Kim G

Many a frustrated male has wondered into a jewelry store asking himself this
question: “why does a diamond say ‘I love you’ and a toaster doesn’t?” In order to
understand our current fascination with jewelry, we must first take a look into the past.

Early jewelry was most commonly thought to serve practical purposes such as to
pin clothes together, but a recent find has broadened our ideas on the subject. Thought to
be the oldest form of body adornment is a 100,000 year-old string of Nassasrius shells
that had been made into beads. Common early materials used to fashion jewelry were
carved stone, animal teeth, wood, and shells. Throughout history jewelry was primarily
worn by the wealthy or revered as a sign of status and many were buried with their
jewelry.

It is thought that gold was discovered as recently as 5,000 years ago and at that
time it may have been associated with the sun due to its attractive properties and
similarities in light reflection, symbolizing warmth. Seen as a gift from a sun god, gold
was used to craft religious objects and used in early religious ceremonies. In fact, gold is
the first atomic element to be mentioned in the Bible. A soft metal, gold was easily
fashioned into adornments, a trend which continues today.

The Pharaohs in Egypt can be credited with forming metals into a circle
symbolizing eternity, and hence symbolizing unending love, but it wasn’t until Roman
times that wedding rings became common to wear as a public declaration of marriage and
commitment. From there, jewelry adornment took on many forms due to both fashion
and function.

During the 15th-17th centuries, jewelry began establishing itself as one of the most
important elements of fashionable clothing. Wearers of fine jewels were either royalty or
the wealthy and as time went on, gifts of jewelry were given among the lesser class as a
means to express devotion and to promise to provide for them. Specifically diamonds
began to increase in popularity in the 18th century when prong setting of stones was
introduced thereby increasing the brilliancy of the stone. Diamonds themselves are the
most unyielding element in nature and it would suit to follow this line of thought with
giving the gem as a symbol of unyielding love.

When it comes right down to it, why do we buy jewelry? The motivation behind
a gift is as limitless as the possibilities you are given once you enter a jewelry store.
What are you trying to convey? Love? Flirtation? Devotion? How will your feelings be
received? Impetuous and fleeting? Or that of a complex, ornate, unique web? The gifts
you give out of love reflect the love itself. Each setting is different and each gem is
different, combined in a specific way to characterize your feelings for the bearer of your
gift.

Motivation behind giving jewelry as gifts used to vary from wishing to warrant
protection for the wearer to being an offering for the respected. It was a comparison of
beauty, a symbol of unbreakable bonds. After all these years, after all the changes in
trends, classes, social status and government, the gift of jewelry boils down to this: you
are giving a physical token of a feeling you cannot put into words. That affirmation of
love, devotion, adoration is what the bearer is seeking, and is so happy to receive. In the
biggest sense of the cliché, it is the thought that counts. So when you are faced with case
after case of gems, each different in their size, shape, brilliance and setting, think of how
you feel about the bearer of your gift, and you’ll know just what to choose.

Kim G

While diamond wedding rings tend to take stage in the United States and across the world, there are a few notable exceptions both in style and symbolism.

The first appearance of wedding rings has an arguable start. Some claim the Egyptians began giving wedding rings; another claim states that wedding rings were not common until the 11th century. Whatever the time frame, wedding rings have become a symbol of commitment to marriage throughout many cultures.

Although a plain gold band continues to be the most popular type of wedding ring throughout the world, there are a few variations. In France and many French speaking countries, it is common for the wedding ring to consist of three interwoven rings symbolizing love, hope, and faith. These rings are commonly made of three different colors of gold; yellow, white, and rose gold. In Greece and Italy, it is common for men to receive a type of puzzle ring made of gold to wear as a wedding band. The idea here is that they must prove their commitment by solving the puzzle and prove their faithfulness by wearing the ring constantly so as not to dislodge the puzzle.

The world over, women’s wedding rings most commonly contain diamonds as a sign of indestructible love, however other gem stones have also had a stay. In medieval Europe, the ruby was commonly used because they were red, like a heart. Sapphires were also used to symbolize the heavens, from which love came. Posey rings became popular in France in the 17th century.

These rings were inscribed with poems and love verses either inside or outside to declare adoration. Engraved wedding bands remain a very popular choice today. Wedding rings containing aquamarine represent marital harmony, where as pearl engagement rings were considered bad luck because the shape of the pearl was similar to that of a tear. In Victorian England, snake rings complete with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands because the coil winding around the finger symbolized eternity.

