For centuries, diamonds have reigned supreme as the go-to gemstone for jewellery, symbolizing luxury and enduring beauty. However, in recent years, a growing trend has emerged, shifting the spotlight towards alternative gemstones. These unique and vibrant stones offer a fresh perspective, allowing jewellery enthusiasts to express their individuality in new and exciting ways. Gemstones have captivated human fascination in recent times, adorning jewellery with their vibrant colours, stunning brilliance and inherent rarity. These precious and semi-precious stones formed deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years hold a timeless allure. From the fiery red of rubies to the deep blue of sapphires, the spectrum of gemstones offers endless possibilities for creating exquisite and personalised jewellery pieces.
Ram Raimalani, founder of MK Jewels, shares some of the gemstones making a wave are:
Freshwater real pearls: Freshwater real pearls are natural gemstones formed within freshwater mussels. Unlike saltwater pearls, which are cultivated in oysters, freshwater pearls are produced in various freshwater environments. There are many different colours present in these pearls, including white, pink, lavender, and even metallic tones. They are known for their affordability and versatility, making them a popular choice for both classic and contemporary designs. With their natural beauty and timeless appeal, freshwater real pearls continue to captivate jewellery enthusiasts around the world.
Cubic zirconia: CZ is a synthetic gemstone that closely resembles a diamond. It is made from zirconium dioxide and is optically flawless, often used as a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds. CZ’s hardness and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewellery including engagement rings and earrings. While it doesn’t possess the same rarity or value as diamonds, CZ offers an accessible option for those seeking the look and sparkle of a diamond.
Ruby: Known as the ‘king of the gemstones’, rubies are celebrated for their intense red colour and captivating brilliance. These gemstones exude a sense of passion, power and romance. With their striking hue, rubies add a touch of drama to any jewellery design, making them ideal for creating bold and unforgettable pieces. Emeralds: Renowned for their rich green colour, emeralds exude elegance and sophistication. With their unique inclusions and natural beauty, emeralds make captivating centrepieces for necklaces, earrings and rings. Their rarity and association with nature make them particularly alluring.
Blue sapphire: Known for its stunning blue hues, sapphires have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. However, sapphires come in a spectrum of colours, including pink, yellow and even colour-changing varieties. Their durability and brilliance make them an excellent choice for statement jewellery pieces.
Pink morganite: Morganite, a soft pink gemstone has been gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional colourless stones. Its delicate colour and excellent transparency make it a charming choice for romantic and feminine jewellery. Its subtle elegance and affordability make it an excellent option for engagement rings or delicate pendant necklaces.
