While Marilyn Monroe sang about diamonds being a girl’s best friend, other gemstones are fast becoming a popular choice as far as jewellery and other accessories are concerned. In fact, alternative gemstones featured in as much as 10% of engagement rings during 2019. Gemstone necklaces and earrings are also among the top accessory choices of celebs and ordinary folk alike who want to add a bit of shimmer and shine to their outfits.
What Are Gemstones?
Many naturally occurring minerals and rocks have exceptional beauty, rarity, and durability that stone collectors seek. By possessing these properties, a mineral or rock is then cut, shaped, and polished to make a gemstone and sell it as it is, embedded in jewelry and in other adornments.
Gemstones are often categorized according to the following classifications:
- Mineral Vs. Non-Mineral: A mineral is formed from inorganic substances in the Earth’s crust. When a mineral has outstanding beauty and rarity, collectors call it a gemstone, like diamond, ruby, and emerald.
- Precious Vs. Semi-Precious: Not all gemstones are equal. Precious gemstones possess the highest level of beauty, rarity, and durability, while semi-precious ones only demonstrate one or two of these qualities.
- Natural Vs. Synthetic: As the name implies, natural gemstones are simply gemstones that have formed and are found in nature, while synthetic ones are created by human hands and machines.
Choose a gemstone engagement ring
What better way to accessorise with a piece of jewellery than to veer away from tradition and opt for a gemstone wedding or engagement ring? While gemstone rings have skyrocketed in popularity in recent times, some of the world’s most beloved celebrities sported gemstone rings long before they became a red-hot trend. Back in 1953, John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier with a gorgeous emerald engagement ring. Then, in 1981, Princess Diana picked a stunning 18-carat diamond and sapphire ring as an engagement band. Prince William later proposed to Kate Middleton with the same ring. Other celebs to sport gemstone engagement rings include Halle Berry, Liz Hurley, and Jessica Simpson.
Gemstone necklaces are an elegant choice
Although engagement and wedding rings may be one of the driving forces behind the recent gemstone trend, necklaces sporting gorgeous stones are also becoming a hot commodity. In fact, these beautiful jewellery pieces have become so popular that they have even made their way onto the red carpet at some of the globe’s most prestigious award ceremonies. During the 2019 award season, we have seen Laura Harrier and Charlize Theron wearing necklaces adorned with mismatched gemstones, and Allison Janney and Amy Adams sporting rubies. Even Pharrell Williams was seen donning an emerald necklace, disproving the stereotype that gemstone jewellery is only for women.
Gemstones aren’t just acknowledged for their eye-catching beauty, but they also provide benefits to your health and wellness, if you know the right gemstone or crystal to wear. They can significantly affect your mood, energy, and relationships as they emit energies. For instance, hanging an amethyst on your neck can help calm your mind, balance your emotions, and boost your courage, so it’s best to wear before you start your day.
Make a subtle statement with gemstone earrings
While a gemstone-encrusted ring or necklace demands to be noticed, gemstone earrings can also utter more of a whisper to draw your attention to them. A delicate pair of stud or hoop gemstone earrings can, for example, lend a subtle hint of elegance to an otherwise casual outfit. A gorgeous pair of emerald, ruby, sapphire or amethyst earrings can also complement everything from a business suit to an evening gown. You can also, of course, make a very bold statement with gemstone earrings, especially if they feature a chunkier design, almost similar to the statement pieces that actress Gemma Chan favours.
Gemstone jewellery has enjoyed a significant increase in popularity in recent times. Not only are gemstone wedding and engagement rings becoming a trend, but necklaces and earrings are also becoming very well-loved fashion accessories.