In renaissance Italy, silver betrothal rings became popular. These were highly ornate rings that were usually engraved and filled with black enamel so the pattern would contrast with the metal. Later, when gold became the popular metal of choice, the Italian silver betrothal ring was given first to be followed by a duplicate ring made of gold given at the wedding itself. This is most likely how the idea of separate engagement and wedding rings came into play, a tradition that continues today.

Tradition states that wedding rings are to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand (including the thumb) because it was thought that that particular finger contained a vein which leads directly to the heart. This is not traditional throughout the world however, as is the case in Norway and Russia where the wedding ring is to be worn on the same finger of the right hand. Wearing two rings, the engagement ring and the wedding ring, on the ring finger has become the norm in North America. The engagement ring in this case usually holds the diamond which is given as a symbol of love and a promise from the man to the woman to take care of her. In Sweden, the bride wears three rings after her wedding; an engagement ring, a wedding ring, and a ring for motherhood, a promise to bring forth a family.

Most Christian weddings include an exchange of rings with the exception of the Quakers who may or may not exchange rings during or after the ceremonial Meeting. Quakers do not consider the traditions of wedding rings to be as much of a necessity as do other denominations. Early on, the Protestant Puritans claimed that wedding rings were a pagan ritual and were not to be used. Further, they were enraged with the Catholic claim that Mary and Joseph wore wedding rings made from onyx or amethyst.

Most religions throughout the world now consider the exchange of wedding rings to be a powerful and romantic symbol in a marriage ceremony. As a matter of fact, Irish folklore indicates that it is bad luck to be wed without a gold ring, even to the extent of considering the marriage illegal without one. Whatever the stone or metal choice, the exchange of wedding rings symbolizes the same ideal the world over; unending love and commitment.

Kim G

So, you are ready to propose - Congratulations! You have moved to an important phase, buying a diamond engagement ring! This is one of the most important jewelry purchases you will ever have to make, symbolizing your promise to love her forever. Cheers to a long and successful marriage!

Since this is what she has been dreaming about since she was a little girl (no pressure), we have compiled a list of what to look for when looking for THE ideal ring.

First, create a budget. It is a common belief that your ring should cost about two months salary, so this might be where you should start.

Next, figure out the shape of the diamond. There are round, princess-cut diamonds, emerald, marquise, pear, and oval diamonds. The most popular diamond shapes are round and princess due to their high brilliance.

Then, you have to find out the type of metal and ring setting. The most popular choices are 18k or 14k gold in either yellow gold or white gold, and platinum jewelry settings. You can find out which metal for will suit her most by paying attention to what she has in her jewelry box. If your girlfriend wears mostly 14k yellow gold, she’d be pleased with a 14k yellow gold engagement ring. Or, if she likes white gold, you can step up and buy her a platinum engagement ring! If her jewelry box is loaded with antique jewelry, then get her an antique diamond engagement ring.

The ring setting is how the precious stones are held in place. There are a few different types available, such as bezel, prong, chevron, and invisible. Look at the different ring types. If she is an active person, a bezel ring setting would be good because the diamond would be protected. Compare and see the different ring settings and and find rings you think she would like.

Next, the most important part of the process begins- choosing the diamond. Go back to your budget and remember it. This is where you can save or lose the most money.

When choosing loose diamonds or a diamond ring, there are four things to remember, the Four C’s- Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

Carat measures the size of diamonds. Carat prices rise exponentially; a one-carat diamond ring is worth much more than a ring set with two or three diamonds that totals one carat. A good start is a one-carat stone. When choosing the diamond size for your ring, think about your budget and the look of the diamond you are going for.

Clarity is basically, the clear-ness of the diamond. The more clear a diamond, the more rare and expensive the ring will be. A good clarity to start at is SI2. SI2 means the stone is slightly included. There are inclusions that can be seen with a 10x magnification or very minor inclusions seen with the naked eye. However, how many people do you see walking around with magnifying glasses? An SI2 is a good value because you can’t really tell the difference between a VS2 to a SI2 with the naked eye.

The most important thing about the color of white diamonds is to have none. The most rare white diamonds used in engagement rings are those that are free of any color. Look for diamonds with a G-H grade because they are near colorless, and you’ll get the best value.

