Engagement rings are more than just sparkling symbols of love; they carry a deep-rooted history that spans centuries, cultures, and traditions. But why do we wear engagement rings, and how did they evolve into the cherished custom they are today? Let’s explore the history of engagement rings, their origins, and how they have changed over time.

The Origins of Engagement Rings: A Tradition Born in Ancient Times

The origins of engagement rings can be traced back to ancient Rome, where rings symbolized love and commitment. Roman women wore rings made of iron, later transitioning to gold, as a public declaration of betrothal. Engagement rings in ancient Rome were not just romantic gestures; they were also practical, serving as legal agreements between families.

However, the first recorded use of a diamond engagement ring dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring featuring a carefully placed diamond in the shape of an “M.” This moment marked the beginning of the diamond engagement ring history as we know it.

When selecting the perfect piece of jewelry, choosing the right setting for your stone is just as important as picking the gemstone itself. The setting determines how secure your stone will be, how much light it reflects, and how well it fits your lifestyle. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a custom gemstone pendant, or a heirloom piece, understanding different types of ring settings is essential.

Types of Ring Settings and Their Benefits1. Prong Setting: Classic and Timeless

The prong setting is one of the most popular settings for engagement rings and gemstone jewelry. It uses small metal prongs to hold the stone securely while allowing maximum light to pass through, enhancing its brilliance. If you're looking for a setting that offers both security and sparkle, a prong setting is an excellent choice.

2. Bezel Setting: Secure and Modern

For those with an active lifestyle or who want extra protection for their gemstone, the bezel setting is a great option. This setting surrounds the stone with a metal rim, making it one of the most secure settings for soft gemstones like opals and emeralds. It also has a sleek, modern appearance that works well for both vintage and contemporary designs.

Gold-plated jewelry is a beautiful and affordable alternative to solid gold, but over time, it can tarnish, fade, or lose its luster. If you’re wondering why your gold-plated ring is tarnishing or how to fix gold-plated jewelry at home, this guide will help you restore its shine and keep it looking new for longer.

💎 At CMJ & Diamonds, we specialize in jewelry repair, including gold plating restoration. Whether your piece needs a simple cleaning or professional gold replating, we can bring back its original shine.

Why Does Gold-Plated Jewelry Tarnish?

Many people assume that gold-plated jewelry won’t tarnish, but unfortunately, it does. Gold plating is a thin layer of gold over a base metal like brass or silver. Over time, exposure to moisture, sweat, lotions, and chemicals can cause the base metal to react and create a dark, dull appearance.

Common Reasons Your Gold-Plated Jewelry Tarnishes:

✔️ Frequent exposure to water and sweat (e.g., wearing it in the shower)

✔️ Contact with lotions, perfumes, and chemicals

When you think of engagement rings, diamonds might be the first thing that comes to mind. But what if you’re looking for something unique, colorful, or even more budget-friendly? Non-diamond engagement rings are rising in popularity, offering stunning alternatives that are just as meaningful and durable.

If you’re considering a popular engagement ring gemstone that isn’t a diamond, this guide will help you explore the best gemstones for engagement rings—from classic sapphires to trendy morganite and beyond.

Why Choose a Non-Diamond Engagement Ring?

Choosing a diamond alternative for engagement rings comes with several benefits:

✅ Unique & Personalized – Stand out with a rare or colorful gem.

✅ More Affordable – Some gems offer incredible beauty at a lower price than diamonds.

✅ Ethical & Sustainable – Many non-diamond options are more eco-friendly and conflict-free.

✅ Timeless Elegance – Many gemstones hold symbolic meaning and rich history.

Top Gemstone Choices for Engagement Rings1. Sapphire Engagement Rings – The Royal Favorite 👑

What Makes a Gem Precious?

Gemstones have fascinated humanity for centuries, captivating us with their brilliance, rarity, and beauty. But what makes a gemstone precious? Is it simply a matter of appearance, or is there more to it? Understanding the science of gemology reveals that a gem’s value is determined by a combination of factors, including rarity, quality, and gemstone properties. In this article, we’ll explore how gemstones are valued, their formation, and the key factors that determine their worth.

The Science Behind Gemstones: How They Are Formed

To understand what determines a gem’s worth, we must first look at how gemstones are formed. Over millions of years, minerals crystallize under intense heat and pressure within the Earth's crust. Some gemstones, such as diamonds, are created deep underground, while others, like opals, form in sedimentary rock through water interactions. The natural process of gemstone formation plays a significant role in their rarity and value.

Precious vs. Semi-Precious Gemstones: What’s the Difference?

One of the most common questions in gemology is the distinction between precious vs. semi-precious gemstones. Traditionally, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds have been classified as precious gemstones, due to their exceptional beauty, durability, and rarity. Other gems, such as amethyst, garnet, and topaz, are considered semi-precious gemstones but can still be highly valuable based on their quality and rarity.

