While a diamond engagement ring is the most traditional and popular choice, more and more couples are looking for unique and even colorful ring options that fit their lifestyle and taste. Both engagement and wedding rings carry significant meaning, so it’s best to choose something that you’ll want to wear for a lifetime.
Alternative Gemstone Engagement Rings
An engagement ring can be any ring, it doesn’t have to be a diamond, it doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t even have to have a stone, the most important thing is choosing something your partner will enjoy wearing. Gemstone engagement rings are becoming popular due to their unique style and color options, larger size and lower cost, but because they have different levels of hardness, it’s important to know which ones will stand up to daily wear, and which ones could break easily.
Generally speaking, gemstones with a 8 and above rating on the Mohs Hardness Scale make the best engagement ring center stones for normal daily wear and there are a number of colorful options. Diamonds are clear and colorless, and therefore go with everything, so when considering an alternative, remember that it’s important to choose a color that you absolutely love and won’t grow tired of.
- Sapphire, which comes in a range of colors like blue, pink, yellow and green and its sister, ruby, are the hardest non-diamond gems, making them perfect for engagement rings.
- Morganite is a pink semi-precious stone in the beryl family which also includes emerald and aquamarine all with a hardness of 7.5-8, making them fairly scratch resistant and durable enough for everyday wear.
- Tsavorite with a hardness of 7-7.5 and a vibrancy and color akin to emerald is one of the best garnets for an engagement ring. It’s also less expensive than emeralds of comparable color.
- Tourmaline at 7-7.5 is just hard enough to take the rigors of daily wear and is available in more colors than any other gemstone.
- With a value of 7, quartz including amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz, are quite hard but may be prone to scratches, so consider a protective setting if you choose this stone for an engagement ring.
Celebs like Meghan Fox, Emma Stone, Katy Perry and Gwyneth Paltrow all rock alternative engagement rings with non-diamond center stones. Today, couples have a plethora of beautiful and meaningful options beyond a diamond. If you’re searching for other colors or styles, just be sure to understand the durability of the stone and consider a more protective setting in your ring design.
Reasons to Consider a Diamond Engagement Ring
Diamonds have held a prominent place in engagement traditions for centuries. While alternative gemstones are gaining popularity, diamonds remain a timeless and popular choice for a reason. Here’s a closer look at why a diamond engagement ring still might be the perfect way to pop the question.
- Enduring Love: Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, representing the strength and everlasting nature of your love. For generations, diamonds have been associated with love and commitment, carrying a romantic weight that resonates with many couples.
- A Dazzling Display: A well-cut diamond interacts with light in a remarkable way, creating a mesmerizing play of brilliance and fire that is unmatched by many gemstones.
- Appreciating Value: Diamonds, particularly high-quality stones, can hold or even increase in value over time, making them a potential investment piece.
- Built to Last: Diamonds are incredibly hard and resistant to scratches, making them a suitable choice for everyday wear.
An engagement ring is one of the most personal and important purchases you will ever make, and likely the most sentimental thing you’ll ever wear. Whether it’s a traditional diamond or a colorful gemstone, we can help you design it and ensure you feel happy and loved every time you look down at your hand. Give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule an appointment.