Cut is the thing that makes or breaks diamonds. According to the AGSL guidelines, a diamond with a 0 to 4 grading will have a good cut. If the diamond is cut wrong and is too shallow or deep, light will be lost and it will look too dark. You want to find the most brilliant diamond for your engagement ring that you can get for your budget.

If you are having trouble looking for a diamond engagement ring, recruit some help. Ask her best friend (one who could keep a secret) to help you find out what engagement ring she’d like. Her best friend will most likely have insights on the shape, ring setting and carat size of her ideal engagement ring.

Also, educate yourself. Compare prices by comparing the price per carat of the diamonds. Go to many stores and ask around. Do not buy the first ring you see, but compare and see the many choices and prices. Try to get the best value for you money while getting her something that will melt her heart.

Again, congratulations and good luck with your marriage! May all your dreams come true.

Kim G

Pigeon blood. Not exactly the words that conjure up thoughts of overwhelming love and affection, especially when giving a gift to your beloved, but it should. Why? Because true pigeon blood, red-blue, is the ideal color of the most popular gemstone symbolizing love; the ruby.
The birthstone of July, the ruby is most often given during Valentines Day because the simple red color historically denotes love, passion, and joy. Looking through jewelry stores or on-line sites, the selection and setting possibilities are endless. Rubies rank a 9 on the Mohs Scale, second only to diamonds, and are considered a precious gem. In fact, the best quality rubies are actually rarer than diamonds, and can be found set in all kinds of precious metals; from silver to gold and platinum. When choosing rubies as a gift of love, consider giving a pendant in your metal of choice so that the fiery stone that can be worn close to the heart.
Within the rubies themselves are many different tones, shades, variations and qualities. The first thing a shopper will notice is the color. If what you see before you is a pink, cloudy looking stone, walk away. The highest quality natural rubies will be a true red, or a red that will have a slight black, blue, or purple undertone; hence the name ‘pigeon blood’. These different color undertones will help identify where the gem was mined, and all are of good value. If, however, the gem you are looking at is light and almost pink in color, or at the opposite end of the spectrum, if the gem is almost pure black, then that is not the ruby for you. Something to keep in mind before you shop; a natural, small, high-quality ruby will more expensive than a large, poor-quality ruby.
It is perfectly acceptable to ask the jeweler to show you the gem under a microscope, just as you would when purchasing diamonds. Here is the main difference between scoping diamonds and scoping rubies; rubies are expected to have a fair number of natural inclusions. If the gem you are scoping does not, either the gem is completely false and you should walk away, or the gem is a lab-created stone.
Lab-created gems are gemstones formed in perfect conditions in laboratories. They are spot-on for color and quality and are considerably cheaper than natural gems making them ideal for price conscious shoppers, but there is one flaw; they are too perfect. Not having any natural inclusions within the gem is a dead give-away that the gem was created under perfect conditions rather than mined from nature. That isn’t to say that lab-created gems don’t have their place in the jewelry market; quite the opposite is true. Lab-created gems are perfect for those who wish to give a large ruby of good color at a lower price. Just keep in mind that the seasoned jewelry owner will not be fooled by the gem’s appearance.
Why give a natural gem that is flawed when you can give a lab-created gem that is not? Natural beauty in gems is not to be misplaced. Flaws are to be embraced as part of the hallmark of where the gem has been on its way to find you. When deciding upon lab-created or natural gems, keep in mind the wearer. Giving a natural ruby to the person who has been with you through rough times, and knows your flaws as well as you know theirs, is symbolic of how deeply you love. When a love is so pure, the flaws do not distract from it; they enhance it.

