Brilliantany
Gemstone Education
Select from a variety of gems including blue sapphire, amethyst, ruby, and more to find the ideal engagement ring or statement jewelry piece.
How to Buy a Gemstone
Discover comprehensive insights into gemstone colors, grades, and types. We provide detailed information on durability, pricing, and quality, empowering you to make an informed and confident choice. Whether you're considering black diamond, moissanite, or white diamond, our expert gemologists are here to offer tailored recommendations.
Diamond Guide
Diamonds are the rarest, hardest, most valuable, and precious gemstones on Earth. They symbolize ultimate commitment and love. Explore our diamond guide to understand the essentials of purchasing this enduring symbol of your commitment.
Our Gemstones
Everything you need to know about gemstones of every color, always ensuring the highest quality.
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MOISSANITE
Moissanite offers exceptional visual impact and durability, serving as a valuable alternative to mined and lab-made diamonds. Its unique faceted pattern creates a stunning rainbow effect under light, making moissanite engagement rings and jewelry beloved for their brilliance.
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BLUE SAPPHIRE
Sapphires, with their deep and soulful blue hue, rank second only to diamonds in popularity. Their royal blue color makes them a highly favored choice for gemstone jewelry, particularly for significant milestones like the 5th, 45th, and 70th wedding anniversaries. Sapphires add an elegant touch to both rings and necklaces. Explore our Sapphire guide to learn about sourcing, pricing, and selection essentials.
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RUBY
Rubies are renowned for their deep, vibrant red color that enhances any piece of jewelry. They are particularly associated with the 15th, 40th, and 80th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and commitment. The color of rubies is unmatched—full of passion, this fiery red gemstone captures the essence of life and love.
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LONDON BLUE TOPAZ
One of the most popular blue topaz varieties, alongside Sky Blue Topaz and Swiss Blue Topaz, this deep blue gemstone with hints of grey and brown is revered as a healing stone known to enhance calmness, creativity, and strength. Recognized for its distinct color, it is the November birthstone and a traditional gift for the 4th wedding anniversary.
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PERIDOT
With its earthy green hue and subtle sparkle, this twinkling gemstone is a perfect complement to any hand. Among the oldest gems in history, tracing back to the Egyptians, it is traditionally gifted for the 15th and 16th wedding anniversaries. It's also the ideal birthstone for August babies, offering peace and balance to its wearers. Explore more in our guide to discover all about this budget-friendly gemstone.
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AQUAMARINE
A smooth and icy blue stone that complements precious metals and diamond accents beautifully. Aquamarine engagement rings have been famously worn by royalty like Princess Diana and Meghan Markle. This blue-green gemstone is traditionally gifted for the 19th wedding anniversary or to those born in March. Choosing an aquamarine engagement ring can offer a more affordable and unique alternative to traditional diamond rings.
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AMETHYST
Regal in its purple hue, this gem has symbolized royalty and authority since ancient times. Ranging from a light lilac to a deep plum color, amethyst signifies calmness and stillness. It holds a special connection to February, as it is the birthstone for this month and is linked to a story of Saint Valentine, who was said to wear an amethyst ring carved with Cupid's likeness.
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BLACK DIAMOND
White diamonds are universally recognized as the ultimate symbol of love and enduring relationships. Similarly, black diamonds carry their own unique appeal. Renowned for their modern and edgy appearance, black diamonds make an impactful statement. Explore our black diamond guide to learn everything you need to know about purchasing this distinctive symbol of commitment. They are definitely an excellent choice for a gemstone engagement ring that will leave a lasting impression.
8 Steps to Select a Gemstone Ring
Step Number 1
Step Number 1
Set a budget
When it comes to this topic, advice tends to be subjective. While there's an antiquated suggestion to save 2 to 3 months' salary, it's more important to spend within your and your partner's comfort zone. There are numerous ways to make the most of any budget when shopping with the right jeweler. For non-diamond gemstone rings, the majority of the budget will typically be allocated to the type of gemstone, its carat weight, and the overall ring style and appearance. At Brilliantany, gemstone rings start at $350 and can range up to $3,600.
