Category: Diamond

What makes an engagement ring suitable for sports?

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Sporty engagement rings best describes a style of engagement ring less prone to damage during wear. But, first and foremost, we recommend the removal of jewellery—especially rings, during physical exercise.

Throughout our extensive ring collection, some of our designs make more suitable engagement rings for active wearers. As part of our service, we recommend suitable designs for buyers based on their lifestyle and occupation.

Unsuitable engagement rings for sports

As we make recommendations for suitable ring styles, we also advise against certain designs for the same reason. For example, ring styles with delicate, fine detail. Also, minimalist diamond settings with less support to hold the diamond. Whilst many such designs provide appealing looks, they remain high-risk during physical activity.

In addition, we recommend against narrow bands with very slim widths. Engagement rings with thin bands stand more chance of bending out of shape. For example, when gripping exercise equipment. For this reason, a wider band makes far more sense. As a result, most of our engagement rings measure at least 2.5mm in width.

Diamond settings suited to sports

Some engagement ring settings surround the diamond. Sometimes the setting holds the diamond within a full bezel of precious metal.

At other times, several claws provide even coverage and secure the diamond evenly. In contrast, two, three or four claws offer less stability and protection. As a result, an impact may displace the diamond without the knowledge of the wearer. For this reason, we strongly urge our clients to take out adequate jewellery insurance for their rings.

We recommend a balance between looks and practicality. For example, six-claw settings rarely reduce the beauty of a ring design. Nor, do they take away from the beauty of the diamond within.

In contrast to claw settings, we often recommend bezel settings for another reason. A polished bezel around a diamond seldom catches on clothing. But, claws frequently snag on clothing especially when damaged, or lifted from the diamond.

Lower profile sporty engagement ring designs

In addition to the design of the diamond setting, a lower height reduces the risk of knocking or bumping the setting. For this reason, a low-profile engagement ring makes perfect sense for anyone with an active lifestyle.

Large diamonds often require a minimum depth for the engagement ring setting. For this reason, a smaller stone makes a more suitable choice for a shallow ring design.

Diamond shape and durability

Consider a diamond shape less prone to damage. Despite the hardness and durability of diamonds, pointed shapes damage more easily. An impact to the point of a Pear-shape or Marquise diamond can break the tip. In contrast, round brilliant-cut diamonds remain the most popular for good reason. Oval brilliant cuts provide an elongated version of the modern round brilliant cut.

Durability and precious metal choice

Your choice of precious metal affects durability. 9-carat white gold, yellow gold or rose gold remain far less durable than 18-carat gold choices. Furthermore, Platinum makes greater sense too. At the same time, Platinum never requires Rhodium re-plating owing to the natural colour of the metal. In addition, the added density of this metal provides a perfect choice for diamond settings. For this reason, Platinum restores to as-new condition, even when scratched or dented.

Gemstone durability

Consider your choice of gemstone carefully for a sporty engagement ring chosen for an active lifestyle. Some gemstones provide hardness. Put simply, they withstand wear and tear far better than other choices.

The following table provides a quick reference to durable and non-durable gemstones for this reason. In fact, for anyone concerned about durability, choose your gemstone from the first column. For example, diamond and ruby, along with sapphire and moissanite, make good choices.

Each gemstone below appears with its hardness noted, according to the Mohs scale of hardness.

Where to put your engagement ring during sports?

If you remove your engagement ring during sports, leave it in a safe place at home. Or, if you remove the ring at the gym, lock it safely away and check to make sure your insurance covers your ring away from the home. Some gym-goers hang their ring on a chain around their neck to avoid damage while gripping dumbells and barbells.

The post Sporty Engagement Rings for an Active Lifestyle appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

A comparison between Ruby vs Diamonds reveals a wide range of differences worthy of attention. For many buyers, both gems provide alternative choices. At the same time, both gemstones appeal to specific buyers—often for specific reasons. For example, diamonds represent the most popular choice for engagement rings by convention. In contrast, rubies make less popular engagement ring gemstones. Instead, they serve significant milestone life events.

