Frequently Asked Questions About Alternative Engagement Rings
What is an alternative engagement ring?
An alternative engagement ring departs from the conventional diamond solitaire through its gemstone, setting, shape, colour or overall design. It may feature a coloured gemstone, an unconventional diamond arrangement, a distinctive metal treatment or a more artistic silhouette.
Which gemstones are popular for alternative engagement rings?
Sapphires, rubies and emeralds are popular choices because of their colour, symbolism and visual character. Other possibilities may include coloured diamonds and less traditional gemstones, although suitability for frequent wear should be considered before choosing a centre stone.
Can an alternative engagement ring still feature diamonds?
Yes. An alternative ring can feature diamonds in a nontraditional setting, shape or arrangement. Bezel settings, halos, two-stone designs, coloured diamonds and sculptural compositions can create a distinctive look while retaining the brilliance of a diamond.
Are sapphire engagement rings suitable for everyday wear?
Sapphire is one of the harder commonly used gemstones and is generally well suited to an engagement ring. It should still be protected from hard impacts and inspected periodically to ensure the setting remains secure.
Are emerald engagement rings durable enough for daily wear?
Emeralds require more careful handling than diamonds or sapphires because they commonly contain natural internal characteristics and can be more vulnerable to impact. A protective setting and attentive care are especially important for an emerald ring worn regularly.
What should I consider when choosing a coloured gemstone?
Consider the gemstone’s colour, durability, clarity characteristics, cut and setting. Because colour is a major part of a gemstone’s appeal, view the stone under different lighting conditions and choose the shade and saturation that you find most attractive.
Are alternative engagement rings less expensive than diamond rings?
Not necessarily. Price depends on the gemstone or diamond, rarity, size, quality, precious metal and complexity of the setting. Some coloured gemstones may cost less than comparable diamonds, while rare or exceptional stones can be significantly more valuable.
What metals are available for alternative engagement rings?
Selected designs are available in yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. The available metal colour and gold karat vary by ring, so consult the individual product page for exact specifications.
How do I match a wedding band with an unconventional engagement ring?
Consider the engagement ring’s setting height, band width and shape. Rings with low settings, halos or unusual profiles may pair best with a curved, chevron or custom-contoured wedding band rather than a straight band.
Can alternative engagement rings be resized?
Many gold rings can be resized, but the amount of adjustment depends on the setting, stone placement and construction. Rings with stones extending far around the band or highly detailed designs may have more limited resizing options.
Does Ex Aurum offer natural and lab-grown diamonds?
Diamond origin and availability vary by design. Review the individual product specifications or consult an Ex Aurum jeweller to confirm whether a ring contains a natural or laboratory-grown diamond.
Can Ex Aurum create a custom alternative engagement ring?
Yes. Ex Aurum can develop a custom engagement ring based on your preferred gemstone or diamond, precious metal, setting and design details. Custom design is particularly useful when you want a specific colour, unusual stone arrangement or one-of-a-kind silhouette.
How should I care for a gemstone engagement ring?
Remove the ring before exercising, swimming, cleaning or performing work that could damage the stone or setting. Cleaning methods depend on the gemstone, and some stones should not be exposed to ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Periodic professional inspection is recommended.
Can I view alternative engagement rings in Montreal?
Yes. Visit the Ex Aurum showroom at 620 Cathcart Street, Suite 300, in downtown Montreal to compare gemstones, metals, settings and ring styles. Contact the showroom beforehand to confirm that a particular design is available to view.