Chic and captivating crystals for fine jewelry
Crystals are sometimes associated with costume or fashion jewelry, but there are many gorgeous crystals that are not only high-end and beautiful, but can also be gorgeous alternatives to diamonds engagement rings. And while diamonds will always be a favorite stone for engagement rings, recent jewelry trends have seen an increase in these high-end crystals engagement rings. And with good reason; they’re beautiful! Plus, there are also plenty of options from which to choose.
Let’s take a look at some of these beautiful gemstones to see what everyone is raving about. But first a little background…
Crystal jewelry
The use of colored crystals in jewelry dates back centuries, way back to the ancient Sumerians who believed crystals possessed magical healing powers. Crystals have also been heavily referenced in all major religions, and were considered to have healing properties during the Renaissance period of Europe in the 11th century. While the belief in crystals’ healing powers have waxed and waned over time, it never quite disappeared and in the 1980s crystals reemerged as a healing method in the form of crystal therapy. Whatever you believe about their healing properties, however, few will disagree that many of them are quite beautiful; another reason why people love them in jewelry. Below is a list, although by no means an exhaustive one, of some of the beautiful crystals used in jewelry today.
And now the crystals
Agate – Agate is a variety of chalcedony and comes in a wide variety of colors. As a healing crystal, it is believed to help balance and calm the spirit, mind and body. Agate is named after the River Achates in Sicily.
Necklace with beautiful agate crystal
Alexandrite – This beautiful crystal can “change” colors depending upon the lighting conditions. It is a variety of chrysoberyl and viewed during the day is greenish to dark-yellow green, or blue, but in incandescent light, its color changes to pink or red. Alexandrite is said to help with self-confidence and self-esteem as well as to support emotional balance and happiness. The alexandrite gemstone is one of the hardest minerals on the planet.
Engagement ring with oval alexandrite center stone.
Amethyst – Amethyst is a spectacular violet variety of quartz found around the world and is also February’s birthstone. As a healing crystal, Amethyst is said to have protective qualities that ward off negative energy. Most amethyst is mined in Brazil.
Heart shaped studs with amethyst stone and milgrain detailing
Aquamarine – This crystal is a member of the Beryl family and has a pale blue, sometimes bluish green, transparent color. Aquamarine is believed to have special properties that help calm fears and phobias. The largest aquamarine stone to date was discovered in Brazil in 1910 and weighed 244 pounds.
Aquamarine drop earrings
Citrine – Citrine crystals are said to possess powerful healing properties as well as support prosperity and abundance, hope, creativity and cheerfulness. Citrine, in addition to topaz, is November’s birthstone.
Classic and elegant citrine ring
Fluorite – Fluorite, considered the world’s most colorful mineral, comes in a range of colors, but its quintessential color is purple. Not to be confused with fluorspar, fluorite is easy to find, affordable, and looks gorgeous in jewelry.
Stunning stud earrings with oval-shaped fluorite crystal
Lapis lazuli – Lapis lazuli is considered a semi-precious stone and has a stunning deep blue color. This crystal contains lazurite, calcite and pyrite and is believed to possess a special energy that promotes respect and compassion for our own selves as well as a healthier immune system. It has been used in jewelry for 1000s of years.
Exquisite lapis lazuli ring – oval stone on a split shank
Moonstone – Along with the pearl and alexandrite, moonstone is the June birthstone. Many believe it has the energy of the moon and healing properties that promote balance and intuition. Moonstone comes in milky white colors as well as a blues, greys, pinks and greens.
Gorgeous engagement ring with moonstone in a basket setting and diamond accents
Rose quartz – Associated with universal love and the ability to heal and improve trust and harmony in relationships, this beautiful crystal is fairly common and found all over the world. Its pink color ranges from an almost imperceptible pink to a lush translucent pink.
Breathtaking rose quartz pendant surrounded by accent stones
Ruby – Rubies are associated with joy, vigor and love of life and almost all rubies have flaws. Rubies without flaws are exceptionally rare and can cost even more than diamonds.
Stunning ruby heart pendant with accent stones
Sapphires – Sapphires, like rubies, are of the corundum mineral gem. Sapphires are associated with royalty, wisdom, and learning. The only natural item that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond.
Sapphires and diamonds engagement ring – simply stunning
Tiger eye – Also called tiger’s eye, is usually amber to brown in color and has lovely yellow-gold bands that run through it. As we would suspect, it is named tiger’s eye because its color is similar to the color of a tiger’s eye.
Warm, elegant, and beautiful tiger eye bypass ring
What do you look for in a crystal?
Whether you’re interested in crystal jewelry as possible rings for weddings, for its healing properties, or just for their beauty, you want to know what to look for before you purchase one. Here are a few tips:
Size is important because the larger the crystal, the more expensive it is. However, size isn’t the only thing that is important. A smaller crystal with vibrant colors and no flaws is far better than a large crystal with weak coloration and broken edges. Also consider where you will be wearing your crystal jewelry. Will it be worn as a pendant on a necklace? As a bracelet? Or a ring or earrings? In addition, your purpose for buying crystal jewelry is important too. Is this for beauty or for healing? Know what you want and let that guide your final decision.
Caring for your crystal jewelry
When properly cared for, your crystal jewelry can provide you with many years of enjoyment and beauty. Like gemstones, they must be gently and regularly cleansed to prevent the buildup of dust and grime. Letting cold tap water or mineral water run over them and then drying them off with a soft, lint-free cloth should do the trick.
Years of crystal pleasure
Whichever crystal you decide to use for your jewelry, you can be certain that any one of them can provide a beautiful, sparkling alternative to traditional gemstones; an alternative that can bring you many years of enjoyment and pleasure.
