The 4 Best Alternatives To Diamond Engagement Rings
When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds tend to be the most popular choice due to their durability and beauty. And let's not forget their history: after all, mined diamonds are between one and three billion years old.
While lab-grown diamonds have increased in popularity over the years, if you’re not into proposing with a traditional diamond ring, don’t fret.
From sapphires to aquamarines, emeralds and rubies, there are plenty of precious coloured gemstones out there to create a beautiful non-diamond engagement ring.
Today, more couples are rethinking tradition — seeking something more affordable, ethical, unique, or simply better suited to their personal style. The result? A growing interest in stunning alternatives that rival diamonds in beauty and meaning.
Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
1. Sapphire Engagement Rings
A blue sapphire and diamond trilogy - or three stone - engagement ring.
Sapphire rings are likely one of the most well-known alternative engagement rings, thanks to Princess Diana’s famous blue sapphire ring.
An elegant and classy option, sapphire is the second-hardest coloured gemstone, making it highly durable and perfect for everyday wear. Offering a vibrant and versatile choice, sapphires are generally a more affordable alternative to traditional diamonds and come in a wide range of different colours and shades, with teal, rose pink, and peach sapphire stones becoming particularly popular in recent years.
Whichever colour you go for, a custom sapphire engagement ring evokes longevity, romance and individuality, and perfectly complements classic and modern designs.
2. Aquamarine Rings
Part of the same species as emeralds, aquamarine stones are another great option for a diamond alternative ring. Their light blue colour makes them both an elegant and fresh choice that works particularly well with your other half’s blue eyes.
Pairing the stone with a platinum or white gold ring really helps bring out its natural splendour and ensures the aquamarine engagement ring will continue to steal the show for many years to come.
3. Emerald Engagement Rings
An emerald and diamond halo engagement ring with diamond set shoulders.
Gorgeous green emeralds are a classic choice if you’re looking for a more unique engagement ring. Whatever the season, emeralds always prove to be a very popular option. Their vibrant green hues and timeless appeal make them a go-to gemstone for anybody looking for an alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring and those wanting to create an unforgettable look.
With a hardness rating of 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, they are more delicate than a diamond and will require a bit of care when being worn to ensure they don’t get damaged. But with the proper techniques and good care, emerald engagement rings will last a lifetime.
Providing a luxurious and sophisticated look, emeralds offer an eye-catching choice that blends vintage elegance and modern simplicity.
4. Ruby Engagement Rings
A ruby and diamond halo right with pear shaped diamond shoulders.
One of the most valuable gems out there, rubies make an excellent diamond alternative centre stone to any engagement ring
Rubies are known as the gemstone of love due to their natural red colour. But they actually come in many shades, ranging all the way from a more pink-ish colour to a deep red one. Pairing a ruby with white and yellow metals makes a particularly beautiful contrast.
Rubies are the most valuable of all coloured gems, and at their finest, they can command the highest price per carat of any gemstone. While they may come in pricier than other coloured stones, they are durable (along with sapphires, which are the second hardest gemstone) and are suitable for everyday wear.
The rarity and natural beauty of rubies truly make them a special choice for an engagement ring. If you really want to make your partner feel like royalty, ruby engagement rings might just do the trick.
What is the Best Alternative to a Diamond Engagement Ring For You?
Diamond engagement rings will always have their place, but they are no longer the only option - and for many, they’re no longer the best one.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegant blue hues of sapphires or the individuality of emeralds, there’s an alternative that can perfectly represent you and your relationship.
Ultimately, the best engagement ring isn’t defined by tradition or by current trends - it’s defined by what it means to you. And that’s what makes these alternatives so special: they allow you to choose a ring that truly reflects your love story.
If you have chosen to embrace colour and you’re feeling bold, why stop there? There are many other ways to ensure your ring is unique to you. Why not choose a unique setting? You could consider an alternative metal or opt for a statement style. If you’re open to further possibilities, be sure to read our blog on how to customise your engagement and wedding rings.
Custom-Made Engagement Rings
With over twenty years of experience in the industry, we’re passionate about making engagement rings completely bespoke to you.
Whether you’re looking for a yellow gold or rose gold ring, with a diamond or an alternative gemstone, we’d love to help you find the perfect ring that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Contact us to schedule an appointment. Start your bespoke engagement ring journey today.
Be sure to follow our Instagram page for inspiration on what to look for in an engagement ring with some of our latest creations, including teal sapphire engagement rings, as well as vintage reproduction rings and bespoke cufflinks.
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