Birthstone Vs. Diamond or CZ

KayyKayy311

Recently my BF and I have been discussing marriage and looking at rings together online. My birthstone is aquamarine and I love the color. But as a girl, i've always dreamed of a diamond. I'm always looking for the best deal and quality but don't want him spending a bundle. I'm at a tough decision and narrowed it down to a couple of rings, mostly aquamarine.

palrmt

There is certainly nothing wrong with getting an aquamarine engagement ring if thats what you really want.  My e-ring is a sapphire center stone because thats what I really wanted.  What you have to do is figure out what you want.  It was weird because I had always dreamed of a diamond as well but when I really started thinking about it, I just kind of knew I wanted the sapphire.  I like it because it is different and not like everyone else's.  Just figure out what you want and then stick to it.  I think the thing that drove my FI nuts was that I would like one ring and then the next day I would be like "Oh now I love this one."  But when I found the one that he ended up getting me I knew right away that I didn't want any other ring. 

AmeliaAndSeth8890

Have you physically tried any on yet that are similar or the ones you have pictured? It makes a HUGE difference trying something on vs seeing it on the computer.

That's my only advice - go try them on. I think you'll have a better idea then.

tldh

Talk to a jeweler about the durability of an aquamarine.  I have a sapphire center stone in my ring which is just below diamond in durabiity.  My understanding is that rubies are the only other jewel that have this hardness.

Islamorada14

Aquamarine is a somewhat soft stone (7.5 on Mohs scale of hardness), so I'd be concerned about durability if you plan on wearing it every day. 

In comparison, sapphire/ruby is a 9 on the Mohs scale and diamond is a 10.   If you want the look of an aquamarine but greater durability, sapphire's are available in lighter shades of blue.  Here's a color/cost scale of blue sapphires:

http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/how_to_buy_sapphire.asp?FolderID=53

meganiobe

I have a 1.5 ct Aquamarine ring that I was given by my parents when I was a senior in high school. I have worn it everyday since, I NEVER take it off. I shower in it, I do dished with it on. And it's has been fine! It's beautiful, and I love it. I wouldn't ever trade my Aquamarine, and I don't think you would have problem's with it's durability, like I said I wear mine everyday.

MallyB86

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_birthstone-vs-diamond-cz?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:683Discussion:996e6b0d-4fed-4e71-8b24-455a2d708262Post:6eac85e0-6db9-4848-8dfa-2e46b88c88f9">Re: Birthstone Vs. Diamond or CZ</a>:
[QUOTE]Have you physically tried any on yet that are similar or the ones you have pictured? It makes a HUGE difference trying something on vs seeing it on the computer. That's my only advice - go try them on. I think you'll have a better idea then.
Posted by AmeliaAndSeth8890[/QUOTE]

I <p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 1in;text-indent:-1in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;color:#1f1f1f;line-height:115%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';">agree. Initially I wanted a simple round cut solitaire, but when I tried one, it did not look like what I had pictured in my head. I ended up picking out a cushion cut center stone in a halo, eternity band setting and I LOVE it. Looking at pictures online, I was intimidated by all the glitz and glam of a halo/eternity band. I thought it would be too stately for me at age 24. When the ring is not three inches in diameter on your computer screen, it's much more manageable!

On non-traditional engagement rings: YOU get what YOU want. If you end up going the CZ or Moissanite route, no one has to know but you and your intended. If your heart is not set on a "real" diamond, do not invest the money into something you are not crazy about. Enjoy putting a down payment on a house, being debt free, or taking a fab honeymoon!</span></p>

naomikb

Personally I would rather have a real gem of some sorts than a pretend/simulation gem.  So I would pick the aquamarine or smaller diamond over a cubic zirconia or Asha or some other diamond simulant.

I LOVE ring #2!  Gorgeous.

artbyallie

I vote for the aquamarine! My cousin has one and it's beautiful. It's also my fiancé's birthstone and we had talked about getting a ring with both sapphire (mine) and aquamarine before deciding on my sapphire.

becunning2

Ahhh, #4 looks like something I want, but with a sapphire!  If you have input in your ring, get something you will love and cherish.  If you will love an aquamarine, get one of those!  It doesn't have to be a diamond.

loves2shop4shoes

My birthstone is also Aquamarine.  It really is a beautiful stone, but it is relatively soft.  If you're not careful with your jewelry (I am totally NOT), it may scrape, chip, etc.  Also, a lot of my aquamarine jewelry got cloudy over the years. 

If you have your heart set on it, that's fine, but I'd talk to a jeweler about these concerns.

mizzicantwait

I have an aquamarine ring that is absolutely gorgeous... even though I am already engaged(w/ a diamond ring) I sometimes wear the aquamarine ring instead.. my BF(now FI) gave me the ring and he wants me to wear both... but they both fit on the same finger...my right ring finger is a bit fatter..lol

Plus if you go with the aquamarine you have your something blue covered..lol

weddingdreams2013

I really love your selections. The fourth picture looks like a great option since it's a gorgeous cushion cut and with the style you can either have an diamond or aquamarine stone. This style is also known to enhance the look and size of the center stone. You should maybe look around for some loose aquamarine stones to see basic prices, they should be considerably lower than a diamond. 

Here is a website that I use when buying cushion cut jewelry because it gives me an idea of the market today: http://www.unique-cushion-cut-engagement-rings.com/

Another idea is to perhaps work with a jeweler that can customize a ring for you. 

Also look online for deals, they are usually lower prices and more efficient at getting the product that you want. My sister had an amazing experience with her engagement ring dealer. 

Bets of luck and happy hunting!

christyann918

 Mine is Sapphire and I love it....but just an FYI... Diamonds also come in light blue and are gorgeous, theres one at Zales that blows my breath away and is the same average price of a white diamond if your willing to spend the cash. Otherwise-who cares? Do what makes you happy and what your comfortable with, don't waste time and spend money you dont want to on other peoples opinion of what you should have! Good Luck!

KayyKayy311

Thanks so much for your advice and opinions ladies! I appreciate them all. I have tried on several different types, mostly leading to me liking the big center stone with some small accents. Thanks for posting the link Islamorada14 I never knew there were different shades of sapphire. It will help when I make my decision. ChristyAnn, Zales is my favorite, the #4 pic is one of theres. I will definately post my e-ring pic when chosen to let you all know ladies, thanks again