If you are like most hopeful grooms-to-be, you must be going back and forth about the best engagement ring to buy. After visiting a number of engagement ring stores in San Diego and browsing online catalogs, you might even be wondering, ‘’Do I have to buy a diamond engagement ring in the first place?’’
There are many reasons why diamonds are the most popular engagement ring gemstones. On the other hand, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional diamond engagement rings, some of which might be an even better fit for your bride-to-be.
Let’s try and take a look at this issue from a different angle.
Diamonds weren’t always the preferred engagement ring stones
You may be surprised, but diamonds haven’t always been THE engagement ring center stones. Diamonds found themselves occupying this coveted position as recently as the mid 20th century, by a fortuitous spin of advertising campaigns. Before that, it was as common to have a sapphire as the center stone.
It’s perfectly logical, especially if we remember how scarce diamonds used to be until the 19th century when a large number of diamond mines opened in South Africa (the famed De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd. being one of them). With diamonds getting more and more accessible, mining companies needed to come up with a use for them so their perceived value wouldn’t decrease. Marketing diamonds as the best possible choice for engagement rings was one of the ways to achieve that.
The X factor
With a greater accessibility to diamonds came their greater affordability. We live in an era of mass-produced goods, where being original is quite challenging. We shop for clothes in retail stores that offer the same items of clothing around the globe! For this reason, some brides-to-be would rather have an unusual stone sparkling from their left hand rather than the round brilliant cut diamond most their girlfriends already have (regardless of their timeless allure).
It’s perhaps now that the desire for being original and unique is felt more strongly than ever, so much so that it may be changing the engagement ring market for good.
The many symbols
There is a lot of inspiring symbolism behind different gemstones and it’s no wonder that some people would go for a gem that symbolizes a particular trait they value or feel strongly connected to. Blue sapphire has long been a symbol of fidelity, ruby stands for royalty in some cultures, opal is believed to bring good health, etc. Others may choose a particular birthstone to adorn the engagement ring. Still, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are the most durable gemstones, which is why they are likely to remain the most popular for a ring that will be worn every day.
Diamonds (still) are forever
Even though the slogan ‘’Diamonds Are Forever’’ is an instance of shrewd marketing copy, it’s not that far from the truth. If you are asking yourself whether you should buy a diamond or opt for a different gemstone, you should know that diamonds are the most durable gemstones in existence. Only a diamond can scratch another diamond. In other words, unless you lose it, your diamond will last forever. And ‘’forever’’ surely is a word you want to associate with your upcoming marriage.
The certainty of expectation
No matter what we think about it, a diamond is still a “standard.” In a way, it’s still expected that an engagement ring will feature a diamond as the center stone. As limiting as it may sound, you cannot go wrong with a diamond. What’s more, there is an array of colorful diamonds for you to choose from, depending on your loved one’s preferences, from beautiful antique yellow diamond rings to statement black diamond engagement rings.
Choose the perfect engagement ring at Leo’s
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Ring Store, you are sure to find the most extensive collection of engagement rings, including opulent vintage and antique rings that add a special sentimental and even historical value, as well as brand new rings from top designers. Stop by our showroom on San Diego Avenue and our staff help you find the perfect combination of quality, beauty, style, and symbolism.