Kim G

Working at a jewelry store years ago I assisted a customer in picking out a lovely emerald ring. Standing beside her was her fiancé when she spotted the perfect deep-toned emerald-cut emerald, accented on the sides by channel set diamonds. “This is it!” she cried. “This is my wedding ring!” Admittedly, I was slightly confused until her fiancé agreed. “You’re right,” he said, “those diamond rings just weren’t ‘you’.” They went on to explain that their life was full of adventure, with a deep appreciation of the outdoors, and couldn’t think of a better way to remind them of their shared interests than wedding rings that would remind them of nature. What else could they choose but a brilliant green emerald?
In the past few years, America taken a cue from other cultures and has witnessed the growing trend in bridal fashions that include either omitting diamonds entirely or accenting the diamond center stone with various colored gems. Gone are the days of monotone bridal sets. In this day and age, couples rings are made from various colored metals; no longer all gold. Many times couples are opting for rings that don’t match each other, instead finding rings that suit them as individuals. Couples have gone beyond choosing various colored metals for their rings and are now choosing various colored gemstones as well. But how can you choose the right colored gem for your fiancé?
The obvious choice would be to choose her favorite color or her birth month as an accent stone. But looking deeper, you might want to consider using the stone from the month you first met, or as the story regales above, something that reminds you of a shared interest. Good advice to follow here; if your shared interest is a particular football team (such as the Minnesota Vikings), be sure you are both really committed to the team before choosing amethyst (purple) and citrine (gold). You might want to re-think that choice and keep it simple with one color.
Another option is choosing a color based on her best feature. The first thing you first noticed about her was her brilliant blue eyes? How about complementing her diamond with sapphires, blue topaz, or iolite? Was it her red hair that made you weak in the knees? Choose ruby, fire opal, or garnet.
Looking even deeper than all of that, you might want to choose an accent stone based upon the symbolism of the gem. Sapphire is considered the gemstone of the sky because it was believed that the world sat upon an enormous sapphire and it was reflected in the blue of the sky. Does your love for her soar beyond the birds of the air? In ancient Rome, green was the color of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. By offering an emerald as an accent to a diamond, you are proclaiming your beloved as your goddess. Do you have a deep religious affiliation? It was believed that Noah used a garnet lantern to help him steer his ark through the dark night. Choosing a garnet as an accent will tell her that through all uncertainty, the two of you will weather the storm, two by two.
When none of these ideas seem to fit, take a step back and think about her personality. Is she feisty? Think red. Is she cool and collected? Choose blue. Is she warm and loving? Orange or yellow. Feminine? Pink. Whatever color you choose will be the right compliment in her wedding ring for the simple reason that you took the time to really think about it – after all, that’s the most important thing.

Kim G

Ancient Persians once thought that the earth was set upon an enormous sapphire, the reflection of which could be seen in the sky.  This romantic idea has endured the discoveries made throughout time and has secured the sapphire’s place as one of the most sought after gemstones. 

            The sapphire is September’s birthstone and ranks a 9 on the Mohs Scale, which means that the durability of a sapphire is tied with the ruby and is second only to the diamond.  Most often gifts of sapphire are popular for those who celebrate a birthday in September, however, the ancient trend of giving sapphires as an engagement ring is making a slow comeback; one that started in the 1980’s when Price Charles presented Lady Diana with an engagement ring of sapphire surrounded by diamonds.  The stone itself is said to symbolize sincerity and faithfulness which makes it an excellent and unique choice. 

            Gifts of sapphire can be found in an endless array of settings using various precious metals.  Due to its durability, this gem is ideally suited for placement in a ring, as it is able to hold up to everyday impact.  The ideal marriage of a fine gem with a fine metal would be to place the sapphire in platinum, a timeless metal that will hold its shape and luster. 

            When searching for sapphires, the average buyer can be overwhelmed by the variety of gems.  A sapphire is a sapphire; blue is blue, right?  Not really.  First of all, sapphires can be found in every color; from blues to pinks, oranges, yellows, and even white.  Every color, that is, except red.  Why?  Because red sapphires are known by a different name – rubies.  The sapphire and the ruby are from the same corundum family of minerals and that is why sapphires and rubies are often paired and displayed together.  They are nature’s siblings.  Sapphires other than the traditional blue color are known as fancy sapphires.  Fancy sapphires offer a beautiful variety of colors for the buyer to choose from, however they are considered slightly less valuable.  The traditional blue sapphire is more desirable among collectors, but even within that one color, there are endless variations. 

            When shopping for a blue sapphire, the buyer will be faced with everything from pale sky-blue to dark navy-blue and everything in between.  Top quality sapphires are royal blue with no gray, black, or green overtones.  A completely internally flawless stone is next to impossible to find and must be kept in mind when viewing the gem under a microscope.  Try to think of the inclusions as natures watermark on where the gem has been on its way to you so as not to see the gem as flawed, but rather stamped with Mother Nature’s seal of approval. 

            Star sapphires are a unique occurrence as it is the flaw that makes the stone valuable.  What makes the star effect in the sapphire is a tiny, needle like inclusion in the gem.  The stones are cut to a cabochon shape (dome) to enable the dancing star effect in the middle of the gem to be visible.  Used most often for men’s fashions, the star sapphire is becoming an increasingly rare gem.  

