I’ve written about the problems of using nontraditional gems in engagement rings: People are just too tough on everyday rings to mess around with pearls! That’s why I prefer to use only the hardest gems in engagement rings. Diamonds, for instance, rate a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while rubies and sapphires (aka corundum) come in at 9.
In this week’s YouTube video, I talk more about the practicality of using a hard gem in an engagement ring; how to source conflict-free diamonds; the way you can drive yourself crazy overthinking the history of antique gems; and more! I also segued into a spontaneous, unpaid testimonial for Monica Stephenson’s ANZA Gems. As you’ve seen, I’m really excited about her effort to support ethical mining of colored gemstones in Kenya and Tanzania, and this year she has obtained some gorgeous sapphires that I would love to work with.
Feel free to ask me about engagement rings, or ANZA Gem projects, by emailing me at info at wendybrandes dot com. And subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss next week’s video.