Jewellery Education | Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto https://posyfinejewellery.com Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:03:03 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://posyfinejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-Posy-logo-no-border-transparent-500x-500-png-32x32.png Jewellery Education | Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto https://posyfinejewellery.com 32 32 Your Guide to Contour Wedding Rings https://posyfinejewellery.com/your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings https://posyfinejewellery.com/your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings/#respond Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:28:52 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/?p=14068

Contour Wedding Rings: Styles, Fit, and Custom Design

Your Guide to Contour Wedding Rings

If you’re searching for contour wedding rings, you’re likely looking for a wedding band that fits seamlessly with your engagement ring. Contour wedding rings are shaped to follow the outline of an engagement ring, creating a cohesive ring stack that is both comfortable and beautiful.

This guide explores what contour wedding rings are, the different styles available, and what to consider when choosing or designing custom contour wedding rings so your ring feels meaningful now and for decades to come.

What Is a Contour Wedding Ring?

A contour wedding ring is a wedding band that is shaped, either curved, pointed, or sculpted, to follow the outline of an engagement ring setting rather than sitting perfectly straight. This is different from a standard wedding band of consistent width, which maintains the same profile all the way around.

Contour wedding rings are especially common with custom engagement rings, unique stone shapes, or low‑set designs where a straight band would either leave a visible gap or push the engagement ring out of place.

Classic Wedding Ring Fit

Contour Wedding Ring Fit

Why Choose a Contour Wedding Ring?

There are two main reasons people choose contour wedding rings.

1. Your engagement ring has a low setting
One of the most practical reasons to choose a contour wedding ring is that your engagement ring setting sits low on the finger. In this case, a straight wedding band will not sit flush underneath the setting leaving visible gap between your engagement ring and wedding band. A contoured band allows the wedding ring to nest neatly around the engagement ring setting.

2. You love the look of contoured designs
Many clients are drawn to contour wedding rings simply because they love the look. Curves, points, and negative space can add some interest to a ring stack. Even when a straight band could technically work, a contour wedding ring can also be an option.

Types of Contour Wedding Rings

When designing custom contour wedding rings, the depth and shape of the contour is usually determined by the size, shape, and profile of the engagement ring. Below are some of the most common styles of contour wedding rings that we design in our Toronto studio.

Pointed Contour Wedding Rings

Pointed contour wedding rings, also called chevron or V‑shaped bands, feature a defined point at the centre. These styles pair beautifully with angular engagement rings such as marquise, pear, kite‑shaped, hexagonal, or elongated centre stones.

The sharpness and depth of the point is customized based on how far the engagement ring setting extends. Some people prefer a dramatic, elongated point, while others choose a subtle dip that gently references the engagement ring.

Curved Contour Wedding Rings

Curved contour wedding rings feature a soft, rounded arc instead of a sharp point. This style works especially well with round, oval, cushion, or organic‑shaped engagement rings.

As with all contour wedding rings, the curve is carefully customized to your engagement ring so the two fit well worn together.

Puzzle‑Fit Contour Wedding Rings

Puzzle‑fit contour wedding rings are designed to follow the exact outline of an engagement ring, fitting together almost like two pieces of a puzzle. These rings may partially wrap around the engagement ring or mirror its profile very closely.

This style is ideal for bold, unconventional engagement rings and is almost always created as a custom contour wedding ring to ensure precision.

Important Things to Consider with Contour Wedding Rings

While contour wedding rings are designed to complement an engagement ring, there are a few important things to keep in mind before committing to a design.

Contour Wedding Rings May Shift on the Finger

Even a perfectly made contour wedding ring may move slightly throughout the day. Fingers naturally change with temperature, activity, and movement, and rings are not fixed in place.

This means your contour wedding ring may not always sit in perfect alignment with your engagement ring and that’s completely normal.

If the movement really bothers you a solution is to solder the engagement ring and wedding band together so they never shift out of place.

Think About Wearing Your Wedding Band on Its Own

Many people don’t wear their engagement ring all the time. When choosing contour wedding rings, it’s important to consider how the wedding band looks on its own.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I love this ring by itself?
  • Does it feel complete when worn alone?
  • Will I enjoy wearing it day‑to‑day without the engagement ring?

Custom Contour Wedding Rings: Design Options

One of the biggest advantages of choosing custom contour wedding rings is the freedom to personalize every detail.

Custom contour wedding rings can include:

  • Diamonds or coloured gemstones
  • Pavé, channel, bezel, or flush settings
  • Engravings
  • Milgrain edges, textures, or patterned finishes

Designing your contour wedding ring alongside a custom jeweller ensures that both fit and aesthetics are considered together, resulting in a ring that feels intentional, personal, and wearable for decades.

Learn more about the custom jewellery process

Frequently Asked Questions About Contour Wedding Rings

What is the difference between a contour wedding ring and a standard wedding band?

A standard wedding band has no shaping and does not account for the profile of an engagement ring. A contour wedding ring is shaped to follow the outline of an engagement ring, allowing the two rings to sit closer together and feel more cohesive.

Do contour wedding rings have to fit perfectly flush?

Not necessarily. While contour wedding rings are designed to complement an engagement ring, some movement is normal. Rings shift naturally on the finger, and a good design prioritizes comfort and harmony over perfect alignment at all times.

Can I wear a contour wedding ring on its own?

Yes, and this is an important consideration. Some contour wedding rings look beautifully complete on their own, while others are designed primarily to be worn as part of a set. When designing a custom contour wedding ring, we always recommend considering how it looks both paired and solo.

Are contour wedding rings only for unique engagement rings?

No. While contour wedding rings are especially helpful for low-set or unconventional engagement rings, many people choose them simply because they love the shape and visual look.

Can contour wedding rings be customized?

Absolutely. Custom contour wedding rings can include diamonds, coloured gemstones, engravings, textures, milgrain, or patterned finishes. The contour itself is fully customizable to suit your engagement ring and personal style.

Do you make custom contour wedding rings in Toronto?

Yes. Our Toronto based studio specializes in custom contour wedding rings designed to fit your engagement ring and lifestyle.

Contour Wedding Rings in Toronto

At our Toronto studio, we believe the meaning is the value and a wedding ring should feel as intentional as the commitment it represents. Your wedding ring is the only item you will carry with you everyday after your wedding day. It makes sense to invest in something that you like and fits perfectly.