            How can sapphires be so rare when a buyer can find them at every store and on-line?  Two reasons: 99.9% of all natural sapphires are now heat-treated to enhance their natural colors and hide flaws; and lab-created gems are widely accepted and easily obtained everywhere.  Lab-created sapphires will have a few tell-tale signs, however – they are less expensive, often are large in shape, and the color will be a spot-on true royal blue.  As always, buyer, know exactly what you are paying for when shopping for the highly revered sapphire. 

Kim G

Throughout time, different gemstones have come to represent different meanings. Some are said to ward off evil, bring luck to the wearer, and even protect against intoxication. Some gems are fabled to be favorites of royalty, pirates, or sailors due to their mystical properties. Somewhere along the line, specific gemstones have been chosen for their special meanings to represent the traditional gifts given on specific wedding anniversaries.
The most commonly known milestone anniversaries are the 25th (silver) and the 50th (gold). What many overlook is the numerous gemstone anniversaries; the first of which is the 14th anniversary – the agate. While many argue that an agate is a rock, it is indeed a gemstone; in fact it is the Minnesota state gemstone. Ranging in color from browns, reds, and grays, the agate is known for its bands with an eye in the middle; similar to tree rings. Agates can be made into display pieces or fashioned into jewelry and is said to symbolize watchfulness and protection due to the eye in the center. Another lesser known gemstone is given for the 16th anniversary. The peridot is bright olive green in color and is fabled to be the favorite gem of pirates. Geographically, peridot can be found wherever there are volcanoes. This makes them a wonderful symbol for a marriage that has survived trials of the first years together and has come thus far sparkling. Aquamarine is the traditional gift for the 19th anniversary. The gemstone of sailors and mermaids, the word ‘aquamarine’ literally means ‘sea water’. For this anniversary, the gem represents the sea into which the mermaid has called the sailor to remain with her for all time.
We then skip eleven years and find ourselves at a milestone anniversary, the 30th, for which the traditional gift is pearl. The symbolism of pearls is highly overlooked when given as gifts. Often given to young brides, the pearl is actually the ideal gift for an established marriage because it is one of the very few gemstones that are not ‘stones’ at all. Grown rather than mined, the pearl forms slowly and its true beauty is only revealed when sought out from deep within the water. This gem is the perfect symbol for the depth of love and understanding that a couple can only reach after a significant amount of time together.
Other milestone anniversaries include the 40th (ruby) and the 45th (sapphire). Actually formed from the same mineral corundum, rubies are the traditional color of love and sapphires the color of serenity.  Turquoise is given for the 55th anniversary and is a reminder of an oasis that is couple-hood. Turquoise can only be found in the desert, and only then near water. It is this natural state that reminds the couple of the sanctuary that can be found within their love.
A couple reaching their 60th anniversary is revered for their commitment to grow old together. The gem symbolizing this growth is the emerald; an everlasting emblem of renewal. Known for its deep green color, the gem can be found in almost every region in the world and is a reminder of the beauty of nature and growth of the most basic level that is life on this planet. No matter the trials and tribulations, nature continues to reinvent itself – as does the couple reaching 60 years together.  The most powerful gemstone symbol of endurance and strength is, of course, the diamond.  Representing the 65th and the 75th wedding anniversaries, the diamond is the gem by which all others are measured.  No natural substance on the face of the earth can compare to the strength and brilliance of the diamond. A sign of beautiful transformation over time, the diamond represents the aged married couple in a way that is unsurpassable and leads to the affirmation of the quote: “Is there anything more beautiful than young love? Yes; old love.”  When searching for anniversary gifts, seek out the possibilities that lie within giving a traditional gem. The thought you’ve put into giving a gift that is symbolic of your love and life together with be treasured always.

Kim G

Walking out of the jewelry store, little bag in hand, the buyer is generally a happy one. In the process of finding the perfect item, you have dodged pushy sales staff, negotiated the best deal, and you are confident that you won’t have to think about jewelry for a while. Right? Not so fast. Are you covered if something happens to your precious little prize? Not as covered as you might think.

