Diamond alternatives – engagement ring ideas

The white dress, the first dance, walking down the alley… for many people the wedding is completely filled with tradition. And when it comes to engagement rings, it has been common to choose diamonds.

Did you know that almost 80% of Americans choose diamonds while searching for an engagement ring?

Diamonds are forever but… there are so many gems in the world! Do you have to be limited to just one? Isn’t it a better option to choose an alternative to a diamond engagement ring?

If you’re looking for alternative engagement ring ideas we have prepared seven stunning options, each has its own unique look. Here you go, your lucky 7 stones to be used in an engagement ring are coming!

Moissanite engagement rings

Moissanite, a naturally occurring silicon carbide, is one of the trendiest diamond alternative engagement rings in the last few years. They have similar look and characteristics of a diamond but they are less expensive. Most people say they look just like diamonds!

Natural moissanite is now extremely rare so most of the gemstones you see today are created in the lab. With hardness on the Moh’s scale of up to 9.5, moissanite is as hard as a diamond which makes it even a better engagement ring diamond alternative. Also, moissanite’s dispersion of light is just fantastic. The sparkle is nothing but amazing. It’s actually double the sparkle of natural diamond. The color is like I to K color in the diamond – it’s yellow or green hue in it.

A bride who is browsing diamond ring alternatives with a slightly lower price, will appreciate moissanite as the winner.

Sapphire engagement rings

Sapphire is considered to be the most celebrated among the colored gemstones. This is why it’s probably the most common alternative for diamond engagement ring. This gorgeous stone comes in every color except red, but its most recognizable color is blue.

Sapphire is classic and chic. It is as hardy as an emerald or ruby (9 on the Moh’s scale) which makes it one of the most durable alternative diamond engagement rings. Sapphire doesn’t capture quite the same sparkle as diamond but if it’s well cut it looks almost as good. One might say, it will leave your eyes in awe!

Oh, I almost forgot – the sapphire and diamond engagement ring is worn by the Duchess of Cambridge – Kate Middleton and was originally worn by Princess Diana. If you are a fan of a slightly vintage look, sapphire will be your perfect alternative to diamond engagement rings.

Emerald engagement rings

Engagement ring alternatives are endless but it’s really hard to find a truly unique one. Among all diamond alternatives emerald has been gaining more and more popularity.

The fabulous gemstone was loved by Elizabeth Taylor and still it’s often present on the red carpet. Emerald is kind of a classic choice so it’s usually chosen by romantic brides who are crazy about vintage style rings. The versatile vivid green gemstone is breathtaking, no matter the size of the stone. It looks chic and timeless. At up to 8 on the Moh’s scale, it can be as forever as a diamond. However, it’s often for emeralds to have many fractures so the stone tends to be a bit fragile sometimes. The best quality emerald is a form of beryl, when cut brilliant, it’s nothing but dazzling.

Highly recommended as a diamond alternative engagement ring!

Morganite engagement rings

Morganite is currently the hottest one among alternatives to an engagement ring. As a beryl, the gemstone is from the same family of stones as emeralds. The price of the stones can vary, so while choosing the best morganite, talk to your jeweler about the quality of your stone, as well as the cut.

Morganite is traditionally pink to orange-pink which makes it look fancy and unique. Actually, the color variations are the perfect range for cool and warm skin tones. It’s obvious you will fall in love with its pale-pink beauty instantly. At 7.5 – 8 on the Moh’s scale, it’s quite a durable alternative diamond ring. It looks just gorgeous, especially when paired with a sparkling diamond halo or with red hues.

A great option for a romantic and feminine, yet modern bride!

Ruby engagement rings

A gorgeous, amazing and truly precious gemstone in the group of alternatives to engagement rings. It’s the fraternal twin of sapphire and two of them are the only members of the corundum family.

Rubies are just as popular as emeralds and sapphires, when it comes to choosing an ideal engagement ring. Their rich, luxurious blood-red tone is sharp yet feminine and very romantic. It’s usually selected by adventurous, active brides who are brave enough to reveal their feminine character and sensuality. Engagement ring, not diamond – ruby has got you covered!

At 9 on the Moh’s scale, it will survive almost everything (it’s behind moissanite and diamond only) so it’s a great symbol of everlasting love. However, the durability and beauty of ruby are often reflected in the price of the stone. Burmese rubies are usually the most expensive, especially the larger ones. The price of ruby is often similar to diamond’s price.

Amethyst engagement rings

The royal member of the quartz family and one of the most affordable alternative stones for engagement ring. It looks fabulously when paired with an emerald or diamond halo but when well-cut it also looks stunning solo. The lavender hue is a perfect match with silver or rose gold, unless you want something a little quirkier. In that case you can also set it with other colors. Amethyst catches the eye with amazing, intense purple color varying from deep purple to soft lilac.

The stone looks well on anyone, no matter the age and skin tone. However, we recommend not to wear it every day as it’s hardness is rated 7 on the Moh’s scale. If you need something less popular among the best alternative stones for engagement rings and you are a modern glam bride, amethyst might be just perfect for you.

Aquamarine engagement rings

One of the most spectacular alternative engagement rings ideas. The stone is a beautiful, pale blue beryl, a cousin of the emerald. It’s both modern and stylish and it’s definitely one of the most interesting engagement ring stones other than diamonds.

The stone is known as a lucky stone so it might be a great idea to start a new life with aquamarine put on your finger, especially if you believe in charms. Its icy blue hue makes it striking and distinctive but subtle at the same time. At 7.5 – 8 on the Moh’s scale, it’s quite durable, but not very hard. You may be sure it can last a lifetime with the proper care and protection.

The stone has an amazing clarity though. This feature makes aquamarine look very expensive. The blue gemstone is more affordable than expected (it’s typically priced lower per carat than diamonds and sapphires) so you can choose a larger stone.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why you should browse unique non diamond rings for your engagement.

You can just buck the trend and find something truly unique that isn’t as popular as diamonds. Alternatively, you may just want to find a less expensive option. No matter your reason, a variety of different gemstones is inspiring.

So, have you found an alternative engagement ring from your dreams yet?