to 'high-heat-only' still do very well. Example: my wife's 2ct oval Sapphire engagement ring was worn daily for 15 years before needing a very minor tune-up. Exception: Ruby that has been filled with substances such as glass have a much lower resistance to damage such as abrasion from wear. Ruby, under high-heat-only with flux present, will also handle wear well.

Mohs 8-1/2 - Chrysoberyl including Alexandrite: in my experience Chrysoberyl holds up very well against wear. It does not exhibit severe brittleness seen in other gems - and would be a great stone for regular wear as a ring stone.

Mohs 8 - Spinel: is generally considered a gem that wears well. It is resistant to damage and not just damage from abrasion.

Mohs 8 - Topaz: can be worn in rings, but some caution should be exhibited. This is especially true with Topaz colored blue because it has been irradiated [and then subsequently heated]. This process has weakened the stone in some way that it does not hold up as well as Precious Topaz - which may, or may not have been treated at all.

Mohs 7-1/2-8 - the Beryl family including Aquamarine, Heliodore (golden Beryl), Morganite, Goshenite wear fairly well and unless totally exposed from the metal, can be worn in rings though may not be suitable for 'everyday wear'. The heating of any of the Beryl's is done at a low temperature and it is not a factor regarding their durability. Beryl's do have an element of brittleness though not as severe as some other gems.

Mohs 7-1/2-8 - Emerald (of the Beryl family) is not well suited for everyday wear. A totally clean Emerald will hold up as well as an Aquamarine. But, finding an Emerald with that level of clarity is extremely rare. Roughly 99% of all Emeralds have been treated with a filler of some type to (usually) improve their clarity. The filler is likely to not hold up well over time. *Emerald's that have been treated should not be placed into an Ultrasonic cleaner, nor placed under a steam cleaner as this may affect the clarity enhancement substance. **Caveat: Emerald's treated with a specialized process known as "Excell" in the trade are known to have a higher level of durability over those treated with other methods.

Mohs 7-1/2 - Andalusite has reasonable wearability though it does have a slight brittleness. Facet junctions are likely to show wear after only a few years regular wear. Distinct cleavage is present in Andalusite though I have yet to see the affects of it.

Mohs 7-1/2 - Iolite in my experience holds up fairly well for hardness 7-1/2. It does, however, have distinct cleavage and a sharp blow in one or more specific directions may cause it to separate into more than one piece. Though, when I have tried to do this in the rough, I have not been successful.

Mohs 7-7-1/2 - The Garnet group is generally thought of as reasonably durable. Facet junctions will show wear within the first few years of being worn. And, the facet junctions may not chip as much as 'crumble' for lack of a better way to describe this. Of the Garnets, the Andradite/Demantoid type is the least durable, and we have found the Pyrope/Almandine/Spessartite group seem to wear slightly better.

Mohs 7-7-1/2 - The Tourmaline group is suitable for rings, though not for everyday wear especially if the top of the stone is exposed. Tourmaline can be brittle, does not hold up well where temperature changes are radical. They are known to 'chippy' as can be seen along facet junctions that are exposed.

Mohs 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 - Zircon is often thought of as brittle. Zircons heated to high temperatures (over 1,000*C) to convert them to blue are definitely more brittle and show the effects of wear easily. Blue Zircon worn high on a mounting will need refurbishing regularly. Unheated Zircons and those subjected to much lower temperatures (of various colors) are less prone to show wear - and appear less brittle. There is no known dilemma with faceting or polishing Zircon for the experienced lapidary. There is, however, a known direction to its hardness which could create difficulty for some.

Mohs 7 - The Quartz family is well known due to being available and popular. Its wear pattern is predictable. Facet junctions (even when faceting) can be 'chippy'. Chipping along the crown facets is common, and abrasions from wear are as well.

*as a general rule, at least from me, I don't suggest wearing hardness less than 7 on a regular basis as the wear will become evident well before you expect it. I do suggest moving this type of gemstone into mountings offering great protection or off the fingers or wrist.