Step Number 2
Pick a Gemstone
The center stone is the focal point that initially draws the eye and often dictates the price. Our selection includes Diamonds, White Moissanite, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, London Blue Topaz, Peridot, Aquamarine, Amethyst, and Black Diamond. Unsure where to begin? We suggest exploring their meanings or referring to our Birth Gemstone Chart for guidance.
Birth Gemstone Chart
JANUARY
January - Garnet Gemstone
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) or Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Symbolizes victory and eternal love, often chosen as a gift for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
FEBRUARY
February - Amethyst Gemstone
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) or Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Symbolizes courage, clarity, and calmness, often given as a gift for the 6th wedding anniversary.
MARCH
March - Aquamarine Gemstone
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) or Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Symbolizes cheerfulness, new growth, and compassion, often chosen as a gift for the 19th wedding anniversary.
APRIL
April - Diamond Gemstone
Aries (March 21 - April 19) or Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Symbolizes eternal love, strength, and endurance, often gifted for the 10th, 60th, and/or 75th wedding anniversary.
MAY
May - Emerald Gemstone
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) or Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Symbolizes royalty, intuitiveness, and love, often chosen as a gift for the 20th, 35th, and/or 55th wedding anniversary.
JUNE
June - Pearl or Light Amethyst Gemstones
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) or Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Symbolizes happiness, intuitiveness, and strength, often given as a gift for the 3rd, 12th, and/or 30th wedding anniversary.
JULY
July - Ruby Gemstone
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) or Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Symbolizes nobility, courage, and passion, often chosen as a gift for the 15th, 40th, and/or 80th wedding anniversary.
AUGUST
August - Peridot Gemstone
Leo (July 23 - August 22) or Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Symbolizes creativity, peace, and balance, often given as a gift for the 15th and/or 16th wedding anniversary.
SEPTEMBER
Blue Sapphire Gemstone
Virgo (August 23 - September 22) or Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Symbolizes clarity, wisdom, and commitment, often chosen as a gift for the 5th, 45th, and/or 70th wedding anniversary.
OCTOBER
October - Opal or Pink Tourmaline Gemstones
Libra (September 23 - October 22) or Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Symbolizes clarity, intuitiveness, and luck, often given as a gift for the 8th and/or 14th wedding anniversary.
NOVEMBER
November - Topaz or Citrine Gemstone
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) or Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Symbolizes healing, inspiration, and happiness, often chosen as a gift for the 13th and/or 23rd wedding anniversary.
DECEMBER
December - Blue Topaz or Light Sapphire Gemstone
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) or Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Symbolizes calming, creativity, and love/warmth, often given as a gift for the 4th wedding anniversary.
Step Number 3
Step Number 3
Pick a Shape
Popular gemstone shapes include Round, Princess, Cushion, Emerald, Oval, and Pear. Among these, Round and Emerald shapes are the most popular choices for gemstones.
Gemstone Shapes
Step Number 4
Step Number 4
Shop with your eyes
Explore our five distinct ring style collections: Classic, Contemporary, Halo, Solitaire, and Three Stone. Each collection offers unique designs tailored to match your partner's preferences and current jewelry style.
Step Number 5
Step Number 5
Choose a Metal
Consider what feeling you want the ring to evoke. Many prefer the versatility of white gold, while others appreciate the vintage appeal of yellow gold or the romantic charm of rose gold. Platinum is often chosen for its ability to maintain the colorlessness of diamonds, its durability surpassing that of yellow gold, and its hypoallergenic properties.
Step Number 6
Step Number 6
Carat
When selecting gemstone rings, carat weight significantly influences the ring's appearance. However, unlike diamonds, the price increase for loose gemstones does not escalate drastically with higher carat weights. At Brilliantany, we offer center stones starting from as small as 0.5 carats.
