Why settle for the traditional diamond when there’s a dazzling array of alternative gemstones to choose from? While diamonds may be the classic choice for engagement rings, they’re not the only option. From vibrant birthstones and timeless precious stones, to innovative lab-grown options and budget-friendly alternatives, the world of gems is full of surprises.
To help you navigate this rainbow of choices, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to our top picks for non-traditional gemstones that are just as stunning, durable, and meaningful as diamonds.
Advice for Choosing Alternative Gemstones for an Engagement Ring
When considering an engagement ring, it’s essential to consider the hardness and durability of the gemstone. Diamonds, being a 10 on the Mohs scale, are exceptionally resilient and can withstand wear and tear. If you plan to wear your ring frequently, look for stones with a minimum hardness rating of 7. For softer gemstones like pearls or opals, opt for bezel settings that protect the stone from damage.
When handling these stones, be mindful of potential tarnishing and remove them when engaging in activities that may cause harm. In reality, there are only four precious gemstones: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The remaining gems on the list are generally classified as semi-precious stones. Although old terms like ‘precious’ and ‘semi-precious’ still carry significance today, their value is not always reflected in current market prices.
Generally, the ‘big four’ will be more costly than other gemstones. When shopping for gemstones, keep an eye out for lab-grown options. While created artificially, these stones exhibit the same physical characteristics as naturally occurring gemstones. Lab-grown gemstones can be a sustainable and often more affordable choice. However, it’s crucial to be aware of their origin and understand what you’re purchasing. Additionally, some gemstones are heat-treated to enhance their appearance.
Be sure to discuss any potential effects on the stone’s value and price with your jeweller.
And Now, for the Ultimate A-Z of Gemstones…
Alexandrite
Alexandrite, a stunning gemstone with a unique blue-purple hue (which can occasionally shift towards green or red), is actually a type of chrysoberyl. Its impressive durability, boasting an 8.5 on the Mohs scale, makes it a top-notch choice for engagement rings. In recent years, alexandrite has gained popularity, and you can now find it in various locations such as Russia, India, Brazil, and Tanzania. Moreover, lab-grown varieties offer a more affordable yet equally captivating alternative.
Amethyst
While amethyst is often overlooked as an engagement ring option, its bold purple hue belies a surprising level of durability. Boasting a Mohs hardness rating of 7, this stone offers excellent value for its price. When well-cut, amethysts reveal their beauty in shades ranging from deep purple to soft lilac. In fact, they look stunning paired with a diamond or emerald halo – an unexpected yet charming combination that showcases the stone’s unique charm.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s allure as an engagement ring stone lies in its stunning beauty and subtle tone, with its icy blue hue captivating the eye. As one of the more affordable gemstones, it offers a unique opportunity to own a larger, high-carat stone, making it an excellent choice for a two or three carat rock. Furthermore, aquamarine’s Mohs hardness rating of 7.5-8 ensures that this blue beryl gemstone is durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear.
Citrine
Citrine’s kaleidoscope of colors ranges from vibrant orange hues to radiant yellow tones, making it a more accessible alternative to canary yellow diamonds. As a type of quartz, citrine’s hardness can fluctuate significantly, emphasizing the importance of consulting with your jeweler about the stone’s purity. Beyond its striking appearance, citrine is also revered as a symbol of prosperity, earning it the nickname ‘money stone’.
With its ability to evoke a sense of abundance and good fortune, it’s no wonder that citrine has become a coveted gemstone.
Diamonds
While diamonds remain a timeless choice for engagement rings, it’s perfectly possible to add a personal touch without straying from the classic gemstone. In fact, diamonds in unique colors like yellow and pink (often referred to as ‘fancy diamonds’) can bring a vintage charm to your ring, reminiscent of luxurious antique pieces. Meanwhile, modern brides are increasingly opting for black, champagne, or grey diamonds, which add an air of sophistication to their wedding bands.
The undeniable allure of that signature diamond sparkle only serves to make these alternative choices all the more compelling.
Emerald
Emerald’s timeless allure makes it a popular choice for engagement rings. However, this vibrant gemstone shines just as brightly in modern settings as it does in vintage-inspired designs. Beryl, the mineral group to which emeralds belong, boasts the best quality stones that reach an impressive 8 on the Mohs scale. While the emerald cut is its most iconic form, a brilliant cut emerald equally dazzles with its fiery intensity.
Fire Opal
Fire opals are a type of transparent gemstone that exhibits an orange hue, ranging from subtle to vibrant. The lab-grown variety in particular has garnered popularity in high-end jewelry due to its striking brightness. It’s essential to note that fire opal rings require some care, as they have a hardness rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Despite this, the unique beauty of fire opals makes them a sought-after choice for fine jewelry pieces.
Garnet
Garnets, with their deep red hue and slightly brownish tone, often take a backseat to more renowned precious stones like rubies. However, they have the potential to steal the spotlight as a stunning engagement ring stone. While not as durable as rubies or emeralds on the Mohs scale of 6.5 to 7.5, their relatively moderate hardness and affordability make them an attractive option for those looking to add some vintage flair to their jewelry collection.