Mohs 6-1/2 to 7 - Kunzite is not a durable gemstone. It is brittle, does not resist scratching well, does not repair easily, and has perfect cleavage in two directions. In addition to all that, it has the unfortunate problem of being light sensitive - reducing its depth of color with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. I have repaired my fair share of Kunzite's and I don't relish the fact that they show up waiting for my handy work. But since they don't wear well over time, they will all eventually need reconditioning.

Mohs 6-1/2 to 7 - Peridot does not share the fate of Kunzite, though its wear pattern is predictable. Abrasions are readily seen on exposed gems that are frequently worn - and fortunately, a refurbishing is not usually problematic.

Mohs 6-1/2 to 7 - Tanzanite is very popular and goldsmiths have taken to mounting them in lavish and risky ways. Exposed surfaces will show wear in a relatively short time and the perfect cleavage can be a problem. Tanzanite is also heat sensitive - even though it is well known to have been heated to acquire the beautiful blue to purple hues. It is the shock of rapid temperature change that may cause damage. This is not a common situation with consumers as this is more likely to take placec in the creation or repair to a mounting.

Mohs lower than 6-1/2 - Apatite, Opal, Orthoclase/Sunstone, Scapolite, Sphene and Sphalerite and other low hardness gems all need special care to be worn in rings. It is generally accepted that these gems are best suited for pendants, pins, brooches or earrings.

 

[DeepThought]

Thanks so much, that was extremely helpful!

 

[Niel]

How fun! Ive never heard of that gem, and of course chrono has given you an exhaustive list, but usually they say on here stick with spinel, sapphires, rubies, or chrysoberyl for a e ring.

Whats your budget? what colors will she like? what kind of setting/ style?

 

[DeepThought]

Do you know of any reputable suppliers for alexanderite rings?

 

[Niel]

Alexandrite is very expensive. I believe good quality is higher than diamond per ctw.

multicolour.com is a good place to buy alexandrite...

now alexandrite that doesnt color change is chrysoberyl. THAT is very reasonably priced. Usually untreated, so tahts a plus especially if you like things to be natural.

i dont know what your budget is but as i think this would make a lovely ring for anyone imma share it (feel free to ignore!)

http://www.torraca.net/projects/chry860/
precision cut, itll be full of sparkle as chrysoberyl is a very sparkly gem

it would fit in this setting
http://loupetroop.com/listings/settings/sn-queen-setting-star-reduced-star

and being that its second hand, even though it has diamonds in it, would be the most ethical way to get a setting, as you arent using any material to create it, just recycling


BUT i dont want to influence you, i just love that combo. Feel free to ignore...

 

[chrono]

I second the suggestion for Multicolour if shopping for alexandrites but caution that it is several thousand/ct for a nice looking one.

 

[DeepThought]

I'm doing pretty well for myself, so I'd say I would consider pretty much any price. As long as it's not above, say, 25,000. She is a big diamond fan, but I am opposed to them. I really want to be able to "wow" her with a different type of stone.

 

[DeepThought]

As for colors, I don't think she will want anything too bright. It's okay if there is a bit of color, but I think the key is clarity.

 

[Niel]

Does she know she isn't getting a diamond. You saying she's "really into diamonds " troubles me.

 

[DeepThought]

Okay, she just sees it as the norm more than anything else and doesn't have a desire to deviate from it. I don't think she would necessarily be disappointed if she didn't receive a diamond. I think she would be disappointed if the stone doesn't have the nice clarity and wow factor that diamonds often have.

 

[Niel]

there are few i would strongly recommend you consider.

Tell her point blank she will not be getting a diamond engagement ring. Make sure she is ok with it.

Second, if she is not, look into buying a diamond second hand. I do understand your reservation about buying a diamond, but if you buy a preowned one, you are not contributing to the current industry nor contribute to any current mining or distribution.

If she IS ok with it, definitely get an idea of what color she likes.