Step Number 7
Step Number 6
Find The Ideal Timing
Once you've decided on your ideal ring, it's wise to set the proposal date in advance. This allows ample time for planning, researching the ring, and ensuring it's picked up or shipped to you on time. We suggest allowing at least three months to coordinate all the details seamlessly.
Step Number 8
Order The Ring
Before making your purchase, it's essential to ask your jeweler all the right questions to ensure you get the best value and peace of mind. Here are some key inquiries to make:
1. Gemstone Certification: Ask if the gemstones come with certification from reputable sources like GIA or IGI.
2. Precious Metals: Inquire whether they use pure precious metals for their jewelry.
3. Appraisals: Check if they provide appraisals for the jewelry.
4. Return and Warranty Policy: Understand their policies regarding returns and warranties.
These questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure the quality and reliability of your jewelry purchase.
We're here to help.
Our team of expert gemologists is available seven days a week to assist you with diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.
FAQ's
What are the most popular gemstones for engagement rings?
Sapphire and Ruby are gemstones that rank second only to diamonds in terms of durability and are part of the corundum family. They boast a rich history and have long been associated with royalty and wealth. At Brilliantany, approximately 95% of customer inquiries are for Blue Sapphires.
What is the most expensive gemstone?
Apart from white diamonds, rubies are the second most expensive gemstone. A one-carat ruby engagement ring typically costs at least 60% more than a one-carat white diamond engagement ring. For example, a loose 1-carat 6mm round ruby may cost around $3,000, whereas a loose 1-carat 6mm round white diamond can range from $3,000 to $18,000.
What is the cheapest gemstone?
In our inventory, London Blue Topaz is the most affordable gemstone. For instance, a 1-carat round London Blue Topaz is priced at $160, which is less than 15% of the cost of a 1-carat ruby.
What is the most durable gemstone?
To understand this question, familiarity with the Mohs Hardness Scale is crucial as it indicates a gem's resistance to abrasions, scratches, breaking, and chipping. This scale ranks gem and mineral hardness from 1 (least hard) to 10 (hardest). Both lab-grown and natural diamonds rank at 10, making them the hardest substance known. Ruby and sapphire, which belong to the corundum family, rank at 9 on the Mohs scale. While they share this hardness level with diamonds, they do not exhibit cleavage, a property diamonds possess that causes them to split upon a sharp impact.
What shapes are gemstones cut in?
Gemstones are cut in three fundamental ways: Brilliant, Step, and Mixed cuts.
1. Brilliant Cut: This cut features triangular and/or kite-shaped facets. Examples include round, oval, cushion, princess, pear, and marquise shapes.
2. Step Cut: Step cuts exhibit rectangular facets resembling a hall of mirrors. Gemstones such as emerald, baguette, and Asscher shapes are cut in this style.
3. Mixed Cut: A combination of triangular, kite, and rectangular facets characterizes mixed cuts. Oval shapes are a popular example of gems cut in this manner. Radiant shapes, another example, blend brilliant and step cut facets effectively, often concealing inclusions and intensifying color.
Additionally, Cabochon Cuts are notable for their lack of facets. They feature an oval or elliptical shape with a smooth, domed surface.
How are gemstones graded?
Reputable gemstone laboratories typically grade gemstones on a letter scale ranging from AAAA, AAA, AA, to B.
-AAAA : These gemstones are extremely rare and constitute less than 5% of the market. They are highly sought after for their exceptional quality and are suitable for high-end jewelry settings.
-AAA : Gemstones graded AAA are of excellent quality and are commonly used in rings, earrings, and necklaces. They represent a significant portion of the market.
-AA : AA graded gemstones are also of good quality and are suitable for jewelry settings, though they may have slight imperfections compared to AAA stones.
-B : Gemstones graded B have more noticeable imperfections and are typically not used in fine jewelry settings. They may be suitable for cabochon cuts or less expensive jewelry.
It's important to choose gemstones graded AAAA, AAA, or AA for jewelry settings to ensure they meet the desired standards of quality and appearance.