From deep within the earth to dazzling on your finger, the gemstone journey is one of nature’s most breathtaking transformations. But have you ever wondered how gemstones are made, mined, cut, and polished before they reach jewelry stores? This blog will take you through the step-by-step process of making a gemstone ring, explaining the intricate stages that turn a raw gemstone into a stunning piece of handcrafted jewelry.

The Beginning: Gemstone Origins and Mining Process

The journey of a gemstone begins deep beneath the Earth's surface, where immense heat and pressure forge precious stones over millions of years. These natural wonders are then brought to the surface through gemstone mining processes such as open-pit mining, underground mining, and alluvial mining.

How Are Gemstones Mined and Processed?

• Open-Pit Mining: Large areas are excavated to extract gemstones closer to the surface.

• Underground Mining: Used for gems found deep within the earth, requiring tunnels and specialized equipment.

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If you're passionate about rare gemstones, you’ve likely heard of demantoid garnet—one of the most brilliant and sought-after green gems in the world. With its exceptional fire, vivid color, and rarity, demantoid is a treasure among collectors and fine jewelry enthusiasts.

In this blog, we'll explore everything about demantoid garnet, from its origin and characteristics to how to identify and care for it. Whether you're a gemstone enthusiast or a jewelry investor, this guide will help you appreciate this stunning green jewel.

What is Demantoid Garnet?

Demantoid is a rare variety of andradite garnet, known for its incredible brilliance and dispersion (fire). In fact, demantoid’s dispersion value (0.057) is even higher than that of a diamond, making it one of the most fiery gemstones available.

Key Characteristics of Demantoid GarnetPropertyDescriptionChemical CompositionCa₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ (Calcium Iron Silicate)ColorVivid green to yellow-greenMohs Hardness6.5 – 7Refractive Index (RI)1.880 – 1.889Dispersion (Fire)0.057 (higher than diamond!)LusterAdamantine (diamond-like)Crystal SystemCubicWhat Gives Demantoid Its Green Color?

The Timeless Beauty of Star Sapphire Jewelry

When it comes to gemstones that captivate with their natural allure, few can rival the mystique of star sapphires. Known for their enchanting six-ray star pattern that dances across the surface, these gems are more than just beautiful—they’re a conversation starter and a piece of art.

If you’re searching for the perfect star sapphire jewelry, you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s an elegant star sapphire ring, a dazzling pendant, or stunning earrings, these gemstones bring a touch of celestial magic to any collection.

What Makes Star Sapphires Unique?

A natural star sapphire is a variety of corundum that displays a phenomenon called asterism, where light reflects off tiny needle-like inclusions within the stone to create a star-like effect. This rare occurrence makes genuine star sapphire jewelry highly sought after. Available in hues like blue, pink, and even gray, star sapphires suit a variety of tastes and styles.

Cabochon star sapphires, often used in fine jewelry, are polished into smooth, dome-like shapes to enhance the star effect. Paired with thoughtful designs, these gemstones make a powerful statement.

The Story of Valentine’s Day: From History to Jewelry Traditions

Valentine’s Day is one of the most beloved holidays of the year, celebrated by couples worldwide as a day of love and romance. But how did this tradition begin, and why is jewelry such a quintessential part of this celebration? Let’s take a journey through history to uncover the origins of Valentine’s Day and its connection to the enduring tradition of giving jewelry.

The Origins of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome and the feast of Lupercalia, a festival held in mid-February to celebrate fertility and the coming of spring. The holiday evolved with the story of Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly performing wedding ceremonies. His sacrifice and dedication to love earned him sainthood, and his feast day, February 14th, became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, thanks to poets like Geoffrey Chaucer.

By the 18th century, Valentine’s Day had become a widespread tradition in Europe and America, with lovers exchanging letters, flowers, and tokens of affection. Over time, these gestures grew grander, and jewelry emerged as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment.

Are you fascinated by the vibrant world of gemstones but don’t know where to start? This beginner’s guide to gemstones will help you explore the types of gemstones, their meanings, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or just curious, this guide has you covered.

Types of Gemstones: Precious and Semi-Precious

Gemstones are broadly categorized into precious and semi-precious stones.

• Precious Gemstones: Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are considered precious due to their rarity and high value.

• Semi-Precious Gemstones: These include amethyst, citrine, peridot, and garnet. They’re more abundant and often more affordable, making them perfect for beginners.

Understanding the distinction between these categories is a great first step in your gemstone journey.

Popular Gemstones and Their Meanings

Each gemstone carries unique symbolism and characteristics. Here are some common gemstones and their meanings:

• Diamond: Symbolizes purity and strength.

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The following is to help you understand how to care for and maintain you jewelry as well as how or when a stop to a professional may be required.

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