What Is The Most Common Jewel? The Surprising Answer & Stunning Alternatives
When you imagine jewelry, what sparkles to mind first? If you said diamonds, give yourself a gold star (or better yet, treat yourself to one!). These carbon-crystal rockstars dominate the jewelry scene like Beyoncé at a karaoke bar – ubiquitous, dazzling, and slightly intimidating in their perfection. But here's the plot twist: while diamonds may be the most common choice for engagement rings, there's a whole rainbow of gems waiting to steal the spotlight.
At Robinson's Jewelers, we've seen every gemstone under the sun (and several that seem to contain their own sunlight). Let's dig into why diamonds reign supreme, then explore some show-stopping alternatives that might make you reconsider tradition.
Why Diamonds Rule the Jewelry Box
The diamond's dominance isn't just clever marketing (though we'll admit, "Diamonds Are Forever" was a killer slogan). These gems earn their popularity through a perfect storm of qualities: unmatched hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliant light refraction, and that magical ability to make fingers look instantly more elegant. From tennis bracelets to stud earrings, diamonds are the Swiss Army knives of jewelry – versatile enough for any occasion.
Beyond the Diamond: Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
While diamonds might be the prom king and queen of jewels, the rest of the court has some serious personality. Let's meet the contenders:
Sapphires: The Royal Alternative
Move over, diamonds – sapphires have been decorating royal fingers for centuries (remember Princess Diana's iconic ring?). Available in every color except red (those get called rubies), sapphires offer durability just one step below diamonds. The cornflower blue variety might be most famous, but have you seen peach sapphires? They're like sunset captured in stone.
Emeralds: Green With Envy
For those who want their jewelry to make a statement, emeralds deliver drama in every facet. These lush green stones have been prized since Cleopatra's time, though modern cutting techniques have tamed their notorious inclusions. Pro tip: pair an emerald with diamonds in a toi et moi ring for maximum wow factor.
Morganite: The Blushing Beauty
If diamonds are the classic little black dress, morganite is the romantic pink gown turning heads at the ball. This peach-pink variety of beryl has skyrocketed in popularity, especially in rose gold settings that enhance its warm glow. It's like wearing perpetual golden hour on your finger.
Lab-Grown Marvels: The Future Is Here
For the eco-conscious sparkle-seeker, lab-grown diamonds and gems offer identical beauty without the environmental impact. Our lab-grown diamond studs have fooled even seasoned jewelers – and at Robinson's, they come with the same lifetime guarantee as mined stones.
Birthstones: Your Personal Gem Allegiance
Why wear someone else's favorite when you can rock your birthstone? From January's garnet to December's trio of tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon, there's a perfect gem marking your arrival on this planet. We especially love August's peridot – that lime-green sparkle screams summer all year round.
Finding Your Perfect Match
At Robinson's Jewelers, we believe your jewelry should reflect your personality as much as your outfit. Whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of diamonds or want to explore colorful alternatives, our experts can guide you to pieces you'll treasure forever. After all, the most common jewel isn't necessarily the right one – it's the stone that makes your heart skip a beat when you see it in the mirror.
Ready to discover your perfect gem? Visit our full jewelry collection or book an appointment with our gemologists. Who knows – you might just fall in love with something unexpectedly perfect.