If you are looking to create a custom contour wedding ring we can work with you directly, exploring the fit and comfort in person. Together we will create a ring that reflects both your engagement ring and your personal style.

Request a Quote

GET INSPIRED!

Some of our recent custom design projects. For more inspiration, check out our instagram.

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The post Your Guide to Contour Wedding Rings first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> https://posyfinejewellery.com/your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings/feed/ 0 Different Colours of Gold https://posyfinejewellery.com/different-colours-of-gold/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=different-colours-of-gold https://posyfinejewellery.com/different-colours-of-gold/#respond Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:58:18 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/?p=13163
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Different Colours of Gold

The different colours of gold have their own unique characteristics, advantages, and challenges. In this post, we’ll explore the four most common types of coloured gold, followed by a discussion on the rarer and more unusual varieties.

1. Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is the natural colour of gold as found in its natural state. However, pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday jewellery, so it is commonly alloyed with other metals for added strength.

Composition:

  • 18K yellow gold: 75% gold, 12.5% silver, 12.5% copper
  • 14K yellow gold: 58.3% gold, 29% copper, 12.7% silver
  • 10K yellow gold: 41.7% gold, 32.5% copper, 25.8% silver

Best Gemstone Pairings

Yellow gold is classic and goes with anything. It pairs well with traditional gemstones like:

  • Ruby
  • Emerald
  • Sapphire
  • Diamond

2. White Gold

White gold is a popular alternative to platinum due to its sleek, modern look. It is created by mixing gold with white metals and is sometimes plated with rhodium to enhance its brightness.

At Posy we use a white gold alloy that does not requires rhodium plating.

Nickle white gold is available in 10k, 14k, 18k and 19k alloys. Palladium white gold is typically only available in 14k but 18k may also be available.

Should you have any concerns about allergies or skin sensitivities we recommend palladium white gold.

Common White Gold Alloys:

  • Nickel White Gold: Contains gold, nickel, and zinc. It is durable but may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Palladium White Gold: Contains gold and palladium, making it hypoallergenic and more expensive than nickel-based white gold.

Best Gemstone Pairings

White gold’s cool, silvery tone pairs well with:

  • Diamonds
  • Blue sapphires
  • Aquamarines
  • Tanzanite

3. Rose Gold

Rose gold has a warm, romantic hue created by increasing the copper content in the alloy. The more copper it contains, the deeper the red colour.

Composition:

  • 18K rose gold: 75% gold, 22.25% copper, 2.75% silver
  • 14K rose gold: 58.3% gold, 41.7% copper
  • 10K rose gold: 41.7% gold, 58.3% copper

Best Gemstone Pairings

Rose gold’s vintage charm works beautifully with:

  • Morganite
  • Pink sapphires
  • Green or Teal Sapphire
  • Diamond

4. Green Gold

Green gold, sometimes called electrum, is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. It has a subtle greenish tint, making it a unique choice for jewelry.

Composition:

  • 75% gold, 25% silver (higher silver content results in a more pronounced green hue)

Best Gemstone Pairings

Green gold complements earth-toned and pastel gemstones like:

  • Peridot
  • Tourmaline
  • Sapphire
  • Alexandrite

Rare Gold Alloys: Purple and Blue Gold

While yellow, white, rose, and green gold are commonly used in jewellery, some rare gold alloys exist but are not suitable for traditional jewellery-making due to their brittleness.

Purple Gold

Purple gold, or gold-aluminum alloy, contains approximately 79% gold and 21% aluminum. While it has a striking violet hue, it is highly brittle and can shatter easily, making it impractical for most jewellery settings.

Blue Gold

Blue gold is made by alloying gold with indium or gallium, which creates a surface oxide that gives it a blue tint. However, the blue layer is fragile and can wear off over time, limiting its use in jewellery.

Gold’s colour variations allow for endless creative possibilities in jewellery design. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of yellow gold, the modern appeal of white gold, the romantic hue of rose gold, or the unique charm of green gold, there is a gold alloy for every taste.

Have an idea in mind? Get in touch to get started today!

GET INSPIRED!

Some of our recent custom design projects. For more inspiration, check out our instagram.

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]]> https://posyfinejewellery.com/different-colours-of-gold/feed/ 0 Sapphire and Ruby https://posyfinejewellery.com/sapphire-and-ruby/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sapphire-and-ruby Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:07:51 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11940

Sapphire and Ruby: Iconic Gemstones

Are there any more iconic gemstones than sapphire and ruby? Excepting perhaps diamond and emerald, they are clearly among the most well known and prized gemstones. Rubies and sapphires are actually both varieties of the mineral corundum. This mineral is composed of aluminum oxide and what makes a gem either a sapphire or a ruby is slight variations in their chemical composition.

Here we’re going to explore where sapphire and ruby were first discovered and their history, their formation, what makes them different and some famous examples. But before we do that, here is a silly, little poem that we wrote to describe the difference between sapphire and ruby: Rubies are red, sapphires are blue. Except that’s not strictly true. Barring red, sapphires come in every hue!

Discovery and Historical Significance of Sapphire and Ruby

Corundum crystals were first discovered and prized in ancient India and Myanmar (formerly Burma). These regions have a long-standing reputation for producing some of the finest rubies and sapphires in the world and that continues to this day. Ancient civilizations valued these gems not only for their beauty but also for their perceived mystical properties. Rubies, in particular, were associated with power and protection, while sapphires symbolized wisdom and purity.

The highest quality sapphire and ruby came from South East Asia. For ruby the highest quality came from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and for sapphire the highest quality came from Kashmir.  The mines where those standard setting gems came from have long since run out. But the material coming from this area is still of very high quality.

Another point of historical significance for sapphire and ruby is their inclusion on the traditional birthstone list. Rubies are the birthstone for the month of July and sapphires are the birthstone for the month of September.

Composition and Hardness of Sapphire and Ruby

Rubies and sapphires are both composed primarily of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Their remarkable hardness, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, is second only to diamonds. This hardness makes them a great choice for jewellery you wear everyday such as an engagement ring.  But sapphire and ruby are also great choices for any type of fine jewellery.

Defining Characteristics: Ruby vs. Sapphire

What Makes a Ruby?

