Gemstone engagement rings are increasingly getting popular!
Change is inevitable and when it comes to engagement rings, a shift in the type of stones used in its making is getting obvious. More and more people are opting for gemstone engagement rings instead of diamond engagement rings. This implies uniqueness and importance to sustainability.
Gemstone engagement rings
Traditions are showing a shift and customer and couple preferences are changing. The diamond engagement ring is still the most sought-after engagement ring. But increasingly, people are opting for gemstone engagement rings. The market is set to show a rise.
Diamond solitaire was the only stone used in engagement rings for decades. But now, more and more couples are choosing sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and yellow gemstones and yellow diamonds to be the center of the engagement rings. They choose these gems in different sizes and shapes to go with their own unique love stories.
Now, gemstones are seen in 15% of engagement rings. Earlier, it was in a mere 5% of the rings. Younger couples are more often likely to choose them due to their distinctiveness and potential of personalization.
Reasons for this shift
Besides, personal unique choices these days of the couples, availability of lab-grown diamonds and presence of gems that mimic the natural gems but are relatively cheaper have both facilitated the push towards gemstones for engagement rings.
Gemstone engagement rings are the in thing now. There are no ethical issues associated with the lab-grown gems and sustainability is not compromised. Hence, the planet-conscious people prefer these to the original natural diamonds and precious gems. They stress on sustainability rather than extravagance and uniqueness over size.
It implies a shift in societal values and how an individual and couple celebrate love and view commitment. People are moving towards celebration of love and togetherness without damaging the planet and environment. They want variety and uniqueness and are willing to transform culture and tradition accordingly. Individuality and ethical values are navigated to give the best balance between the two in the form of an engagement ring.
Challenges ahead
The market share and demand for gemstones for engagement rings is rising. But natural gemstone supply is limited. The mines are drying up and therefore the prices are rising.
But lookalike gems are also entering the market. These gems are not natural and do not come with a heavy price tag. They are affordable. There is similar aesthetics with a fraction of cost. However, authenticity and value of these gems become difficult issues for new consumers. They may end up getting cheated and pay more for less or fake gems.
Government regulations and rules with penalty for those found cheating would help in keeping the market clean. Moreover, future consumers should be educated on how their choice should be and what are authentic gems. They can be provided with guidelines on choosing the best without fraud. Also, directions on where and how to report a fraud could help curb them.
Read here: Sara Bareilles unveils new engagement ring a year after getting engaged
The landscape of these gems for engagement ring is rich, diverse and dynamic.