Iolite
Iolite, also known as Cordierite, exhibits a captivating color palette that spans from a soft greenish-grey hue to vibrant purple tones. The gem-quality stones can occasionally display a rich blue shade. Notably, lab-grown iolites showcase an impressive clarity, which has led to their increasing presence in high-end jewelry. With a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, these stones are surprisingly durable and have historically been used as a more affordable alternative to sapphires.
Labradorite
Labradorite has been gaining popularity among jewellery designers globally, with its unique iridescent properties making it a highly sought-after stone. Typically featuring a grey-brown hue, labradorite is a relatively hard mineral, boasting a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5. Moreover, this stone carries symbolic significance, representing strength and shielding qualities. Interestingly, labradorite can be found in its namesake Canada as well as parts of Norway, further solidifying its natural allure.
The Lapis Lazuli Ring by Mociun is a stunning example of the versatility of labradorite in jewellery design.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli, often showcased alongside gold accents, is a captivating gemstone that takes on a cabochon shape. Unlike faceted gemstones like diamonds or crystals, Lapis Lazuli’s soft, polished surface gives it a unique allure. Measuring 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, this stone may require occasional replacement, but its relatively affordable nature makes it a practical choice.
When paired with diamonds or white sapphires, Lapis Lazuli brings a touch of elegance to alternative engagement rings, making for a truly stunning combination.
Morganite
Morganite has gained a reputation as a top choice among brides in recent years, rapidly ascending the ranks to become one of the most sought-after engagement ring gemstones. Its unique soft pink hue takes on a romantic charm when paired with red undertones or a diamond halo’s sparkle. Interestingly, morganites share a similar property with emeralds – both are forms of beryl and boast an impressive 7.5 to 8 hardness rating on the Mohs scale.
Moissanite
Initially mistaken for diamonds when discovered in the late 1800s, Moissanite has since become a popular alternative in engagement rings due to its striking resemblance and comparable hardness to diamonds. With a Mohs scale rating of 9.5, Moissanites are remarkably durable, making them difficult to distinguish from their diamond counterparts without close examination.
Today, most Moissanites are lab-grown, with many of the man-made gemstones that followed in their footsteps owing a debt of innovation to these stones.
Moonstone
Moonstones have been a staple in jewelry for centuries, with their resurgence in popularity among contemporary designers. The unique milky hue of moonstones is truly captivating, with each piece revealing a new surprise with every glance. From the diverse regions of Armenia, Australia, Sri Lanka, the Alps, Norway, Myanmar, and the US, these gemstones have been prized for their beauty. With a hardness rating of 6 on the Mohs scale, moonstones are a durable choice for jewelry enthusiasts.
The Onyx Ring from Adam’s Auctioneers of Dublin is just one example of the stunning pieces that can be crafted with this ancient gemstone.
Onyx
Onyx has been a staple in jewelry design for over a century, and its allure is once again captivating contemporary designers. Typically showcased as cabochon stones rather than faceted gems, these highly polished black gemstones exude a timeless elegance when paired with diamonds, emeralds, or rubies. Its durability, ranking 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, only adds to its appeal.
The striking combination of onyx’s sleek surface and its ability to complement a variety of other gemstones makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated jewelry piece.
Opal
While opals may not be the most durable stones, their unparalleled beauty makes them an attractive option for engagement rings. The unique kaleidoscope of colors in each opal ensures that no two are alike, ranging from soft pastels to icy-clear tones. With a Mohs hardness rating of 5.5 to 6.5, it’s essential to take extra care when maintaining an opal engagement ring – but the reward is well worth the effort.
The subtle nuances and iridescent sheen of opals make them truly special, making this small price to pay for something so exquisite.
Pearl
While pearls are often showcased in elegant necklaces and earrings, they may not be the best fit for everyday wear as an engagement ring due to their delicate nature. This is because pearls, made of calcium carbonate, have a relatively low hardness rating on the Mohs scale, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5. As such, they can be prone to cracking or scratching. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate pearls into your engagement ring design at all.
Consider opting for a pearl as an occasional, cocktail-style accessory or incorporating small pearls deeply set into a vintage-inspired cluster piece.
Prasiolite
Prasiolite, also referred to as green amethyst, is a pale green quartz gemstone that undergoes a unique transformation process. Its green hue is achieved through the artificial or natural heating of amethyst, resulting in a stone that’s both aesthetically pleasing and durable, boasting a Mohs hardness of 7. While it may not be as widely used in fine jewelry at present, its potential for future popularity is undeniable.
Peridot
Peridot, a gemstone boasting a vibrant olive-green hue, has long been synonymous with admiration. While its unique color may not resonate with everyone, it beautifully complements the romantic sentiment often associated with engagement rings. Interestingly, peridots can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Africa, and Asia.
Despite being sometimes mistaken for emeralds, which have a similar green tone, peridots possess a slightly lower hardness rating on the Mohs scale, ranging from 6.5 to 7.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz, with its soft pink hue and occasional cloudiness, is often linked to fashion jewellery rather than fine jewellery. However, modern designers have been successfully pairing it with more precious stones to create stunning contemporary engagement rings. On the Mohs scale, rose quartz can reach up to 7 in hardness, making it a sturdy option.