A ruby is defined by its vibrant red color, which results from trace amounts of chromium. The intensity and hue of red can vary, but for a corundum crystal to be classified as a ruby, it must exhibit a dominant red color. When the red hue is not strong enough, the stone is classified as a pink sapphire instead. The boundary between pink sapphire and ruby can be subjective and varies in different markets.

The most prized shade of ruby is known as pigeon blood red (we know, gross). A true red ruby is one of the most expensive gemstones on the market, even more expensive than diamond. This is because a true red hue is very rare.

What Makes a Sapphire?

Any colour, except red, of the mineral corundum is classified as a sapphire. From the traditional blue to white, yellow, orange, pink, green and purple. If the material is more pinkish than red it will be classified as a sapphire. If the material is more red with a bit of pink it will be classified as a ruby.

The different colours of sapphire result from trace elements other than chromium present in the crystal structure. For instance, iron and titanium create blue sapphires, while iron alone can produce yellow and green hues.

Padparadscha Sapphire

One of the rarest and most coveted varieties of sapphire is the padparadscha, characterized by a pinkish-orange hue. The name “padparadscha” is derived from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, reflecting the gem’s distinctive color. These stones are predominantly found in Sri Lanka, with their unique colouration attributed to a mix of chromium and iron.

Famous Sapphires and Rubies

Legendary Gems

Throughout history, several rubies and sapphires have gained fame for their size, beauty, and historical significance. Among the most renowned rubies is the “Sunrise Ruby,” a 25.59-carat gem of exceptional colour and clarity, which set a world record at auction. The “Sunrise Ruby” is a perfect example of the prized ‘pigeon blood red’ colour.

For sapphires, the “Star of India” stands out. This massive, 563.35-carat star sapphire, housed in the American Museum of Natural History, is famed for its  asterism. An asterism is a star-like phenomenon created by needle-like inclusions within the stone.

Another iconic sapphire is the “Logan Sapphire,” a 423-carat blue sapphire known for its deep, rich color. This gem, also on display at the Smithsonian Institution, is one of the largest faceted sapphires in the world.

Perhaps the most well known sapphire is the one that is set within Princess Diana’s and now Princess Catherine’s engagement ring. Although not exceptional in size, it is still without doubt a legendary stone.

Let’s sum up. What have we learned about sapphire and ruby?

  • they are actually just different colours of the same mineral
  • while ruby must always be red, sapphires are available in many different colours
  • they have been prized since ancient times
  • exceptional and rare examples are very valuable
  • with a hardness second only to diamond they are very suitable for everyday wear

If you have any other questions or if you would like to create your own piece of sapphire or ruby jewellery, we’d love to help! Please reach out to us or complete our quote request form.

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]]> What is Alexandrite? https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-is-alexandrite/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-alexandrite Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:35:33 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11936

If you’ve heard of Alexandrite at all, you probably know it as the birthstone for June. But, what is Alexandrite?

The short answer is that alexandrite is a colour change gemstone that changes from purple/red in indoor light to teal/green in outdoor light. But, in this article we’re going to explore alexandrite a bit deeper. We’ll answer the question of ‘what is alexandrite’ by looking at its origins, chemical make up, colour change properties, symbolism and rarity.

Origins and Discovery

Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the early 19th century. The story goes that it was found on the birthday of the future Russian Tsar Alexander II in 1834. This led to the gemstone being named in his honour.

The Urals remained the primary source of alexandrite for many years because it was known for specimens with exceptional color-changing properties. Today alexandrite is also found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

The deposits in the Ural Mountains are now mostly depleted. Alexandrite that is known to have come from this area is highly sought after.

What is Alexandrite Made of?

Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, with the chemical formula BeAl2O4. It is the presence of chromium as a trace element that gives alexandrite its extraordinary colour-changing ability. Chrysoberyl itself is an oxide mineral, but the unique conditions required for alexandrite’s formation make it exceptionally rare.

Chemically, alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl with the formula BeAl₂O₄. The presence of chromium impurities is what gives alexandrite its distinctive colour-change property. While standard chrysoberyl is typically yellow to green and does not exhibit colour change, the chromium in alexandrite causes it to absorb light differently which causes the colour change phenomenon. This differentiates alexandrite from regular chrysoberyl both in appearance and value.

The Colour Change Magic of Alexandrite

What truly sets alexandrite apart from other gemstones is its remarkable ability to change colour depending on the light source. This colour change magic is due to the complex way alexandrite absorbs light.

Under natural daylight or florescent light, alexandrite appears green to bluish-green due to the high concentration of chromium. However, under incandescent or warm indoor light, it changes to a red to purplish-red hue. This dramatic colour change is a result of the gemstone’s complex crystal structure which affects how the stone absorbs and reflects different wavelengths of light.

The alexandrite gemstones in the halo of the ring below show the colour change phenomenon. The center stone is a sapphire and does not exhibit colour change.

Symbolic Meaning

Often referred to as “emerald by day, ruby by night,” alexandrite is believed to bring balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. It symbolizes joy, hope and wisdom, and is thought to enhance intuition and creativity. Alexandrite is also said to bring good luck and fortune to its wearer.

June’s Birthstone

In 1952, alexandrite was officially recognized as the birthstone for June, alongside pearls and moonstone. Its unique colour-changing ability and rarity make it a swoon-worthy choice for those born in this month.

Because pearls and moonstones are quite soft, alexandrite is often used in jewellery designs that require durability such as in a ring. When a jewellery design requires a facetted stone to match other facetted stones, such as in a family birthstone ring, alexandrite is also often chosen to represent June over a pearl.

What is Alexandrite Worth?

The rarity of alexandrite cannot be overstated. Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Quality specimens, particularly those with a strong and distinct colour change, are incredibly scarce. The original Russian deposits are mostly depleted, which adds to the stone’s rarity and high value.

Modern sources, while producing beautiful gems, rarely match the quality of the original Urals stones. As a result, fine alexandrite is often more expensive than diamonds, particularly for stones that exhibit a vivid colour change and are free of inclusions. This rarity, combined with its unique optical properties, makes alexandrite one of the most valuable gemstones on the market.

Luckily, lab grown alexandrite is available at a much more reasonable price point. The lab grown variety also exhibits colour change and won’t break the bank.

Are you an Alexandrite Fan?

Alexandrite is definitely one of our favourite gemstones. If you’re as enchanted as we are with this unique gemstone we’d love to help you create your dream piece of alexandrite jewellery. You can request a quote for your idea or learn more about our process.

