In engagement rings, precious stones play a central role. In the past, prominent, crown-like settings were typical, besides which the ring itself had little individuality, although even then they tried to make it unique in small details. Since the same classic character prevails worldwide today, wedding rings are still identified with this style. In Hungary, this is not so typical.
The classical design world is not so typical in Hungary because people do not have the taste and financial means to order a large gemstone in their rings. The smaller stone has less depth, which does not need to protrude so much from the plane of the ring, so it does not require a high, prominent setting. I believe and hope that there are people with healthy taste in our country who are happy to give an individual shape, design, beautiful curved, organic and ergonomic shapes instead of a large stone, which are much more individual, but also comfortable to wear throughout life.
Despite all this, the most characteristic feature of wedding rings to this day is that there is a central gemstone, with additional small stones lining the sides, which beautifully decorate it, draw the characteristic shape, draw attention to the focus, and add extra excitement to the creation.
However, there are also versions of modern engagement rings that feature a pearl in the center, or simply no central gemstone, but rather the design is dominant - even then it is a filigree piece of jewelry - and the presence of small stones is the only thing that indicates the traditional line.
So there are so many exciting ring variations being made these days, and that's why it's easier than ever to design and create personal, individual rings.
In terms of gemstones, we've already talked about diamonds and corundums (sapphire, ruby). For me, they're the best of the white and colored stones, but I wouldn't say they're the most interesting. When someone is looking for a colored gemstone, I first ask about the hues they like, because there are so many different gemstones (and new ones are being discovered all the time) that the possibilities are endless.
Emeralds, opals, topazes, garnets, and many other gemstones have long been known and highly valued. The deep green emerald is easily recognized by its highly inclusion-rich nature, which makes the stone sensitive and fragile. It is popular worldwide, valuable, but not ideal for wedding rings. The extremely pure varieties are of course less sensitive, but the prices are also extreme.
Tanzanite is a particularly beautiful and high-quality stone, although somewhat soft and sensitive to impact. Its rarity is also due to the fact that it is mined exclusively in Tanzania. They say it has the color that sapphire WOULD like to be. :-)
I really like the unique variety of colors of opals, their variety, their free form, their individual special features. Their disadvantage is that you have to pay attention to their softness and moisture content. Therefore, they are not so ideal for wedding rings, but they can be used with proper protection.
I also like topazes because - also due to their radiation treatment - they are cheap, but they are considered a fairly good quality stone. They have a good shine, quite good hardness, and although they can split, they are not delicate if properly set and protected. At the same time, we can afford larger ones, without robbing the bank. They are mainly found in blue shades, but the Imperial Topaz is beautiful and especially valuable, which has a golden brownish shade, there are also pink and colorless versions, and since it is a popular stone, many colors and forms of cutting are tried with subsequent treatments all over the world.
I especially like fancy cut gemstones (which take on unusual shapes) because they break away from the usual jewelry design. They bring a sense of uniqueness and uniqueness, and the shape of the stone also lends itself to a custom-designed engagement ring. I will share some thoughts on these in my next post.