Ideally, you buy jewelry to wear. But with the variety of bobbles out there, it is not realistic to think that you will wear every piece of your jewelry wardrobe at every moment of the day – especially if you are a bit of a collector. You will need a safe place to store your gems until you wear them again and a jewelry box is ideal. As a jewelry fan myself, it stops my heart to hear when people store their jewelry on the bathroom counter top. Whether you have a few pieces or an entire collection, invest in a jewelry box. Not only will a jewelry box or an armoire keep your jewelry neat and tidy, it also serves a protective function. Many jewelry boxes and armoires come with hooks to hang your necklaces, which is the ideal condition to keep them from tangling and breaking. Likewise, most storage boxes will come with a sorter for rings to stand them up so as not to rub against each other, thereby preventing scratching. You’ll find that whatever the variety, all jewelry boxes are lined with a soft fabric to prevent items from damage.

Unfortunately, if your house is ever broken into, an organized jewelry box is a thief’s jackpot. You are far more protected if your home has a security system, but you can never assume that you are safe from a break-in. A serious jewelry collector will need to take additional steps to assure security. Consider buying a safe. A properly installed quality safe will not only protect your jewelry, but also your important papers from theft as well as fire or flood damage.

Even the best protection can go awry however, and there may be situations in which your jewelry is gone for good. Before such an event, you’ll need insurance to re-coop the monetary value of pieces lost. What’s that? You thought that little warrantee booklet containing important looking papers from the jewelry store protected you from loss? Nope, that’s usually never the case. The warrantee given to you, or even purchased by you, at the jewelry store will only cover certain things such as a stone loss or crack, and even then, only if you’ve had the item inspected according to their guidelines. If an entire item is missing, you are most likely out in the cold.

Yeah, but I have home owner’s insurance, so I’m covered, right? Not always. Every home owner’s insurance policy is going to be different of course, but it is common that many insurance agencies only cover jewelry up to a certain dollar amount under a regular policy – anything above that amount is not covered. If you are a jewelry collector or if you have one substantially costly item, such as an engagement ring, it is a very good idea to obtain a separate jewelry rider for your home owner’s insurance. In order to obtain this, you’ll need receipts for your jewelry or an insurance replacement appraisal from your jeweler. If you don’t have that, or if the pieces you need to cover are inherited, you can obtain an independent appraisal from a reputable appraiser which will cost anywhere from $30 on up. Once obtained, the average cost to maintain a jewelry insurance rider is approximately $1.30 per year for every $100 in jewelry value. Simply put, if you have a $5,000 engagement ring, it will cost you $65 per year to insure it. When you think about it, would you rather pay $65 a year to insure your ring, or another $5,000 to replace it if it’s stolen?

The bottom line is this: when you buy jewelry, you’ll want to keep it forever. Protect it from wear and tear, and most importantly, protect it from theft or loss. It’s the best investment you can make.

Kim G

Ask the average jewelry buyer who Friedrich Mohs is, and they will quickly rack their brain trying to remember the name of their salesperson. Not to worry, you have not made a social faux pas. Friedrich Mohs was a German mineralogist who devised a method of comparing the scratch resistance of minerals back in the 1800’s. Why is that important you, the average buyer? Well, gemstones are minerals and therefore ranked on this scale according to durability. Keeping in mind that when you are buying a gift for someone (or even a little something for yourself), you want to buy something that not only looks nice, but something that will last a long time. A basic understanding of the hardness of minerals will save you headaches in the long run.

First of all, Friedrich Mohs devised this scale based upon a very basic test. He took ten easily found minerals and arranged them in order of what will and what won’t scratch each other. It is as simple as that. If a mineral can be scratched, it is softer; if it cannot, it’s harder. And so the rank of 1-10 was developed; ten listed as the hardest mineral, the diamond, and one listed the softest, talc. Does that mean that a diamond is ten times more durable than talc? Surprisingly, no. The scale is less of a scale and more of a table. Meaning, the durability difference between a ranking of a 8 compared to a 9 is different than a ranking of a 9 compared to a 10. Simply put, the diamond (a 10) is not harder than a ruby (a 9) by a difference of one; a diamond is many times harder than a ruby, there is simply no mineral that ranks in between them.

Where do your favorite gems rank? If you have ever wondered what the big deal was surrounding the importance of diamonds, it will be no surprise to you to find out that diamonds rank at the top of the hardness scale. A great number of factors figure in to why diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and beauty, one of which is the symbolism of the hardest naturally occurring substance in the world interlaced with the idea of one’s devotion possessing the same unyielding properties.

A number nine on Mohs scale is corundum, more commonly known as sapphire and ruby. Many are surprised to find out that these two different gems have the same mineral properties. Sapphires are not just blue; in fact, corundum is found in a wide variety of colors, most of which are referred to as sapphire, while only red corundum is called ruby.