 

[MollyMalone]

* * * She is a big diamond fan, but I am opposed to them. I really want to be able to "wow" her with a different type of stone.

I much prefer colored gems over diamonds. That said, this is a gift for your future wife -- and one, I trust, she will be wearing 24/7. So like Niel, I'm concerned by your dismissal of her wishes & agree that you shouldn't ambush her with a non-diamond ring; everyone likes to feel "heard" by their SO. And were you to discuss the topic with her, you could proceed with greater confidence than "I don't think she would necessarily be disappointed", a low benchmark

I don't know the basis for your "I'm ethically opposed to the diamond industry", but it may be based on misinformation, e.g., see discussion in this recent thread:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/why-buy-a-diamond.200234/

Would you consider a Canadian diamond?

 

[Upgradable]

Okay, she just sees it as the norm more than anything else and doesn't have a desire to deviate from it. I don't think she would necessarily be disappointed if she didn't receive a diamond. I think she would be disappointed if the stone doesn't have the nice clarity and wow factor that diamonds often have.

There are documented Conflict Free diamonds. Check out Canadian Diamonds. I understand they are a bit more expensive, but that is due to the fair practices used in mining.

ETA: MollyMalone and I were posting at the same time. Great minds, right?

 

[JewelFreak]

I agree completely with the 3 posts above. An engagement ring is a very special thing to a woman & something you need to listen to her about. It will be her ring & a symbol of your commitment & caring, after all. Canadian diamonds are a super idea, too, to relieve your reservations.

 

[rockhoundofficiando]

Allstones, mined, synthetic, created, imitations, have environmental/human ramifications as do the settings metals.

Alexandrite is a lovely stone and very unique, I second what others in this thread have said about making sure your fiance is on board with not having a diamond.

 

[FrekeChild]

Canadian diamonds are not the only option though. You could also look into man-made diamonds (in which case, you'd need to visit a different forum) as well as antique diamonds. Diamonds were not nearly as popular before the 1950s, when DeBeers really started their marketing campaigns, so Old European Cut, Old Mine Cut and diamonds that were cut in the 1800s-1920s are likely not what is known now as blood diamonds - that really came into in the 1990s.

Antique diamonds:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/beauty.php

Smallest of them:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...opean-cut-diamond-egl-j-vs1.html#.U09dcPldWa8

This is a beauty:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...iant-cut-diamond-gia-k-vvs2.html#.U09bc_ldWa8

This is lower in color, so will likely look a more off white, but it's 3.22cts and within budget!
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...pean-cut-diamond-gia-n-vvs2.html#.U09dI_ldWa8

Man made:

Largest they currently have is 1.21cts
http://d.neadiamonds.com/

Gemesis has a 1.34cts:
http://gemesis.com/diamonds/single/?base_color=421

Canadian:
http://www.canadia.com/

Some modern cut diamonds were actually cut from antique diamonds, so they aren't blood diamonds either, however, there is no way to tell which ones they are.

So, I'd say that if she's truly a diamond girl, you should probably stick with that, or start a dialogue with her about what she expects from an engagement ring. But if she really wants a diamond, then you have options! So don't worry!

 

[chrono]

Allstones, mined, synthetic, created, imitations, have environmental/human ramifications as do the settings metals.

Alexandrite is a lovely stone and very unique, I second what others in this thread have said about making sure your fiance is on board with not having a diamond.

+1. A coloured stone and diamond are so different from each other in sparkle, behaviour and more. If I had my heart set on a diamond, I would be disappointed to receive a coloured stone, no matter how fantastic the quality is. The same goes for coloured stones. I am a coloured stoner, through and through, and would be disappointed to receive a diamond, no matter how well cut and sparkly it is. Please make sure your fiance is going to love a coloured stone e-ring. If not, there are many other diamond alternatives. Also know that if the environment and humane treatment of miners are your concern, there is always Canadian and 2nd hand diamonds, as others have mentioned. Even the mining of gold and platinum is very harsh to the environment and miners.