2019 will see future brides challenging convention and choosing alternatives to your traditional diamond engagement ring. There are plenty of gorgeous gems to choose from, but this year’s favorite by far will be morganite. This delicate pink colored variety of beryl is of the same family as aquamarine and emerald, and derives its rare pigment from small traces of manganese. If you’ve found yourself marveling at one of these blush colored beauties, you’re not alone. Stylish brides-to-be everywhere have taken note of morganite’s growing popularity, which is why we thought to highlight some of the top reasons for choosing a morganite engagement ring.
Morganite History
The largest morganite deposits are in Brazil and Madagascar. Although, gem-quality morganites have been sourced from various regions of the world, including Afghanistan, China, and Russia. Discovered on the island of Madagascar in 1910, morganite is named for American financier, J.P. Morgan, an avid gem enthusiast and collector. Gemstone lore states that morganite brings compassion, assurance, and promise to its wearer—all of the elements of a long and healthy marriage!
Morganite vs. Diamonds
What makes morganite an ideal alternative to diamonds? For starters, morganite is one of the more durable gemstones, with a Moh’s rating of 7.5 to 8. While we know diamonds to be the toughest gemstone with a solid 10 rating, morganite is considered fairly sturdy in comparison. If cared for properly, a morganite engagement ring can last you a lifetime. Not to mention, you don’t have to sacrifice sparkle, since morganite has about as much radiance as a diamond.
Similar to diamonds, morganite can occur in an assortment of colors including orange, yellow, and violet, though the paler pink hues are most in demand. These pink gems often include hints of orange and yellow, giving them a distinct salmon color. Most morganite is heat treated according to industry standards in order to ensure stable color throughout, and to remove any traces of discoloration. Because morganite is usually unearthed in large pieces, stones frequently come in larger carat sizes—a factor that doesn’t impact the price the same way it does with a diamond. For optimal display of morganite’s brilliant color, it is actually advisable to select a larger sized stone.
The average price per carat of morganite is about $300, compared to $3,250 for diamonds. And if it’s the shade of pink you desire, to achieve the same look with a pink diamond would cost you even more. That’s a pretty big jump in price, another reason why morganite has become such a popular substitute for diamonds.
You could even choose to pair the two together. Diamond accents, such as a halo or pavé band, make an excellent addition to a morganite engagement ring. In fact, this is a fairly common combo, as smaller diamond embellishments are less costly than larger ones. So, since you’ll save on the cost of your center stone, why not splurge on its adornments?
Shopping for Morganite
There are a few things you want to look out for when deciding on a morganite engagement ring. First, buyers must be weary of dishonest sellers. There are those who will try to pass off colored glass or synthetic stones as the real deal. Before you shop, familiarize yourself with the current price per carat of morganite, and steer clear of prices that seem too good to be true. If you have any doubts or uncertainty, be sure that your jeweler at least has a return or exchange policy, and be cautious of those who do not. Keeping these tips in mind, there are plenty of ways to customize a morganite engagement ring to your unique style.
The most popular pairing is morganite and rose gold. The warm copper tones of rose gold perfectly enhance the pink hues of morganite. Placed in a rose gold basket setting, morganite radiates beauty and romance. If you prefer a metal other than rose gold, then you’re in luck! Fortunately, morganite pairs beautifully with white and yellow gold, as well as platinum. Yellow gold draws out the orange and yellow undertones of the stone, while platinum makes pinker stones really POP.
When choosing a setting, you’ll want to keep in mind that morganite can be a bit frailer than diamonds. Opting for a bezel setting, or six prongs instead of four, could save you from loss or damage down the road. Morganite can be found in a variety of shapes, but cushion cuts and round solitaires are two of the most popular.
Shop Engagement Rings in San Diego
When it comes to shopping for an engagement ring, you want to go to a local jeweler you can trust. Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has been a San Diego staple for nearly 40 years, helping countless customers pull off the engagement of their dreams. Surprise her with a morganite engagement ring, or stick with something more traditional, like diamonds. Our friendly team will help you decide each detail, so you can avoid the guessing game.
source https://www.leohamel.com/blog/index.php/2019/01/morganite-engagement-rings/
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