Engagement rings - to select diamond or not
There are people who would have you believe the only gem for engagement rings is the diamond. In fact, it was only in late Victorian times that Diamonds became a commonplace stone. It was the establishment of the South African mines, which made the rare stone more accessible. Previously Diamonds were occasional found elsewhere in the world, mostly in the Indian subcontinent. With a secure supply of diamonds, the suppliers had to generate a market for their gemstones. I say gemstones because in fact most Diamonds are not of gemstone quality and find industrial uses. It was De Beers who were most inventive in their marketing, who can forget their slogan ‘A Diamond is Forever’.
Round brilliant cut centre stone
It was also De Beers who introduced the idea that the right stone for engagement rings was the Diamond and the right price was two to three months salary. Jewellers were enthusiastic in their support and so the Diamond engagement ring became the norm and remains so to this day. There are alternatives; across much of the world, plain gold bands are more usual. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone such as Opal, Emerald, Sapphires and Rubies continue to be used. Often though today if you see an engagement ring that has a gemstone other than Diamond, then it may very well be an antique ring specially bought or handed down within a family. Sometimes a couple will decide on the gemstones of an antique ring and have them reset in a more contemporary setting, there are jewellers whose make a speciality of this work.