When choosing an engagement ring it’s easy to go for the safest choice, diamonds. These days however there are so many more choices on the market. Alternative stones for engagement rings are becoming more and more popular. If you wish to surprise your partner with something unique and much more personalized, we suggest researching coloured gemstones. Not only are they beautiful, but some believe each gemstone holds a special meaning. Similarly to the way Victorians spoke with the language of flowers, show your partner how much they mean to you with a message just the two of you can understand. Browse our list below to learn more about all the options available for alternative gems to diamonds.
Topaz Gemstone Engagement Rings
Topaz is a fantastic gemstone choice for rings as it is an 8 on the Moh scale of hardness. The gemstone is available in a variety of shades and colours. It is mined all over the world, with some of the largest deposits being found in Brazil, Russia and the US state Utah. This topaz ring has an appealing blue colour. The trillion cut is one of the rarest gemstones cuts, so not only is the stone on this jewellery piece extraordinary but so is the cut. Set on a white gold band, the topaz is surrounded by a shimmering halo of diamonds. The ring is sophisticated and is sure to grab the attention of everyone around you.
Amethyst Gemstone Engagement Rings
This amethyst ring stands out with its streamlined modern appearance. The large gemstone in the centre has an even more striking effect due to the paired back design of the ring. The emerald-cut amethyst gemstone is set on the simple 9-carat white gold D-shaped band. Amethyst crystals are a variety of quartz. The crystal is believed to have calming and protective properties. It is also the birthstone of February, which makes it perfect for a Valentine’s Day or birthday proposal.
Peridot Gemstone Engagement Rings
Peridots are associated with light. The Ancient Romans called them evening emeralds as they still sparkled as bright as ever even by candlelight. The gemstone is believed to be found in space as well as the earth’s mantle. In folklore, peridot holds a special place in many cultures. Ancient people thought peridot can ward off evil and suppress jealousy as well as bring wealth. If your partner loves green but emeralds are not to their taste, we suggest this beautiful peridot engagement ring. Set on a flat-sided court band the peridot gem is multi-faceted and surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The smaller stones surrounding the peridot not only highlight it, but add sparkle to an already brilliant gemstone.
Morganite Gemstone Engagement Rings
Morganite has only recently entered the world of engagement rings. The soft pink colouring of this gemstone is reminiscent of pink sapphires or pink diamonds. Unlike the latter gemstones, however, morganite comes at a much more affordable price. The gemstone was discovered in the early 20th century and is perfect for jewellery due to its hardness being rated between 7.5 and 8. Morganite has become so popular that it’s only surpassed by diamonds and sapphires. This morganite engagement ring‘s band is made of rose gold. The oval cut morganite in the centre stuns with its brilliance. Surrounding the gemstone are diamonds, set in a flower-like pattern.
Smokey Quartz Gemstone Engagement Rings
As the name suggests, smoky quartz, like amethyst, is a variety of quartz. The crystal can vary in colour from light grey to brown to dark grey, almost black. The colour is due to the aluminium within the stone reacting to natural radiation. Some people believe smokey quartz protects from negativity. The rose gold band of this ring beautifully complements the smokey quartz crystal in the centre. As a subtle accent, the stone features a diamond set on either side.
Ruby Gemstone Engagement Rings
Though now seen as alternative, rubies are among the most traditional engagement ring stones. Rubies are associated with love, passion and romance, so what better stone to propose with. Rubies and sapphires are part of the same family. The difference between the two is that a ruby is formed when some of the aluminium in sapphires is replaced by chromium. Rubies are used not only in jewellery but in the watch industry as well. This beautiful ruby ring has a more vintage design. If your partner is a fan of the classics this ring will take their breath away. The yellow gold flat band is set with diamonds running up to the centre. An emerald cut ruby sits, surrounded by more diamonds.
Emerald Gemstone Engagement Rings
Emeralds are a variety of beryl. Most of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia, even though deposits of the gem can be found around the world. Alongside sapphires and rubies, emeralds were among the first gemstones used and mined by humans. There is a lot of folklore and superstitions surrounding this gemstone. Some even believe it is linked to clairvoyance. Whether you believe these superstitious tales are true or not, emeralds remain one of the most beautiful and sought after gemstones. This emerald ring features an oval cut emerald, set in the centre of a braided pattern. Diamonds are set on the twists highlighting the shine of the stone.
Sapphire Gemstone Engagement Rings
If you’re after a ring which is more luxurious and high-class for your proposal we suggest this sapphire ring. The jewellery piece has a 9-carat white gold band. Oval cut sapphires are set into the band. Diamonds surround all three of the sapphires. The design of the ring is elegant with a slight vintage tone. Sapphires are the second most popular gemstone when it comes to engagement rings and the most popular in alternative stones for engagement rings.
Garnet Gemstone Engagement Rings
Garnets are the birthstone for January. The name of the gemstone comes from pomegranates as small garnet crystals closely resemble pomegranate seeds. In Greek mythology, the fruit is linked to love, eternity and commitment. This association makes garnets another fantastic choice for an engagement ring. This garnet ring is impactful. The multi-faceted oval cut garnet in the middle draws the eye while the clustered diamonds around the gemstone highlight the gem with their shine. In addition, this cut is perfect for anyone who wishes to elongate the look of their fingers. In addition. complementing the red colour of the garnet is a gold band.
Aquamarine Gemstone Engagement Rings
Last but not least on our list is this breathtaking aquamarine ring. Its design is inspired by the early period of Art Deco. Art Deco was the era of opulence and glamour. The 1920s are also known for their extravagant architecture, an element substantially featured in the design of this ring. A rectangular cut aquamarine is set in the centre. Surrounding it on either side is featured a step-like design set with multiple diamonds. The white gold band briefly separates into two prongs only to connect again, leaving a small gap in the band. The gemstone’s mythology is linked to the sea, from where it also takes its name. This is due to the range of blue shades the gemstone can be found in.
What do you think of these alternative stones for engagement rings? Let us know in the comments below.
