The Trend: Moss Agate Engagement Rings
Lately, I have been seeing a lot of different trends going around when it comes to engagement rings. As someone who works in the jewelry industry, this is so exciting! We get to see the latest styles that are connecting with the next generation and it gets us all excited for the influx of new jewelry lovers! Unfortunately, some of the trends I am seeing on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok are not the most practical. I know what you are thinking: why does something pretty have to be practical? The answer: it doesn’t always have to be. In the case of an engagement ring, however, we are talking about a piece of jewelry that you are going to be wearing for the rest of your life. Ideally, you are also going to be wearing it every single day. So when it comes to engagement rings, practical and pretty have to go hand in hand. First, we’ll look at the trend that needs a little tweaking, in my opinion, and then we can look at a trend that I love!
The one that seems to be following me around from social media platform to social media platform is the Moss Agate Engagement Ring. There’s a reason why it keeps turning up: it is gorgeous! It’s usually accompanied by delicate accents that resemble leaves, solidifying the nature-like vibe of the ring. I love the unique shape the center stone usually takes as well. The kites and hexagons are not typical of an engagement ring and that makes it different and new. However, this is the bad news: Moss Agate is not a stone that should be worn all the time. Its hardness rating on the MOHs scale is not horrible, but it definitely borders on “too soft” for everyday wear at around a 6.5. The main issue for this stone is actually the “moss” look that it has. What you see in these stones are actually what we call inclusions (what the industry calls naturally occurring quality characteristics created during the growth process). While these inclusions are no doubt gorgeous, they actually create a structural weak point in the stone. So not only will this stone abrade (scratch) over time and wear, but it also runs a greater chance of breaking at one of these weak points. You could replace the stone every time it breaks but that would take a toll on the ring itself and end up being expensive in the long run.
Some great alternatives would be teal or green sapphire, green tourmaline, colored diamonds, or even an lab-grown emerald. Sapphires are the next hardest stone on the MOHs scale compared to diamonds. They also come in a wide variety of colors! Green tourmaline has a rich green color that would easily fit in with the nature theme of these rings. Tourmaline ranks higher on the MOHs scale and is less prone to breaking and cleaving so they are much more suitable for everyday wear. Diamonds, of course, are a favorite amongst jewelers and they come in every color. Most green diamonds are enhanced so this color really pops. Emerald is a fantastic color to be worn in this type of setting as well. Be warned, however, that a natural emerald typically has an abundance of visible inclusions as well. Lab grown emeralds would most likely give you the color and clarity needed for daily wear.
Another trend that has also been following me around is cigar bands. That is, really thick plain gold bands, typically stacked with a solitaire engagement ring. I love this look! Simple yet elegant, allowing the diamond in the engagement ring to shine while also drawing the eye with its larger stature. Bonus points goes to this trend for being such a durable and practical option for a wedding band. I have linked a slideshow of some pictures HERE. Check them out and see which style speaks to you!
Have questions about stones? Have a suggestion for next month’s blog on trends? Let me know: sami@scottandcofinejewelers.com
Sami Meyers