While diamonds have long been the traditional choice for engagement rings, many couples now turn to stunning gemstone alternatives to make a bold, personal statement. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow with her striking blue sapphire, Kate Middleton’s iconic 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, and Halle Berry’s rustic gold-and-emerald ring showcase how gemstones can offer elegance and individuality.
Unlike diamonds, which symbolise tradition, gemstones allow for a unique expression of style and personality. These colourful stones are steeped in history and symbolism, making them a meaningful choice for couples seeking something unique.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of gemstones for engagement rings and examine the reasons behind their rising popularity.
Advice for Choosing Alternative Gemstones for an Engagement Ring
When choosing an alternative gemstone for your engagement ring, durability is one of the most critical factors. Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale and are the hardest-known gemstones. This score makes diamonds an excellent choice if you plan to wear your engagement ring daily.
If you opt for a gemstone that’s not as hard as a diamond, it’s still possible to find a durable stone, but you’ll want to pay attention to the Mohs rating. Ideally, choose a gemstone with a hardness of 7 or higher. This ensures the stone can handle daily wear and won’t scratch easily. For example, stones like sapphires and rubies, which score nine on the Mohs scale, are both strong and resistant to damage, making them excellent options for rings that can be worn all the time.
The wide range of gemstones available means there’s a perfect option for every couple, each with its own beauty and meaning. Let’s explore some of the best options, starting with sapphire engagement rings.
Sapphire Engagement Rings
Sapphires have been prized for centuries, symbolising wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness. While best known for their deep blue hue, sapphires come in various colours, including pink, yellow, green, and even colourless.
Their Mohs hardness of 9 makes them exceptionally durable, ideal for engagement rings that will withstand daily wear. Historically, sapphires were associated with royalty and believed to bring protection and clarity to their wearer.
Emerald Engagement Rings
Emeralds captivate with their deep green hues, evoking the lush beauty of nature. As a Mohs 7.5-8 gemstone, they require care but remain one of the most treasured stones in history. Cleopatra was known for wearing them, believing they had rejuvenating powers.
These gemstones symbolise growth, renewal, and everlasting love. Their vivid green glow makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a gemstone with historical significance and natural elegance.
Ruby Engagement Rings
Rubies have long been linked to passion and vitality with their intense red colour. As one of the hardest gemstones (Mohs 9), rubies are highly durable and perfect for lifelong wear. Ancient Burmese warriors wore rubies in their armour, believing they brought strength and protection. Today, rubies represent love, courage, and commitment, making them a bold and meaningful choice for an engagement ring.
Garnet Engagement Rings
Garnets are rich in history, dating back to ancient times when they were worn as protective talismans. Though best known for their deep red hues, garnets also appear in green, yellow, and orange shades. With a Mohs rating of 7, they offer a balance of beauty and resilience. Garnets symbolise commitment, love, and perseverance, making them ideal for couples seeking a gemstone with meaning and warmth.
Blue Topaz Engagement Rings
Blue topaz is admired for its bright, clear hues ranging from sky blue to deep London blue. Once believed to hold healing powers, it is now cherished for its brilliance and versatility. With a Mohs rating of 8, it is both strong and stunning.
The cool, tranquil tones of blue topaz evoke a sense of serenity and balance, making it a perfect choice for those who value clarity and emotional depth in their relationships. As a symbol of communication and inner strength, a blue topaz engagement ring reflects a bond built on trust, understanding, and a steady, enduring love.
Peridot Engagement Rings
Peridot’s vibrant green colour ranges from lime to deep olive. Ancient Egyptians revered it as the “gem of the sun,” believing it protected from evil. With a Mohs rating of 6.5-7, peridot requires care but offers a stunning and rare alternative to traditional engagement stones. It symbolises renewal and vitality, making it a meaningful choice for couples drawn to fresh beginnings and personal growth.
Morganite Engagement Rings
Morganite, discovered in the early 20th century, is prized for its soft pink and peach tones. Named after financier J.P. Morgan, it belongs to the beryl family, which is the same mineral group as emerald and aquamarine. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, it offers durability with a delicate aesthetic. Morganite is associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing, making it a deeply sentimental choice for engagement rings. Its romantic blush tones create an elegant yet contemporary appeal.
Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Aquamarine’s serene blue-green hues reflect the tranquillity of the sea. A member of the beryl family, it shares its origins with emerald and morganite. Sailors once carried aquamarine for protection, believing it calmed stormy waters. With a Mohs rating of 7.5-8, it offers beauty and durability. Symbolising harmony, hope, and clarity, it is a timeless choice for couples drawn to its soothing presence and deeper meaning.
How to Style and Care for a Gemstone Engagement Ring?
Pairing your gemstone engagement ring with the right band enhances its beauty. A plain metal band in the same colour creates a seamless, elegant look, while a diamond-set band adds extra brilliance. If you love colour, consider a gemstone wedding band—either matching your engagement ring’s stone or creating contrast with a different hue.
To keep your ring in pristine condition, you need to take proper care of it. Some gemstones are more delicate than others, so it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or activities that may cause scratches. Regular cleaning with warm water and mild soap helps remove buildup and maintain its shine. For professional cleaning, maintenance, or repairs, contact our experts to ensure your jewellery stays radiant for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about finding a stone that aligns with your lifestyle, holds deep significance, and can endure the test of time.
At Holdsworth Bros, we specialise in rare and unique gemstones. Sure, we love rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. But we also offer rare and unusual finds like mint-green garnets, vivid purple sapphires, and Sea Green Tourmaline.
Our collection changes often, so there’s always something new to see. You can check out our rare and unique collection here and see if you find the one that resonates with you.
Looking for something special? Book a consultation today! We will help you find a gemstone as unique as your story.
