Though the traditional symbol of the engagement ring will continue to stand the test of time, diamonds aren’t every girl’s best friend. If you or your significant other falls under that category, there are several non diamond engagement ring options that will leave you speechless.
Below, we’ve put together a list of our favorite diamond alternatives for those who want to express themselves with a bold color, sport a larger stone for a more affordable price, or because of a special meaning attached to a particular gemstone.
Sapphire
3 - 2.03ct tw Oval Sapphires and .43ct tw diamond halos set in 14kt white gold
The sapphire is a great option for those searching for a diamond alternative or for September babies who love their birthstone. Not only can you get a larger sapphire engagement ring with your budget when compared to a diamond, but it is the next hardest stone on the Mohs scale— so you will be less likely to chip, scratch, or damage it than other non diamond gemstones.
The most famous sapphire engagement ring is the one Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana in 1981, now adorned on the ring finger of Princess Kate Middleton. As if there wasn’t enough to love about the sapphire, this brilliant stone also comes in several shades of blue and a rainbow of colors— from pink or yellow, to peach or white.
HWJ Tip: Love the idea of a non diamond engagement ring, but not the idea of a colored stone? White sapphires are colorless gems that make the perfect diamond-dupe!
Ruby
.52ct Pear Ruby and .13ct tw diamonds set in 14k white gold
Tough like sapphires, the classic red color of the ruby will stop anyone in their tracks! Ancient cultures believed rubies held the “power of life” due to the stone’s vibrant and romantic red hue.
Just like a sapphire, this July birthstone also sits just under the diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, making a ruby engagement ring an excellent choice for everyday wear. Ranging from a light cherry-red to a dark blood red, the ruby’s rich color pairs brilliantly with a rose or yellow gold setting.
Famous ruby engagement rings include the likes of Jessica Simpson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Victoria Beckham, who was reportedly given 13 engagement rings from her husband, David Beckham.
Emerald
Oval Emerald and .15ct tw diamonds set in 10k yellow gold
The deep green of the May birthstone makes a timeless option for an engagement ring, especially in a classic emerald-cut! Saying “yes” to an emerald engagement ring will put you in the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Halle Berry, and again, Victoria Beckham.
Though beautiful, the emerald gemstone is not as tough as a diamond, sapphire, or ruby. This means that it is subject to chipping and fractures if the owner is not cautious. Even still, the emerald will always make a stunning engagement ring for those willing to put in the extra effort to care for it.
Morganite
.70ct Oval Morganite with diamond halo, .25ct tw set in 14k rose gold
Gem and crystal enthusiasts use morganite to open the heart chakra and attract love. The romantic peachy-pink hue of the morganite gemstone is breathtaking in all shapes and when paired with any metal setting (though we’re partial to morganite and rose gold with a diamond halo).
Did you know that morganite was named after J.P. Morgan, one of the most well known financiers and gem collectors in history?
Topaz
5.75ct Round Swiss Topaz and .28ct tw diamonds set in 14kt white gold
Topaz engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular in recent years for its mesmerizing blue color that pairs brilliantly in a white gold setting with a diamond halo. Though most popular in shades of blue that will take your breath away, this November birthstone can also be found in pink, yellow, orangy-brown, and many other vibrant colors!
Topaz places just below the ruby and the sapphire on the Mohs hardness scale. Though there are more durable gemstones, a topaz engagement ring will still last generations under the right care.
Henry Wilson Jewelers is a locally owned and operated family jewelry store in Syracuse, NY. For the last century, we have taken great pride in making your dream ring a reality. View our wide range of gemstone rings on our website or visit us in-store. If you can’t find the perfect ring, we’ll work with you to build it from scratch at our Design Center where we’ll start by designing the setting you love as we personally search for the highest quality gemstone within your budget.
For more, visit our store on Bridge Street in DeWitt or click on the green text bubble in the lower right hand corner of the screen to chat with one of our engagement ring specialists.