The post What is Alexandrite? first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> What are Salt and Pepper Diamonds? https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-are-salt-and-pepper-diamonds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-are-salt-and-pepper-diamonds Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:53:34 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11933

They’re Really Pretty, but What Exactly are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

The classic image that is brought to mind by the word diamond is that of a white, round, brilliant cut stone. But there is so much more to explore.  Enter salt and pepper diamonds, a distinct category of gemstones distinguished by their obvious inclusions. But what are salt and pepper diamonds and why are they gaining popularity as an alternative to a traditional diamond?

What Are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

Salt and pepper diamonds are named for their speckled appearance which somewhat resembles a mix of “salt” and “pepper”. These diamonds are characterized by numerous and obvious inclusions. Traditionally, inclusions are undesirable in a classic diamond but for a salt and pepper diamond they are very much desired. These inclusions, often black or white, “pepper” the diamond’s surface.

What are the Inclusions in Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

The inclusions that can been seen within a salt and pepper diamond are the same sorts of inclusions that could potentially be found in a classic diamond. It’s just that in a salt and pepper diamond they are visible to the naked eye. Inclusions can be made of various materials, including other minerals, crystals, or even small particles of diamond material itself. Below we go through some inclusions that can be found in diamonds.

Crystals

These are small mineral crystals trapped within the diamond during its formation. They can appear as tiny spots or specks inside the diamond.

Feathers

Feathers are fractures within the diamond that resemble tiny feathers or cracks. They can vary in size and visibility.

Clouds

Clouds are clusters of tiny pinpoints or crystals within the diamond. When clustered together, they may create a cloudy appearance within the stone.

Needles

Needle-like inclusions are long, thin crystals that resemble needles. They can vary in color and size.

Indented Naturals

These are parts of the original diamond crystal that remain embedded within the finished diamond. They can appear as small, flat areas on the diamond’s surface.

Internal Graining

Internal graining is caused by irregularities in the diamond’s crystal structure during its formation. It can appear as lines, streaks, or patterns within the diamond.

More Salt or More Pepper?

Each salt and pepper diamond is unique. They are also quite variable in appearance. Some salt and pepper diamonds can be almost black with inclusions and others quite transparent but with a few flecks of pepper. The inclusions can also be quite evenly distributed so that from a distance the diamond actually looks grey.

In these two rings from our shop below we can see the variation we discussed above clearly in the center diamonds. We can also see that the inclusions in the salt and pepper diamonds in the halo are distributed evenly so appear grey.

The Increasing Popularity of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

While salt and pepper diamonds were once thought to be undesirable and unsuitable for the consumer market, there has been a noticeable shift in perception in recent years. As consumers seek alternatives to conventional gemstones, salt and pepper diamonds have received attention from those who appreciate individuality and a bit of character.

Not just Black and White

If you’re looking for a salt and pepper diamond with a pop of colour, you’re in luck. While most salt and pepper diamonds will have a greyscale palette, they are also available in different colours. Hues in the yellow to brown scale will be most common.

Cutting Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Salt and pepper diamonds are not confined to traditional shapes or cuts. We have seen every shape of salt and pepper diamond from the traditional round to very geometric shapes such as hexagon and kite shapes. They can be facetted with a brilliant cut or also the more vintage-inspired rose cut is popular too. We’ve even seen some portrait cut salt and pepper diamonds that are definitely unusual.

Ready to Spice Up your Jewellery?

The popularity of salt and pepper diamonds lies not only in their obvious beauty but also in their obvious quirks. That’s what makes them interesting and unique. Just like it’s our quirks that make people interesting too. If you’d like to see an online catalogue of salt and pepper diamonds we recommend one of our suppliers, Misfit Diamonds.

We hope that we’ve answered your questions here but please do get in touch if you have any other questions or would like to see some salt and pepper diamonds in person. We’d love to help!

The post What are Salt and Pepper Diamonds? first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> What to do with Your Inherited Jewellery https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-to-do-with-your-inherited-jewellery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-do-with-your-inherited-jewellery Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:11:55 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11928

Tips on What to Do with Your Inherited Jewellery

Inheriting jewellery can be a bittersweet moment. It can be an overwhelming time and it might be best not to make any big decisions when you’re vulnerable. Here we will go over many options and offer tips on what to do with your inherited jewellery so you can make informed decisions when you’re ready.

Balancing sentimental value and practical considerations, we’ll explore options such as selling your items, reusing/redesigning, repairing and sharing with family members.

Evaluate Sentimental and Monetary Value

Before making any decisions, take the time to assess the sentimental and monetary value of your inherited jewellery. Some pieces may hold significant emotional value, while others may be more valuable in terms of their material worth. Understanding this balance will help guide your choices.

Set aside the pieces that have great sentimental value to you first. Then, with the remaining jewellery, ask yourself questions such as:

  • Would I wear this item as is?
  • If I was able to repair this piece would I use it?
  • If I have no attachment to this piece and will not wear it, do I feel comfortable selling it?
  • Are there any pieces here that I would like to give to a family member?

Reusing Your Jewellery

This is a great option, especially for pieces that hold great sentimental value. Sometimes, although the piece holds great memories, it’s not exactly your style.  Creating a custom piece that better suits your lifestyle and preferences means those memories continue. Rather than admiring your inherited jewellery once in a while when poking around your jewellery box or safety deposit box, you can enjoy it everyday!

By reusing the piece you are able to keep the same metal and gemstones but redesign them into something new. It is also an economical option because you already have at least some of the materials.

Another wonderful option is to pool a number of inherited pieces to create multiple new custom pieces to be gifted to members of the family. At Posy we have worked with many clients who have chosen to do this with touchingly tearful results.

Selling Your Inherited Jewellery in the Market Place

As a general rule you will receive a greater return if you are able to sell your jewellery intact. By intact we mean as a whole piece (ie: a complete ring) rather than breaking it up into parts to sell. The tricky part is that it may take time and patience before the sale is made.

The first thing to consider when evaluating your jewellery is if an auction house might be interested. Typically auction houses take pieces that are higher in value, accompanied by appraisals or have a well known luxury brand name. If you think you may have a piece an auction house might be interested in it’s worth reaching out to one to find out. Usually you will see a greater return on a sale from an auction house than in an online market place.

