It's an easy choice for a lot of people: diamonds or coloured precious stones? They both come from deep within the Earth, and they are all gorgeous. But which one is right for you?
There's a good reason that diamonds are the most valuable and desirable of all precious gemstones. When they're properly cut and set and come in a lovely setting, a diamond is a good long-term investment. But other gemstones can be just as attractive and useful.
Which Is Better? The Colourless Diamond Or The Coloured Gemstone? Let's Find Out!
Gemstones come in many colours. Most gems are coloured, and even diamonds usually have a very slight yellow colour. However, in almost all cases, a diamond sold as white or clear will have such a slight yellow colouration that it is undetectable under normal conditions.
Coloured precious stones are frequently heat-treated, for some this is considered normal. Heat treatment enhances the gemstone's colour; the results usually last many years and look very good. Any fading or colour change should not show for many years and will never be noticed.
Some gems that aren't particularly rare or of low quality can benefit from heat treatment so that their colours are more saturated and richer. This isn't always a simple matter. Sometimes it only makes sense for a particular colour or range of colours in a stone to undergo heat treatment. Still, other times heat treatment will have no impact on a specific stone.
Ask Questions Before You Buy Jewellery!
You may be wondering whether you should choose a coloured precious stone rather than a diamond. Before making your choice, always check with the jeweller about the gemstone's treatment and how it will affect its appearance.
If you plan to buy diamonds or any other precious stone, it is good to buy them from a jewellery store with a good reputation.
If you are unsure about the dealer, it would be advisable to go through the online reviews on sites such as Trustpilot before making the final purchase. These reviews can help you make an informed decision and get the best deal out of your investment.
0.60ct Emerald 0.50ct Diamond Five Stone Ring 18k Yellow Gold
$2,066.00
$3,791.00
The five-stone setting given here is a unique style that is sure to catch the eye. The beautiful halo effect creates an eye-catching design that is sure to command attention. Be the center of attention with this stunning piece of… read more
Durability: A Hidden Challenge When You Choose A Precious Stone
Diamond is the best choice for durability, as most gems aren't as hard as diamond and will chip, crack or get scratched if struck with greater force. This means that the softer the gem, the easier it is to damage and will chip/crack and/or wear down over time.
If you're planning on buying jewellery that has a gemstone less hard than diamond and want a piece of jewellery that you won't have to replace very often, consider purchasing a gemstone that has been cut as a cabochon. This is the way many precious stones with a hardness rating lower than seven are cut.
A cabochon is a gemstone that has been polished to a smooth finish rather than cut with polished facets.
If Not A Diamond, Then What?
The best alternative to a diamond is another precious stone. These include:
1. Sapphire.
Sapphire is the second hardest gemstone behind diamond, the hardest natural substance with a Mohs rating of 10. Sapphire's hardness is nine on the Mohs scale.
It is also called the "brilliant" stone because of its brilliant colour and fire-like appearance. Its colour varies from yellow to blue, green, and violet. Sapphire is sometimes referred to as the "king of gems" due to its use in crowns for royalty.
2. Ruby.
Ruby is a form of sapphire and has the same hardness as sapphire. Ruby is considered to be the most valuable precious stone after diamond.
The name ruby derives from the Latin word Rubrius, meaning "red." Ruby is one of the few gems that are found in its natural state. It is usually cut into cabochons or mounted in jewellery.
3. Emerald.
Emerald is the third hardest gemstone, its hardness is 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
The emerald gemstone is often thought of as a beautiful green stone perfect for engagement rings and wedding bands. It's also a popular gemstone for necklaces and earrings.
The Look Of A Diamond - But On A Budget
Suppose you are sure that you really want a colourless precious stone and almost as hard wearing as a diamond? In that case, you might choose a white sapphire. White sapphire is a colourless natural gemstone that, when cut and faceted, is almost indistinguishable from diamond while being less expensive.
Blue Sapphire 0.50ct & 0.30ct G/SI Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold
$914.00
$1,544.00
The combination of sparkling blue sapphire and white diamonds is an eye-catching and unique fashion statement. This necklace is perfectly balanced, and the diamonds will never overpower the sapphire. The pendant features 0.50CT of bright blue sapphires nestled within a collection… read more
Deciding Between Durability and Colour
Diamonds are the hardest gemstone; thus, they are considered to be the best for long-lasting jewellery. If you can afford them, you can even buy naturally coloured diamonds in a wide range of colours.
When buying jewellery, it's essential to consider how much you're going to wear the item. Suppose you will only wear the jewellery for special occasions. In that case, you can safely choose a coloured gemstone such as sapphire, emerald or ruby. If you will wear it every day, choose a diamond. If you really want a coloured gemstone, go with the harder wearing ruby or sapphire.
A last thought on the choice of gemstone and durability: if you are considering buying earrings or a necklace, then you can safely choose a softer precious stone. These items are much less subject to the knocks and impacts that can cause damage. Bracelets and rings are much more likely to be knocked and damaged in everyday use because they are on or close to the hands.
At All Diamond, you can buy fine jewellery with sapphires, rubies and emeralds as well as, of course, diamonds. We also have jewellery made with other semi-precious stones. We want you to be able to have the look and style that you desire – after all, fine jewellery is precious in both money and emotional terms!
Vintage 2.60ct Ruby & 0.90ct Diamond Drop Necklace White Gold
$3,126.00
$5,881.00
A beautiful and elegant necklace that is sure to become a favorite. The delicate necklace features a sparkling center piece surrounded by a series of diamonds. The intricate craftsmanship and refined design make this a one-of-a-kind and rare piece. This… read more
