Green stone for ring: help !

[misssoph]

Hi, all ,Im new here. I have been looking at the pictures of all your beautiful stones and am now inspired. I would really love a forest green stone to wear in a ring. From what I have gathered the options include a Tsarovite garnet or a chrome tourmaline. What are the pros and cons of each and are their other options I hadnt considered. ?( I gather that emeralds are a bit easily damaged for everyday rings and are also very expensive) Please advise me!

 

[chrono]

Yes, you have the right idea. Emeralds, while lovely, are more delicate and almost all have been treated. They are no less beautiful nor less valued because of it though. Tsavorites are a great alternative. Very brilliant, sparkly and a rich green. Chrome tourmalines are another rich green variety but less brilliant than tsavorites and a little bit softer. Will this be an occasional wear ring? What size are you aiming for? This also plays a part in your choice because tsavorites over 2 ct can be difficult to find and expensive.

 

[misssoph]

It would a occasional wear stone, but I am dreadfully accident prone! I have fairly small hands so probably would be looking in the 1-2 carat range.

 

[chrono]

Sounds like a tsavorite garnet or chrome tourmaline would fit the bill.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Demantoid garnets also have their merit As do the mint garnets if you aren''t looking for a forest green necessarily.


Demantoid garnets are quite pricey though, but from what I hear, they are something special. They have a higher refractive index than diamonds!

 

[chrono]

A 1 to 2 ct demantoid garnet of fine quality will easily run in several thousands of dollars.

 

[misssoph]

Thanks for replying. If Green (tsarovite) GArnets are more brilliant and harder than green (chrome) tourmalines, is the same also true for pinkish garnets compared to pink toumalines?

 

[ma re]

Garnets and tourmalines are generally about the same in terms of hardness (except demantoids, they''re a bit softer), but tourmalines are usually more included than garnets, which can make them a bit less durable. When there''s a "foreign object" inside a stone, that can put pressure on the integrity of it''s crystal structure and make it crack or chip upon impact.