Engagements &Weddings Stunning Engagement Ring Alternatives White diamonds have been the traditional engagement ring stones for decades. While shoppers have experimented with gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals for ring bands, the star of the show has long been that twinkling, pristine diamond. Even though diamonds may be a ‘girl’s best friend,’ they may not fit every woman’s style, particularly the bride who likes to buck tradition and think outside the box. According to Money magazine, the average engagement ring costs more than $5,800. In addition to being one of the most expensive gemstones, diamonds have become quite commonplace. Some women even eschew diamonds for moral reasons. Whatever the driving force behind shopping for alternative gems, women who want to set themselves apart from others – and men who want to ‘wow’ their significant others with unique and eye-catching rings – may opt for other dazzling stones. • Moissanite: This crystal naturally occurs in meteorites and is nearly as hard, dense and scuff-resistant as a diamond. Some feel moissanite offers more brilliance and fire than diamonds. Moissanite is a white-colored stone, so it can mimic the look of a diamond. And since it can be made in the laboratory at a fraction of the cost of even lab-made diamonds, it’s a frugal option. A nearly flawless one-carat moissanite gem can cost less than $1,000. • Lemon quartz: This is the trade name for a lemon-yellow stone that is a variety of color-enhanced transparent quartz. Quartz is Share the love with a wedding or engagement announcement! To place an announcement: Call 605.665.7811 classifieds@yankton.net • yankton.net/site/forms www.yankton.net turned into this sunny hue through an artificial gamma ray irradiation process. Like other quartz gemstones, lemon quartz is considered to be very durable and is therefore suitable for all types of jewelry. • Sapphire: Sapphires tend to be blue stones (of varying intensity), but they also come in peach, pink, yellow, green, and white. Sapphire may not sparkle as much as a diamond or even moissanite. However, with the right cut, it can be hard to distinguish any lack of luster. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral, and at about one-third the price of diamonds, they make an ideal diamond substitute. • Morganite: According to the blog Bridal Musings, morganite is currently one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. Its pretty pink hue is romantic and feminine. It also sits at around the same hardness as sapphires, ensuring the rings will endure. Vividly cut rubies, emeralds and tanzanite – all gems that are rarer yet less expensive than diamonds – can make beautiful engagement rings. Some couples also may opt for rings without gemstones, such as traditional Claddagh or ‘true lover’s knot’ rings to signify their union. v MetroCreative Connection Every Bride Wants To Look Great On Her Wedding Day! Group exercise makes it easier to stick to your program so bring the whole wedding party to get fit for the big day! Early Bird Boot Camp • Water Aerobics • Water Aerobics Plus • Zumba • Tabata • Power Abs • Yoga • Workout Express • Prime Time for Seniors Free Weight & Fitness Equipment Demonstrations • Call for Times & Details PLUS...Cardio Equipment • Indoor Pool • Free Weights 1801 Summit St., Yankton 668-5234 www.cityofyankton.org Starting a fitness plan now can help you look your best & give you stamina to last until you’ve hugged your last guest goodbye! 18vWedding Planner 2017