Although it’s worth noting that some varieties may be more prone to scratches or damage, consulting your jeweller will help ensure you’re getting a pure and high-quality stone.
Rose Quartz
When considering engagement ring options, rubies are often overlooked in favor of diamonds, but these vibrant red gemstones offer a unique charm that makes them a luxurious choice. With a durability rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies can withstand the test of time and daily wear, making them a practical investment as well. When searching for the perfect ruby engagement ring, look for a stone with a deep, vibrant red hue and exceptional clarity.
It’s also essential to ask about any heat treatment that may have been applied to enhance the stone’s color, as jewelers are legally required to disclose this information.
Sapphire
Sapphires are often linked with their signature blue tone, but the truth is that they come in a wide range of colors. From vibrant yellows and pinks to softer peaches and purples, as well as stunning greens, there’s an array of options available. Additionally, white sapphires offer a more budget-friendly yet equally precious alternative to diamonds.
With a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are remarkably durable, making them a fitting choice for a symbol of eternal love like an engagement ring. For instance, the Spinel Ring from Trumpet & Horn showcases the stone’s beauty and resilience.
Spinel
Spinel’s kaleidoscope of colors often leads people to mistake it for a coloured diamond or semi-precious gem. Its versatility has made it a popular choice in antique jewelry, but surprisingly, modern designs don’t always feature this stunning stone. That’s slowly changing, however, as its unique properties and range of hues make it an attractive option even for engagement rings, boasting a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
Sunstones
Sunstone is a rare and striking gemstone that boasts a vibrant peachy-copper hue, native to Scandinavia and select regions of the United States. While it may not be as commonly found in high-end jewelry collections, a few visionary designers have been experimenting with sunstone’s unique characteristics, incorporating it into thought-provoking clusters and color patterns within their designs.
For those looking for an unconventional yet captivating engagement ring option, sunstone’s Mohs hardness rating of 6 to 6.5 presents a beautiful opportunity. However, it does require a slight amount of maintenance to ensure its beauty endures.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite, a rare and captivating blue stone, owes its name to Tiffany & Co., which discovered it near Mount Kilimanjaro. The brand’s 1960s advertising campaign cleverly positioned tanzanite as a treasure found in two exclusive locations: ‘in Tanzania and at Tiffany’s.’ Although this gemstone is unique to Tanzania, its striking violet-blue color is often achieved through heat treatment, whether natural or artificial. Interestingly, tanzanite rates a 6.
5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a highly valued and sought-after stone.
Topaz
Topaz, with its impressive rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, boasts a unique combination of beauty and durability. Despite its stunning properties, it’s often overlooked as a go-to gemstone for engagement rings. The truth is that topaz comes in a kaleidoscope of colors, including sky blue, pink, pale green, orange, wine red, and white. This gemstone holds special symbolism tied to the concept of friendship, making it an thoughtful choice for an engagement ring.
It’s essential to note that many topaz stones are heat-treated to enhance their vibrancy, but this process can result in a more fragile stone. When considering a topaz engagement ring, be sure to inquire about the treatment process.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline’s kaleidoscope of colors is a major drawcard for many gemstone enthusiasts. This versatile stone appears in a stunning array of hues, ranging from a vibrant green to a deep red, with plenty of other captivating shades in between. As its popularity grows, tourmaline has established itself as an attractive and affordable option for statement-making engagement rings. Its moderate hardness, sitting at 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, means it can be gently heat-treated to enhance its color.
A Tsavorite Ring by Commins & Co showcases the gemstone’s unique beauty.
Tsavorite
Tsavorite, also referred to as tsavolite, is a breathtaking green garnet variety that boasts a unique charm. Initially discovered in East Africa during the 1960s and subsequently marketed by Tiffany & Co., this gemstone gained widespread recognition in fashion jewelry circles. While it initially fell out of favor for engagement rings, tsavorite’s impressive hardness of 7 to 7.
5 and its vibrant green hue, reminiscent of emeralds, make it an ideal alternative stone suitable even for engagement rings.
Turquoise
Turquoise, a staple in cocktail rings and fashion jewelry for years, has finally gained traction in luxury design. When paired with diamonds, this matte blue stone transcends its typical eclectic vibe, taking on a more refined appearance. For a truly unique look, search for copper flecks to add an edgy touch to the ring. With a hardness rating of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, turquoise may not be the most durable option, but its affordability makes it an attractive choice.
Zircon
Zircon, a mineral distinct from its man-made counterpart cubic zirconia, is situated at 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Its natural palette boasts an array of colors, including reddish brown, yellow, blue, green and colourless variations. Heat treatments can be employed to alter or enhance these hues.
While large, statement pieces featuring zircons are possible – think oversized blue zircon rings paired with diamonds – the gemstone’s relatively low price point makes it a suitable option for smaller stones in token promise rings, perfect for those holding out for their ideal engagement ring.