If the auction house isn’t interested you can turn to online market places such as facebook or Kijiji. There are also many websites that sell second hand jewellery where you are able to post items for sale. In these market places buyers are worried about getting scammed so be sure to have an appraisal that accompanies your posting so the buyer knows your pieces are legitimate. Having great pictures also definitely helps sell your piece or pieces.

Selling inherited jewellery in the online marketplace takes time and patience. You will also need to ensure your personal safety if you are meeting with a buyer in person to complete the transaction. For this reason many people choose to try to sell their inherited jewellery on consignment instead.

Some jewellers or pawn shops will take in jewellery on consignment and try to sell it for you. If the jewellery sells then you and the jeweller share the profit. Not every jeweller takes items in on consignement so you’ll likely need to call around before you find someone. At Posy we don’t take jewellery on consignment because we don’t have a retail storefront.

Selling Your Inherited Jewellery for its Market Value

The market value of your jewellery is not the same as its appraisal value. The market value is based on current metal and gemstone prices. The appraisal value is set for insurance purposes if it ever needed to be replaced. The market value will be much less than its appraisal value.

If you bring a diamond ring into a pawn shop, the money you are offered will based on the “parts” of the ring. The pawn shop will evaluate the pure gold content of the ring based on the current gold market. They will then evaluate the diamond based on the current diamond market. They will combine those valuations into the cash value that they offer to you.

If your jewellery does not contain stones, or the stones have been removed, you could also bring your items directly to a local refiner. Typically you will receive a better return from a refiner than a pawn shop or “cash for gold” type place. Again, you will only receive credit for the pure gold (or platinum) content.

Repair Your Inherited Jewellery

Inherited jewelry may require minor tweaks or repairs to make it wearable again. Whether it’s fixing a broken clasp, resizing a ring, or repairing a chain, investing in these minor repairs can restore the jewellery to its former glory. This option is a great way of preserving the integrity of family heirlooms while incorporating them into your everyday wardrobe.

We also shouldn’t assume that all inherited jewellery will be made of precious metals and gemstones. Often the most cherished heirloom pieces are actually costume jewellery. Over time, costume jewellery will really start to show wear. Perhaps the plating has started to wear off, or some of the paste gemstones have fallen out, or perhaps the clasps have broken. In most cases these precious pieces of costume jewellery can be repaired too.

Share with Friends and Family

Finally, our last tip on what to do with your inherited jewellery is to share it with your friends and family. If you receive multiple pieces of jewellery you could consider gifting them to people in your family. Or you could hold on to it and give it to your children when they are old enough to appreciate it.

Sometimes families need help figuring out a fair distribution of inherited jewellery. If you find yourself in this situation you could look online to find similar pieces to get a general idea of market value. Or if you need help figuring out an accurate distribution we have helped many clients in similar situations. As an impartial third party we can ensure that items are divided equally so there are no issues.

Inheriting jewellery is a privilege that comes with both sentimental and practical considerations. Whether you choose to reuse, sell, repair, or share your inherited jewellery, the goal should be to honour the legacy it represents while making choices that align with your values and preferences. We hope that we have provided you with some helpful tips and that you have some clarity on what to do with your inherited jewellery. But, if you have some pieces that you don’t know what to do with we’d love to help.

The post What to do with Your Inherited Jewellery first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> Champagne Diamond Guide https://posyfinejewellery.com/champagne-diamond-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=champagne-diamond-guide Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:07:24 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11921

Your Champagne Diamond Guide

The champagne diamond is surging in popularity. We’ve had many clients reaching out to us looking for champagne diamonds. What’s interesting to note is that different people mean different things when they refer to champagne. The colour champagne is a spectrum and sometimes it can be hard to define.

If you are interested in finding your own perfect champagne diamond it’s worth reading through this guide. If you can narrow down what you’re looking for it will make it easier for your jeweller to find it for you.

In this guide we’re going to look at colour definitions first and then go through some other key considerations when looking for a champagne diamond. Finally we’ll provide you with a quick check list that you can bring to your jeweller.

Defining the Colour

As noted above, the colour of champagne is subjective. Some people consider it to be a light brownish-yellow and others consider it to be a light brownish-pink. To help you figure out how to describe the colour you’re looking for we’ll explore the different shades of champagne below.

Champagne Diamonds from Champagne to Cognac

The most common descriptions today of the colour of champagne diamonds come from the 1980’s marketing campaigns of the Argyle diamond mine. This mine is located in Australia and had one of the largest deposits of brown diamonds in the world. The Argyle mine started marketing these diamonds as “cognac”, “chocolate” and “champagne” diamonds.

In order to differentiate between the colours of their diamonds the Argyle mine came up with the C1 to C7 colour scale. This scale is still used today to help differentiate between the different shades of champagne.

Within this scale we can see champagne colours that are light, straw yellow to brown or “cognac”, as you can see in the image below.

Champagne Diamonds from Champagne to Pink

For a description of champagne diamonds that trend more into the pinkish hues we can again refer to a colour scale produced by the Argyle diamond mine. In addition to producing champagne and cognac diamonds, this mine is perhaps most famous for producing natural pink diamonds.

A champagne diamond with a pinkish hue may be slightly more rare than one from the yellowish to brown spectrum. Diamonds that have a secondary modifying colour are a bit rarer. For example, a brown stone is less rare than a brown stone with a secondary modifying colour of pink.

The GIA has its own colour scale for yellowish brown and pinkish brown diamonds. You can take a look at their detailed breakdowns here. The more terminology or reference images you can use to show your jeweller what you’re looking for, the better.

Key Considerations

Are Champagne Diamonds Expensive?

There are very fine examples of champagne diamonds that are very expensive. But, in general, they are usually less expensive than white diamonds.

The cost is usually determined by the clarity and the saturation of the colour. We’ll look at clarity a bit more below. Saturation refers to the depth of colour in the diamond. Lighter stones will be less expensive than more saturated stones.

Also, it’s important to note that the colour of a champagne diamond is natural, meaning it has not been treated to achieve the colour. Most fancy coloured diamonds on the market have been treated with high heat to achieve the fancy colour. This means that a natural fancy blue diamond is more expensive than a treated fancy blue diamond. There is no comparable price difference in the champagne market because the colour is natural. The colour of champagne diamonds comes from structural anomalies within the crystal lattice.

