7 Best Diamond Alternatives for Engagement Rings

Are you and your partner thinking about taking the engagement plunge? Is your main concern about the ring?

Putting a ring on it can be a scary proposition. And the ring itself complicates matters. Many people aren't a fan of diamond engagement rings. That can be simply because of the appearance, or because of political objections.

But, your engagement ring doesn't have to be a traditional diamond if you don't want it to! Here are the seven best diamond alternatives for people who want a more unusual ring.

1. Sapphires

Is blue your color? In that case, a sapphire engagement ring might be a great fit for your wardrobe. Sapphires rate as a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them suitable for long-term, everyday use. And if you're not a fan of blue, there's good news for you. Sapphires are actually available in a variety of colors!

Since the sapphire is available in a variety of different colors, it can suit a wide range of different cuts, bands, and settings. If you're sticking with a simple blue, you might want to try a platinum band, with an oval cut gem.

A sapphire can suit a more intricate band or be combined with a setting of clear gems, so don't be afraid to get creative! Sapphires are a great stone for an engagement ring, as long as you're careful about your wants and needs!

2. Emeralds

Emeralds may be on the pricier side, but they certainly make for a unique and beautiful engagement ring. The unique coloring of emeralds make for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, and they're just as luxurious as a diamond if that's the vibe you're looking for in an engagement ring.

In terms of the type of ring, you can always go classic with an emerald-cut emerald. Or, you can get funky with it and find an antique or vintage ring. An emerald can look gaudy when surrounded by different colored gems, so you'll probably want an emerald set on its own when choosing your engagement ring.

3. Topaz

If you're looking for some variety, Topaz may be a great fit for you. There are tons of different colors of topaz (the colors come from different minerals within the stone), and their makeup and clarity all differ stone-by-stone.

The metal of the band will depend on what color stone you choose for your engagement ring, so the sky is really the limit. Topaz is truly one of the most customizable stones out there, so its a perfect choice for anyone who wants a truly unique engagement ring to cherish for the rest of their lives.

4. Amethyst

If you love purple, an amethyst ring might be a great fit for you. Amethyst is a hard enough mineral to withstand daily wear, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful. These durable stones are usually cheaper than the average diamond, and they come in different shades depending on your preference. Amethysts are also easy to clean with the right products. 

A twisted band or an art-deco aesthetic goes great with an amethyst stone, regardless of the cut — the coloring goes great with a more modern design. Either a yellow gold or white gold ring will work with an amethyst stone, depending on the exact coloring and your preference.

5. Morganite

If you want something traditional, but not quite a diamond, morganite is probably the way to go. This pretty pink stone ranks high on the Mohs scale, and it comes in varieties that can fit any budget. Since morganite has such a subtle color, it can be right at home with a variety of settings, band colors, and cuts.

Morganite is a great choice for anyone who wants something classic, but still a little different.

6. Ruby

Red is certainly a color that stands out in a crowd — so why not try a ruby engagement ring? Ruby is actually a type of sapphire, but its unique coloring sets it apart from the rest of the crowd. Its sapphire pedigree means it can withstand wear and tear, which is perfect in an engagement ring. 

The simplest choice for a ruby engagement ring is a nice round cut, but you can certainly experiment with other cuts.

Yellow gold is the best band color for rubies, but you can choose from your pick of designs or settings. The world is your oyster when you choose a ruby stone for your engagement ring!

7. Aquamarine

This blue gem is in the beryl family of minerals and is commonly found in a beautiful shade of light blue. That's why it's named aquamarine (Latin for seawater!).

This subtle gem is a great choice for someone who's looking for a ring that's unique, but not too flashy or over-the-top. Aquamarine is also less prone to flaws, which makes them naturally cleaner than most other options.

For a simple but beautiful ring, why not try a cushion-cut aquamarine stone? Or, for something a little fancier, you can try a pear-cut aquamarine stone. For the metal, a white gold or platinum band is the usual choice.

An aquamarine stone can stand on its own, or be surrounded by complimentary gems. 

Diamond Alternatives That You Should Consider

The above are just a few of the most popular diamond alternatives you can try out. Some people like the idea of getting their Birthstone Meaning for their ring. There are tons of other options out there for you to consider, depending on your wants and needs. Just make sure you discuss the choice with your partner. After all, you'll both hopefully be looking at it for a very long time!

Looking for more information on engagement rings and upkeep? Why don't you browse all our jewelry cleaning products today!