Sometimes, diamonds are not always a girl’s best friend. In fact, many brides are choosing to forgo the traditional diamond engagement ring for alternative stones, including everything from sapphires to rubies to emeralds. Alternative stones tend to be less pricey than diamonds, which might be a reason behind the trend. But also, some brides-to-be just might not be fans of diamonds and would rather wear a stone that’s more reflective of their own tastes?and that’s totally OK! If you’re considering an alternative engagement ring stone, here are some important tips to know before you buy?and get down on one knee.
Make Sure You Love the Stone’s Color

While you might love the color red, that might not be the best reason for selecting a sapphire or ruby ring. You may love the color black right now and think that will look “cooler” than a traditional diamond, however, it’s important to remember that this is a ring you’re going to be wearing forever. Think carefully before selecting the stone and color of your choice. You don’t want to be “over it” in a decade. Consider the Stone’s Hardness
When selecting any stone, it’s crucial to consider its hardness because the harder the mineral, the least likely it will scratch and show any wear and tear. You can do this by consulting the Mohs scale. Devised by the German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, it measures the scratch resistance of various min...