Clarity Considerations

Perhaps you are already aware of the four “C”‘s of diamonds which are cut, colour, carat and clarity. The clarity of a diamond refers to how clear it is, or if any visible inclusions can be detected.

Like other diamonds, champagne diamonds may contain inclusions. An inclusion can be anything from a dark bit of carbon, noticeable fissures or a faint feather like inclusion that is barely visible to the naked eye.

A champagne diamond with visible inclusions will be less expensive than a champagne diamond that is higher in clarity. However, some inclusions can be really interesting and actually make your stone truly unique!

Champane Diamond Shapes

The shape of a diamond is not the same as its cut. The cut of a diamond refers to how well or how poorly the diamond has been facetted. The diamond shape refers to, well, its shape! For example, round, oval, pear, cushion shaped etc.

It is important to figure out what shape appeals to you because there is only a limited supply of champagne diamonds. Ideally you might want to give your jeweller two or more shapes to look for because that will increase the number of stones you can select from. For example, if you are looking for a round, white diamond there will be hundreds of stones within your budget that your jeweller can offer as options. But, if you’re looking for a specific size and shape of champagne diamond, there will only likely be a few options available.

Champagne Diamond Checklist

  1. Narrow down which shades of champagne appeal to you
  2. Using the colour scales above or materials provided by the GIA, record the descriptions, terms or names of the shades you like
  3. If possible provide an image of the champagne colours you prefer
  4. Decide what shape or shapes of diamond you prefer
  5. Decide on your budget

We hope that you have found our guide helpful but be sure to get in touch with us if you have any questions. If you’re interested in a champagne lab grown diamond we’ve written about fancy colour lab grown diamonds in a recent post you might find interesting.

Champagne diamonds, with their warmth and interesting hues will no doubt be popular for years to come. A champagne diamond set in rose gold or a deep, rich yellow gold is just exquisite. We look forward to helping you find your own perfect champagne diamond!

The post Champagne Diamond Guide first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> Fancy Colour Lab Grown Diamonds https://posyfinejewellery.com/fancy-colour-lab-grown-diamonds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fancy-colour-lab-grown-diamonds Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:46:29 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11910

Fancy Colour Lab Grown Diamonds

The price point of natural coloured diamonds is not reasonable for most people. But, we have good news! More and more fancy colour lab grown diamonds are becoming available.

In recent years we’ve seen the explosion in popularity of lab diamonds. Factors such as an increasingly knowledgeable public, wider market availability, and competitive pricing attribute to the rising popularity. If you are interested in learning more, you can check out our page where we discuss lab created diamonds in more detail.

What are Fancy Colour Lab Grown Diamonds?

People typically use the term fancy diamond to describe a coloured diamond. Sometimes it can also refer to a diamond that has obvious inclusions such as salt and pepper diamonds. The term fancy diamond can refer to both natural coloured diamonds and lab grown coloured diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural, earth-mined diamonds. They are graded using the same scale as earth-mined diamonds. Even professionals can’t tell the difference between natural and lab created diamonds unless they have access to expensive equipment.

What Creates the Colour in Diamonds?

If a diamond contains only pure carbon then it will be colourless, or a D colour on the diamond grading scale. In nature, trace elements or defects in the crystal can create the colour. For lab diamonds those trace elements or defects are purposely introduced.

Blue Lab Grown Diamonds

Boron, when incorporated into the diamond structure of either a natural or lab diamond, imparts a blue colour. The concentration of boron dictates the intensity of the blue, with lower levels creating light blue hues and higher concentrations deep, saturated blues.

Yellow Lab Grown Diamonds

The presence of nitrogen in a natural diamond crystal lattice results in a yellow hue. Or sometimes it can also be more of an orange. If nitrogen is introduced during the growth process of a lab grown stone, scientists can produce diamonds ranging from pale yellow to strong orange.

Pink Lab Grown Diamonds

Irradiation and subsequent annealing can create green and pink colours in lab-grown diamonds. The controlled exposure to radiation alters the crystal lattice, resulting in these distinctive hues. Natural diamonds can also undergo radiation in the Earth’s mantle, leading to similar colouration.

Colour Enhanced Diamonds

Rather than a natural cause, enhancement is responsible for the colour found in most fancy diamonds on the market today. This enhancement process is the same for both natural and lab grown diamonds. Using an electronic beam or high heat enhances the diamond and creates the colour.

Consistency in colour is still a problem when using enhancements. It can be difficult to predict what colours these enhancements will produce.

Controlling the complex environment necessary to produce fancy colour lab grown diamonds can be challenging. Often an unintended colour will be produced in the diamond. On the other hand, this leads to many unique colours!

How Rare are Coloured Diamonds?

A fancy colour diamond is more rare whether it is lab created or earth mined. Natural fancy coloured diamonds are the rarest, and because of their rarity, are the most expensive. Technology to purposefully create colour in natural diamonds through enhancement has been around for many years. As a result, there is a wide availability of inventory of fancy colour earth mined diamonds.

Unfortunately, there isn’t the same kind of inventory available in fancy coloured lab diamonds. The manufacturers have prioritized filling the demand for colourless lab diamonds and are only just starting to create coloured lab diamonds.

What Colours are Available?

Techncially, the same variety of colours that are available for natural enhanced fancy coloured diamonds should be available for lab grown. Those colours include canary yellow, burnt orange, rusty red, dark green, apple green, mint green, aqua blue, teal blue, pink and greyish purple.

As we will see below, the availablity of all of these colours for lab created diamonds is still not at the level of their natural counterparts.

Rarest Colours

The rarest colours of lab grown diamonds are vivid red, intense green and black. In the cases of vivid red and intense green, these colours are also exceptionally rare in nature. Black diamonds, however, are widely available via enhancement of natural material. There are no black lab grown diamonds on the market because of the widespread availability of natural black diamonds and their low price point.

Red Lab Grown Diamonds

The enhanced options available for red diamonds tend to be a rusty-red colour, more similar to the colour of a garnet. It is exceptionally rare to get a vivid red diamond whether it’s natural, enhanced or a lab grown diamond.

The introduction of structural defects or deformities during the growth process can produce diamonds with rare purple and red colors. These hues are among the most coveted in the world.

Green Lab Grown Diamonds:

The enhanced options for green diamonds tend to be either a forest, apple or mint green rather than an intense green. A true green is uncommon in any kind of diamond.

Are Fancy Colour Lab Grown Diamonds Available in Toronto?

