What a gem!
Bay Magazine | Published on Jun 19, 2020
Explore the world of colorful gemstones, each as unique as the bride who wears them.
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but who’s to say that one should be limited to a single, colorless confidant? While diamonds remain as the top choice for engagement rings, they haven’t always reigned supreme. Intricate, delicate Edwardian engagement rings of the early 1900s—named after the English monarch Edward VII—often featured a center gemstone, surrounded by clusters of diamonds or other colored stones. This style transitioned into the Art Deco designs gaining popularity in the 1920s, identified by their striking geometric patterns, accentuated with dazzling colored gems, including sapphires, rubies and emeralds. In fact, according to the American Gem society, it wasn’t until the late 1940s that diamonds became de rigueur, with De Beers’ iconic “A Diamond is Forever” slogan spurring sales in the United States.
“What’s old always becomes new again,” says Chris Biele, owner of Atlantic City Jewelry, a family-owned business with locations in Tuckerton and Bayville. As a third-generation jeweler with 30 years of experience, Biele has seen—and designed—it all. “Designing a custom engagement ring with a colored gemstone is the perfect option for a bride looking for a unique piece that’s unlike anything else out there,” Biele says. “Colored stones are also a great option for adding a special touch to a diamond rings—or vice versa, where the diamond serves to accentuate a stunning colored stone,” he adds.
On the topic of gemstones, one of the world’s most famous engagement rings immediately comes to mind: Princess Diana’s 12-carat, oval, blue sapphire ring, surrounded by 14 diamonds, now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. “Sapphire and diamonds are one of the most popular pairings that my clients ask for,” Biele shares.
Sapphires make an excellent choice for fine jewelry because of their high rating on the Mohs hardness scale, a universal scale for measuring the hardness of minerals. At 10, diamonds take the top spot as the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, that can only be scratched by other diamonds. But at a 9, the sapphire is ranked highly, too, making it durable and able to withstand reasonable daily wear. Though harder stones can handle more accidental dings and bumps than softer ones, Biele is passionate about educating his clients about proper jewelry care and maintenance. “Just because something is highly-valued, does not mean its indestructible,” he explains.
While the color blue is quick to come to mind when one hears the word sapphire, these gemstones actually come in every color of the rainbow. Pink sapphires, though rare, are growing increasingly popular among his clientele, Biele notes. In his shops, he carries an extensive collection of loose stones in every color, shape and carat imaginable, often opening up a world of new options and inspiration for shoppers.
Another popular sparkler for an engagement ring that’s guaranteed to be a show stopper? The red ruby, measuring alongside the sapphire for a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale due to their similar mineral composition. “Rubies are especially popular among those who desire a vintage looking ring, recreating the styles that were trending in the 1930s and 1940s,” Biele says. Paired with diamonds, a ruby engagement ring is perfect for the bride inspired by the glamour of Old Hollywood.
It’s important to note that sapphires and rubies are not necessarily a cost-savings alternative to a diamond ring. On average, a diamond will be priced higher, but a large, high-quality, sapphire or ruby ring will occasionally run higher than a diamond ring.
A third gemstone that’s a popular engagement ring request at Atlantic City Jewelers is the incorporation of an emerald, a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. Not as hard as the diamond, sapphire or ruby, those looking for a hint of green may fare better using the stone as an accent, rather than the main attraction.
And for the edgy bride looking for a spin on the traditional diamond, consider a black diamond. Like their clear counterparts, black diamonds are naturally-occurring, but get their striking dark color from minute mineral inclusions, including carbon, graphite, hematite or pyrite, which don’t burn off in the crystallization process, Biele explains. Alternatively, for a bride who is set on the sparkle of a traditional, large diamond but needs to make the most out of a budget, moissanite is an option – a gemstone that’s naturally occurring, but more frequently lab-made. And at 9.5 on the Mohs scale, it’s right behind a diamond in hardness and comparable in sparkle and color, ideal for scenarios where size is the most important design factor.
Of course, there’s a colorful world of gemstones that spans beyond these selections. Biele recalls a custom engagement ring he created for a client featuring a 200-year old, oval purple amethyst, a family heirloom passed down for generations. Surrounded by a halo of diamonds and a sparkly band to match, the final product was a beautiful way for the bride to hold her family close to heart, every single day.
An engagement ring should be unique as the person who wears it. Selecting a jeweler who is experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about jewelry is the only way to ensure that your vision is brought to life. Biele is happy to welcome you into his Atlantic City Jewelry family, serving all of your needs, from custom design, appraisal, insurance, gem certifications and more. “Just like you have a family doctor or lawyer, consider us your family jeweler,” Biele says.
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Visit Atlantic City Jewelry at 437 Atlantic City Boulevard in Bayville, or 110 East Main Street in Tuckerton, or online at atlanticcityjewelry.com.
