Diamonds mean forever… but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why society chose this particular lump of carbon as the universal emblem of eternal partnership? The short answer is that a diamond is strong enough to withstand permanent wear. Symbolically speaking, the physical properties of the stone lend themselves well to proclamations of long-term love. Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on planet Earth, which is a pretty fitting symbol if you want to indicate a bulletproof bond. In fact, the diamond’s strong rigidity is created by a tightly bonded arrangement of electrons. Yes, you and your life partner are super tight and so are the atoms in the stone on your finger!
Perhaps you like to think outside the box, and you’re interested in choosing a different stone for your engagement ring. We’re major supporters of unconventional engagement rings, but there are a couple factors you should probably consider if you’re hunting for an atypical headturner.
First of all, hardness isn’t just symbolic – it’s practical. Remember: you’re going to wear this ring every day, so it should be durable. Other stones that rate high on the Mohs scale of hardness are sapphires and rubies (which are both made of the mineral corundum). Most other stones are a bit too soft for a lifetime of wear and tear. Little known fact: sapphires actually come in a virtual plethora of colors, including white, so if you’re looking for a diamond alternative it may be your best bet. If you’re not opposed to diamonds, but want to have a little fun with color, some of our faves include salt and pepper diamonds and black diamonds. While brighter colors may seem tempting, you’ll want this ring to sit well with every ensemble you wear, so neutrals are a plus.
Metal choice is also important. Gold and platinum are strong, durable metals that won’t scratch easily and will keep their polish. We love a good textured gold wedding band, it’s a bold way to express your unique style. Snakeskin or woodgrain finishes can create a really special vibe. Adding stones to your wedding band is also a good opportunity to add a little sparkle and to compliment your engagement ring.
Whatever you choose, an engagement set should be an expression of you + your partner. Take your time, have fun, and go big!