A comparison of colour

The most obvious difference between both gemstones comes from their colour. Buyers value rubies for their incredible red colour. This typically varies between a deep red colour and pinkish red. Conversely, we prize most diamonds for their lack of colour. However, contradictions arise when we consider naturally coloured diamonds. In fact, red diamonds stand apart as one of the rarest gemstones in the World.

Ruby vs. diamond: composition

Despite certain similarities, both diamonds and rubies differ in their chemical composition. As many people appreciate, diamonds form from a crystalline form of Carbon, under extremes of high temperature and pressure. By comparison, a ruby’s chemical composition derives from Corundum—a form of Aluminium Oxide.

Special occasions for each gemstone

Both rubies and diamonds serve specific occasions. For example, Ruby represents a 40th wedding anniversary. As such a bespoke ruby ring makes a very special gift for 40 years of marriage. In addition, the ruby represents the birthstone for July.

By comparison, a diamond serves as the birthstone for April. At the same time, a diamond wedding anniversary marks an incredible 60 years of marriage.

Availability and demand

As previously noted, owing to traditional convention, a diamond serves as the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. By comparison, very few couples choose a ruby engagement ring unless the gemstone provides significance. For this reason, the demand for diamonds exceeds the demand for rubies.

Hardness and durability

Both types of gemstones have a similar hardness. However, diamond has a slightly greater hardness at 10 and the Mohs scale. By comparison, rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Simply put, both gemstone types suit all jewellery types—especially rings—able to withstand daily wear and tear. Most importantly, their hardness ensures the same as-new lustre and sparkle remain in place.

Versatility and colour matching with clothes

Diamond jewellery is extremely versatile. Put simply, the whiteness of a diamond seldom clashes with any colour of clothing. For example, some suggest red and purple rarely work together. But, a white diamond set into Platinum, works with any wardrobe combination. For this reason, Rubies should be considered alongside clothing colours.

Lustre

Lustre refers to the way light interacts with the surface of the gemstone. Different gemstones have varying lustres. For example, we describe the lustre of diamonds as adamantine. This highly reflective lustre of diamonds provides the incredible sparkle associated with this gem.

By comparison, a ruby’s lustre falls between vitreous and subadamantine. Many experts compare a vitreous lustre to the surface of glass. Subadamantine falls somewhere in between. In essence, subadamantine provides a subdued adamantine lustre.

To contrast the colour and lustre of both diamonds and rubies, we suggest a combination of both gemstones as seen in some of our ring commissions. For example two examples below alternate both gemstones.

The difference in cost between rubies and diamonds

From experience, a fine ruby is more expensive than a high-quality diamond. Especially, when you consider examples with the finest colour available for their gemstone type.

We take many factors into consideration when determining value. For example, size. Whereas many large examples of diamonds occur, the rarity of large rubies adds a much higher price compared to diamonds.

At the same time, treatments to enhance colour often influence value. Most coloured gemstones undergo some form of treatment to enhance their colour. However, the treatment of diamonds in a similar way reduces value considerably. Put simply, treatments to improve colour and clarity in diamonds are less desirable than in gemstones.

A summary of comparison

For ease of use, use our table below as a quick reference to compare the different qualities of ruby vs diamond. Other differences exist but the following information provides a clear comparison of the main differences between each gemstone.

Get expert help when choosing the perfect ruby (or diamond)

As part of our service, we source most gemstones—not just diamonds. Most importantly, our clients benefit from our careful selection of gemstones for specific designs.

In addition, we provide high-resolution photographs of gems for clients who are unable to visit and inspect gemstones in person. Contact our showroom at any time for help and guidance. We tailor every commission individually to meet requirements for all budgets. Most importantly, we only work with gemstones from ethical sources as part of our responsible sourcing.

The post Ruby vs Diamond: A Buyer’s Comparison of Rubies and Diamonds appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.