Fancy lab grown diamonds are slowly entering the market. Although supply is still limited, we are starting to see some options for our Toronto clients. We’ve seen yellow, pink, champagne and light blue.

The yellow diamonds we’ve seen have ranged from pale yellow to canary yellow. In blue we’ve seen light blue to very pale blue. Finally, in pink we’ve seen variations from champagne to light pink.

If you’re interested in a coloured lab diamond, we suggest staying open to size and shape. Because supply is still limited, there are only so many shapes and sizes available in each colour.

What about Fancy Melee Options?

Melee diamonds are what jeweller’s call small diamonds. There is no hard and fast rule as to when a diamond is small enough to be referred to as melee. Usually melee is considered 3mm and below.

As with their larger counterparts, small coloured lab diamonds are still quite rare. Enchanced natural coloured options are widely available. It will take time but, eventually, there will no doubt be equal availability of fancy colour melee lab grown diamonds.

Design Options

At Posy Fine Jewellery, we are fans of tone on tone. A champagne or pink diamond in rose gold is so swoony. Or the crispness of a pale blue diamond in white gold. Yellow diamonds in yellow gold is also so satisfying.

As fancy colour lab grown diamonds become more available, more design options will open up. As we noted in our introduction, large natural coloured diamonds are just out of reach for most people. In the past this has meant that people who like the look and style of coloured diamonds have had to settle for something else. Thankfully, that’s beginning to change.

Fancy Colour Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

As of right now, it will be hard to find a fancy colour lab grown diamond engagement ring in a retail store. You will have more luck if you opt for a custom engagement ring. We will bring in different diamond options for you to see in person so you can select that one that speaks to you. After the stone selection you will be able to customize every detail of the ring to your personal preferences.

A custom engagement ring involves more labour and therefore is more expensive than an off the shelf option. However, this is the ring that you will be wearing for the rest of your life. It’s important that you get what your heart desires and that it is built to last. You will find that your investment pays for itself over time through the joy that it brings you and the craftsmanship that went into its durability.

If you have any questions that we have not answered here, please do get in touch!

The post Fancy Colour Lab Grown Diamonds first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> A Beginner’s Guide to Diamond Basics https://posyfinejewellery.com/a-beginners-guide-to-diamond-basics/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-beginners-guide-to-diamond-basics Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:40:50 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11904

Diamond Basics: A No-Nonsense Guide 

So, you’re thinking about getting yourself a diamond, but you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the “Cs” – cut, carat, clarity, and colour. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In our diamond basics guide we’re going to break down what you really need to know about the 4C’s of diamonds. We’re also going to look into how the 4C’s (Cut, Carat, Clarity and Colour) relate to lab-grown diamonds because we know you have questions.

If you would like to learn more about lab grown diamonds specifically or even browse available stones for purchase, please visit this link.

Diamond Cut: The Sparkle Factor

First up, let’s talk about the “cut.” The cut of a diamond isn’t about its shape (like round, cushion, or pear). It’s about how well that diamond has been cut from the rough stone. The cut affects the diamond’s sparkle, and that’s what is really most important. In fact, we would argue that the cut is the most important “C” of the “4C’s”! The better the cut, the more light reflection you will get from your diamond.

Above is a summary graph of the GIA scale of diamond cuts. We recommend staying in the Excellent to Very Good range. From time to time you may also see diamond cuts described as ideal or super ideal. You may also come across other terms used to describe diamond cuts. These are all cut names that have been branded by companies. The highest cut grade is what we call triple excellent which refers to a diamond that has been graded excellent on cut, symmetry and polish by GIA.

These cut grades are applicable to modern brilliant cut diamonds and do not apply to older cut styles such as old mine cut or old European cut diamonds.

If you’d like to go beyond the basics, please visit one of our partners, PT Diamonds, and learn more about diamond cut.

Diamond Cuts and Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are graded using the exact same scale as earth mined diamonds. The grading reports will come from labs such as IGI, GCAL and now also GIA. The vast majority of lab grown diamonds are cut to either excellent or very good grades. We would recommend an excellent cut for your lab grown diamond.

Diamond Carat: The Size Factor

Next up in our diamond basics is carat. A lot of people think that carat refers to the size of the diamond. It does not. It refers to the weight of the diamond, measured in “carats”. The weight measurement for diamonds actually came from placing carab seeds on one side of a scale versus diamonds on the other. The cost was determined by on how many carab seeds equaled the weight of the diamond.

So, for example, a one carat diamond will not have a standard measurement in millimeters. For a properly cut stone, a one carat diamond can usually range in size from 6.3-6.6mm. As a basic rule, the larger the carat size, the larger the diamond.

If you’d like to go beyond the basics, please visit one of our partners, PT Diamonds, and learn more about diamond carat.

Diamond Carats and Lab Grown Diamonds

Because lab grown diamonds and earth mined diamonds are chemically identical, they weigh the same. So a carat weight of a lab grown diamond will be equivalent to a carat weight of an earth mined diamond. But, since lab grown diamonds have such a great price point, you will likely get more carats for your budget with a lab grown.

Clarity measures the tiny imperfections, or “inclusions,” inside the diamond. Think of these inclusions as the diamond’s natural birthmarks. They’re like its unique fingerprint. Clarity is graded from “Flawless” (no inclusions) to “Included” (inclusions you can see with the naked eye).

We recommend staying in the range between Flawless and SI1. Flawless and Internally Flawless are quite rare, so if you’re looking for a very clean stone then you’ll be fine with anything in the VVS1 to VS2 range. If you’re looking for a better price point you can also consider diamonds with a clarity grade of SI1. The category of SI is the lowest you can go in the clarity range before you can see the inclusions with your naked eye. We find that the inclusions in the SI1 category are usually less significant than the inclusions in the SI2 category.

Recently, heavily included diamonds have actually become quite popular. They have been rebranded as salt and pepper diamonds.

If you’d like to go beyond the basics, please visit one of our partners, PT Diamonds, and learn more about diamond clarity.

Diamond Clarity and Lab Grown Diamonds

Due to the fact that lab grown diamonds are made in a controlled environment, they typically don’t have as many inclusions as earth mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds, on average, usually have a clarity grade between VVS1 and SI1.

