Gemstone Rings

When shopping for a gemstone ring, it’s important to strike a balance between beauty, personal style, durability, and how well it suits your lifestyle. Here are some key tips—broken down by gemstone, metal, and setting style—to help you find the perfect piece.

• Gemstone Quality
  For colorless stones, the 4Cs used for diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are a helpful reference. For colored gemstones, color becomes the most important factor, and the grading criteria differ from those of diamonds. In general, the more vivid, saturated, and pure the color, the more valuable the stone. When comparing gemstones, look closely at both hue and clarity.
• Durability
  For rings you plan to wear frequently, choose stones with higher hardness ratings. We recommend gemstones with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 or above for everyday wear. If you fall in love with a softer gem, consider a protective setting to extend its lifespan.
• Metal Choice
  The metal you choose affects both the look and feel of your ring. We recommend durable, hypoallergenic metals such as 10k, 14k, or 18k gold, sterling silver or platinum. Also consider how the metal color pairs with the gemstone—white gold or platinum enhances a modern, sleek look, rose gold adds warmth and romance, yellow gold delivers timeless, classic elegance.
• Setting Style
  The two most common setting styles are prong and bezel settings. Prong settings hold the gemstone in place with minimal metal, allowing more light to pass through and maximizing sparkle. Bezel settings, on the other hand, surround the gemstone with a metal rim, offering enhanced protection—especially ideal for delicate stones like opal that benefit from added support and a reflective backing.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a gemstone ring that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

While specific care instructions may vary depending on the type of gemstone, the following general tips will help you keep your ring looking its best:

• Wearing:
  Avoid wearing your ring during intense physical activities or situations involving high impact—especially when it features softer gemstones, which are more prone to damage.
• Cleaning:
  Use a soft brush and mild soapy water to gently clean your ring. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or cleaning solvents. (Always check whether your specific gemstone is safe for ultrasonic or steam cleaning before using those methods.)
• Storage:
  Store your gemstone ring separately, preferably in a compartmentalized jewelry box or a soft pouch, to prevent it from rubbing against other pieces and getting scratched.
• Maintenance:
  Periodically bring your ring to a professional jeweler for a setting inspection. Ensuring the stone is securely mounted will help your ring last for years to come.