Due to its naturally occurring blush tones and exceptional clarity, Morganite has become one of the most desired gemstones for diamond alternative wedding and engagement jewelry. This lovely pink stone matches beautifully with all metal types and is durable and affordable. Here’s everything you need to know about this uniquely beautiful stone.
What is Morganite?
Morganite is a pink semi-precious stone belonging to the beryl mineral family which also includes the more common beryls like emerald and aquamarine. Available in a variety of enchanting colors including pink, rose, peach, purple and salmon, the pink and rose-colored stones are the most sought after. The gemstone’s color comes from traces of manganese, and Morganite is almost always heat treated to enhance its color. Heat treatment is an industry-accepted standard and doesn’t diminish the value of this stone.
This rare and uniquely alluring stone is sometimes referred to as the “pink emerald”. Morganite was first discovered along the coast of Madagascar in 1911 and gets its name from famed American banker and jewelry collector J.P. Morgan, who had a lifelong love of gemstones and made significant gifts to museums around the world. Over the decades these brightly hued gems have become increasingly popular because of their spectrum of gorgeous sparkling colors.
Morganite is a pleochroic gem meaning it has slightly different colors when viewed from different directions. Ranging between 7.5-8 on Mohs Hardness Scale compared to a diamond score of 10, Morganites are softer and more prone to scratching, so extra care is needed for everyday jewelry like engagement rings. While softer than diamonds, this stunning pink-colored stone is still a durable and budget friendly option for all types of jewelry.
Is Morganite a Good Stone for an Engagement Ring?
Morganite has become a popular choice for brides looking for an alternative to a traditional diamond. The primary allure of Morganite is its pink hue, so if you’re attracted to colored gemstones, it comes as a refreshing alternative to a colorless diamond or a beautiful and affordable alternative to a pink diamond. And if you’re looking for your engagement ring to really sparkle, Morganite is great because of how light radiates off it creating a glimmering effect.
Morganite’s color is delicate, warm and flattering, beautiful against any skin, and it complements almost all colors in your wardrobe from neutrals and brights to pastels. Like many other pink gems, Morganite looks beautiful set in white gold, and the warmth of its color means it also works well in yellow gold settings. We especially love it set in rose gold which matches and emphasizes its color.
Since the edges of Morganite are prone to chipping, it’s crucial to have a strong setting for the stone. A bezel setting is smart for a Morganite gemstone because it protects the gem from scratching and damage. This setting is suitable for engagement rings that are to be worn regularly. Halo settings are also perfect for Morganite as they add to the sparkle of the stone and highlight its beautiful color. Halo settings also offer an element of protection to the stone.
This vibrant stone has a lot of personality and a look that won’t go out of style. We can walk you through everything you need to know to help you design your dream ring! Book a personal consultation at The Diamond Reserve by calling 303-385-8449 or clicking here.