Diamond Colour: Personal Preference

Our final “C” to cover in our diamond basics is Colour. In many ways colour is the least important of all of the C’s. That’s because the colour is the one “C” that gets affected by life. Diamonds love grease. Simply cooking or applying lotion will add a layer of grease to your diamond which will affect its colour. The colour of a diamond will also be affected by the build up of dirt and grit under the setting. Of course, it’s an easy enough fix to clean your diamond and have it looking like new again.

We recommend any colour between D and I or perhaps J. The one exception would be if you are planning to set the diamond in white gold or platinum. Sometimes a white metal can actually highlight the slight yellow undertone in a lower graded diamond. For white gold or platinum settings it’s best to stick with colours between D and H.

If you’d like to go beyond the basics, please visit one of our partners, PT Diamonds, and learn more about diamond colour.

Diamond Colour and Lab Grown Diamonds

As noted above, because lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, it’s easier to produce colourless material. Most Colour grades of lab grown diamonds will be in the colourless (D, E, F) to near colourless (G, H, I, J) range.

Some Final Diamond Basics

  • diamonds are the hardest mineral but that does not mean they are indestructible
  • diamonds are not rare but naturally coloured diamonds are quite rare
  • their durability and light reflection make them ideal stones to use in jewellery that is worn everyday

We hope that you have found this guide useful but if you still have questions please get in touch with us, we’re happy to help!

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Diamond Basics first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> Committing to Colour: Gemstone Engagement Rings https://posyfinejewellery.com/committing-to-colour-gemstone-engagement-rings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=committing-to-colour-gemstone-engagement-rings Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:23:30 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11896

Worried about committing to a coloured gemstone engagement ring?

If you’re worried about committing to a coloured gemstone engagement ring, fear not. We’ll guide you through some of the concerns that often come up and give you some points to consider so you can be confident making your choice. Coloured gemstone engagement rings have long been considered an alternative to the traditional diamond ring. The question remains, is one right for you?

 

Addressing the Concerns about Gemstone Engagement Rings

It’s natural for people to feel hesitant about straying from the norm, especially when it comes to engagement rings. Some common concerns that come up include worries about durability, symbolism, and changes in personal preference. Addressing these concerns head-on can help ease the decision-making process.

Durability and Longevity

A main consideration when selecting the stone that will be in your engagement ring is durability. Ideally this stone will be hard enough to last a lifetime with minimal wear and tear visible on its surface. Many people opted for a diamond in their engagement ring because they are very durable and very hard. While diamonds are known for their hardness, coloured gemstones such as sapphires and rubies are also durable enough to withstand daily wear. These gems are classified using the Mohs scale, which measures their hardness. Diamonds rank at the top with a score of 10, but sapphires and rubies are not far behind with a rank of 9. The lower a gemstone is on the Mohs scale, the softer it is, so you’ll want to select a stone with at least a rank of 8 or above.

Some gemstones that would be a good choice for an engagement ring include: diamond, sapphire, ruby, alexandrite and topaz as well as their lab grown counterparts. Emeralds, although hard, can be brittle due inclusions. We recommend lab emeralds over natural emeralds because there are not as brittle.

Symbolism and Tradition

As noted above, it was common for people to select a diamond for their engagement ring due to their durability. Over time, a perceived symbolism of a diamond ring evolved and they began to be associated with timeless love and commitment. This association can be so strong that someone might not consider a ring an “engagement ring” unless it is a diamond. And so, the diamond engagement ring became traditional. But, the truth is, it could be argued that coloured gemstone engagement rings are equally as traditional. Since the custom of giving engagement rings came about coloured gemstones have been in the mix, particularly blue sapphire and ruby. Still, some people consider coloured gemstone engagement rings non-traditional. The question for yourself is, how do closely do you identify with this perceived tradition? Is it important to you, or not?

Personal Preference and Aesthetics

Finally, we’ve found that some also worry about potential regret. We’ve had clients who worry that their decision is being influenced by trends and are unsure if they will still like their ring in 10 years. Others worry that the colour of the stone in their engagement ring won’t match their wardrobe. For the first worry, no one will be able to anticipate how they will feel about their ring in the future. But, if you are having that thought, it might be a sign that you are not confident in how you feel which means you might not be ready to make your decision. For the second worry about matching clothing, we advise not giving that thought too much energy. There are no rules about being “matchy-matchy” anymore.

Benefits of Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings

Now that we’ve addressed the worries, let’s explore all of the benefits that coloured gemstone engagement rings offer when compared to traditional diamond rings.

Dazzling Array of Colours

One of the most beautiful and exciting aspects of coloured gemstone engagement rings is the incredible variety of hues available. Especially now that different colours of sapphire have become so popular. Traditionally people associate sapphire with the colour blue. But did you know that sapphires are available in a whole rainbow of colours? There are even sapphires that are more than one colour which are referred to as bi-colour or parti sapphires.

Uniqueness and Rarity

There is a common held belief that diamonds are rare. But the truth is that there are many coloured gemstones that are much rarer than diamonds. Some rare coloured gemstones such as high quality colour-change alexandrite or high quality ruby are much more expensive than a similarly sized diamond.

Uniqueness is also a consideration. The difference between grades of diamonds can almost be imperceptible to the common person. The difference between a E and an F coloured diamond can only be discerned by a professional gemmologist. But, with coloured gemstones, every single one is different. This uniqueness can be incorporating into the story of your relationship and the story of your engagement ring.

Value and Cost-Effectiveness

Although very large or very rare coloured gemstones can be even more expensive than diamonds, coloured gemstones often offer exceptional value for their price. Generally, coloured gemstone engagement rings tend to be more affordable than their diamond counterparts. This allows you to allocate your budget to a larger, finer stone without compromising on quality.

Gemstone Engagement Rings, is one Right for You?

In a world where diamonds are the standard, choosing a coloured gemstone engagement ring instantly sets your proposal and your engagement ring apart. We find that many of our clients fall in love with, not only their ring design, but also their gemstone. Especially when that gemstone is a coloured stone.

Ready to commit to colour?

Please get in touch with us or submit a quote request to get started. If you would like to schedule a meeting we have a wide selection of coloured gemstone that we can show you. Or, if you have a more unique request, we can order gemstones in from our local suppliers so you can see options in person. For inspiration you can also check out the website of one of our local suppliers, Sorbet Sapphire.

Hope to see you soon!

The post Committing to Colour: Gemstone Engagement Rings first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

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