Another gem available in a wide variety of colors is topaz, number 8 on Mohs scale. Commonly available in yellow-brown and blue, topaz can also be green, pink, orange, and even colorless. In fact, there is no such thing as naturally occurring blue topaz. What you see as blue topaz in the stores is actually topaz which has been heat treated to turn them blue.

Another common precious gem, the emerald, has a unique place on Mohs scale at a 7.5 to 8 hardness level. As you look around a jewelry store, you may begin to wonder why an emerald is more expensive than a topaz, a gem that is more durable. The answer is simple; the highest naturally occurring emerald will be more expensive than a diamond because of its rarity, which is why more affordable synthetic emeralds are being developed. Emeralds are considered high on the hardness scale because of their resistance to scratching; however, natural emeralds are in fact brittle stones and should be treated more gingerly.

There are innumerable amounts of quartz varieties which fall at a level 7 on the scale. Common gems included in this group are amethyst and citrine. Opal is also a variety of quartz, but it is a hydrated, solidified quartz gel, which is why it is not faceted for jewelry purposes, but appears domed in shape.

When buying a gem, consider the Mohs scale as a great reference tool. Does it mean that you should shy away from a gem based upon it’s placement on the scale? Certainly not. But understanding the scale will help you make an educated decision about what to buy based upon how you wear and how you care for your jewelry.

Kim G

There are a few problems with those folks who tell you that the average man will spend two month’s salary on an engagement ring for his fiancé. One; they don’t care if you go into debt, and with that kind of money in mind, you probably will. Two; they are counting on you to believe it is the all-American average thing to do, and it’s not. If an average guy listened to ‘them’, he would spend over $4,000 on at least a 1 carat diamond ring that she would immediately declare her ideal ring, and he would be expected to pull off the perfect surprise proposal no less. Likely? Not hardly. More and more these days, the idea of what is average is being redefined in the engagement department. Men, breathe a sign of relief, you are about to be given a much deserved break.

First of all, not all brides wear diamonds. In fact, only 75% of first time brides sport them, so going to look for diamond may not even be the right first step when considering proposal. Many women prefer other precious gems, semi-precious gems, or no gems at all. If it is determined that a diamond is the way to go, don’t add up two months worth of your salary just yet. The average amount spent is going to vary demographically. What one person would spend in New York is going to be completely different than what someone would spend in Gainsville. On average, an engagement ring purchase has been around $2,000 and has been shown to add up to approximately 12% off the overall cost of the wedding. Weddings in this country have grown into a 50 billion dollar a year industry. Guys, we know that you want to impress your fiancé, but going broke isn’t the way to do it. Remember, your married life together begins after the wedding; everything else is a preamble. Set a realistic budget for your engagement purchase. Spending more doesn’t mean you love her more…it just means you have less money to start out your life together, and what’s more important?

I know you’re thinking “How can I get her that all-important 1 carat ring that all of her friends have, on a budget?” and the answer is this; you don’t have to. The average size diamond engagement ring is not a 1 carat – it’s a 1/3 carat. Keep in mind that a beautifully set 1/3 carat diamond will take her breath away just as much as a larger stone, and besides, bigger isn’t always better. Think quality, not size. Also, it is important to note that most jewelers have a trade-up policy. If you should come into a more comfortable means of income in the future, you can trade-in her stone for a larger one and just pay the difference. It has been my experience, however, that no matter what the size of the original stone, your bride will want to keep the ring you propose with forever.

The surprise proposal has also become a bit of a relic. Men are no longer under such a high degree of pressure to pick out the perfect ring alone. If you have gotten to the point in your relationship that you are thinking of marriage, the odds are that you have already discussed this with your intended. If not, you will shortly, I assure you. More and more, women are heavily involved in the proposal process. Ladies will accompany their gents to the jewelry store. They will be actively involved in the decision of design, size, and yes even cost of their engagement ring. Women of the 21st century are seeing marriage as an equal partnership, one in which they should have a say in all aspects, and this is where men can really be thankful. To maintain a small element of the surprise tradition, men might pick out the final diamond alone after the setting has been agreed upon. Or he might arrange for a formal evening in which he prepares just the right thing to say to officially ask for her hand in marriage. Romance isn’t dead in proposals, after all.

The point is this; forget the idea of what is average, and concentrate on what is right for you and your fiancé. That’s all that really matters.

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