Everyone knows the unmistakable meaning of diamonds.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend but they’re also the stone of love. You know when you see a diamond ring on a lady’s left ring finger, she is the woman of a man who feels lucky to have her.
Are you preparing to propose to the woman of your dreams? If so, you’re probably picking out a ring and picturing your wedding.
But are diamond engagement rings all that they’re hyped up to be?
What’s the Deal with Diamonds?
Unfortunately, diamonds aren’t the most socially moral gemstone.
Diamond mining causes bloodshed, slavery, and even death. Not only that, but diamond mines are bad for the environment. If you’re on the hunt for an engagement ring, there are plenty of alternatives to the diamond.
There are also many myths about buying diamonds rings. Discover more here.
The Best Diamond Alternatives
Now that you know diamonds may not be the best choice, what gem engagement ring do you buy? Here are 7 diamond-alternative engagement rings your bride-to-be will love.
- Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the trendiest stones. Its light-blue hue is recognizable on any piece.
That’s why turquoise sales are increasing and the classic stone is becoming rare.
Its value has increased so much, it’s now said to be more valuable than diamonds!
Turquoise is also a versatile stone. You can buy a natural, free-form turquoise engagement ring or modified to fit a specific shape, color and clarity.
Turquoise also looks beautiful with other stones. If your future bride can’t fathom not wearing a diamond ring, opt for smaller diamonds surrounding a large turquoise stone.
Turquoise also looks stunning with different band materials and colors.
- Amethyst
Amethyst is a popular stone used naturally and as a fine gem. Amethyst is a very durable stone and is available at the fraction of the price of diamonds.
The amethyst stone is famous for its mesmerizing purple hue. This is why amethyst engagement rings are best alone and with a simple band, such as silver or rose gold.
There are many amethyst rings made with diamond clusters if you prefer a classic-styled engagement ring.
While you can use amethyst in its natural state, many amethyst engagement rings are made with the amethyst stone cut and styled.
Many engagement rings offer spunky styles with amethyst, such as pairing amethyst with another bold stone like an emerald on a yellow gold band.
Speaking of emerald…
- Emerald
Emerald is another beautiful stone that has a rich shade of green. It’s a precious gem, which makes it another great candidate for an engagement ring stone.
Emeralds range in color from a yellow-green to a deeper blue-green.
Compared to previous times, emerald isn’t as trendy as it used to be. But many people today still see an emerald ring as timeless.
Emeralds are also one of the most durable stone. It reaches a 7.5 to 8 rating on the Mohs scale!
The most stunning emerald engagement rings featured a cut emerald gem on a yellow gold band. If your bride-to-be insists the ring has diamonds, diamonds also pair well with emerald.
- Sapphire
Sapphire is another iconic gemstone. It’s famous for having a rich blue shade.
But sapphire ranges in other colors, including pink, peach, yellow, white, and green. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral in the world, reaching a grade 9 on the Mohs scale.
Sapphires are a perfect diamond replacement for several reasons. If you buy a white sapphire, it closely resembles a diamond. While they don’t sparkle like a diamond, the right cut will closely resemble the infamous diamond.
Sapphires are also a third of the price of a diamond. For the price of a diamond, you can get a large sapphire gem ring, so you get more for your money.
- Garnet
Garnet is a famous stone. It’s the birthstone for those born in January and is a celebrated gemstone. Garnet comes in a variety of colors, but is most famous for its red shade.
You can commonly buy a garnet in shades of red ranging from a pink-red to deep ruby.
Like emerald, garnet is a timeless classic. This is why garnet rings are the perfect engagement rings for a lady who loves retro and antique fashion.
Its red hue makes it a perfect match for a variety of different gemstones and jewelry pieces.
For a unique engagement ring, but one that features a large garnet stone with pearls.
Speaking of pearls…
- Pearl
Pearls are another timeless stone. They never lost their worth and are perfect for all types of future brides. Pearl is often seen in vintage-inspired fashion, but pearl is just as trendy today as it was in past generations.
Pearls come in many types. The freshwater pearl is the most famous, sporting a classic white hue. Saltwater pearls look similar but are rarer.
The only downside of pearl is they aren’t the most durable. They scratch easily and show signs of wear after a few years.
This is why pearl engagement rings are best when you feature pearl clusters around a larger and more durable gemstone.
- Morganite
Pink and rose are in right now. That’s why morganite is one of the most popular diamond engagement ring alternatives. Morganite is the perfect combination of romantic and feminine. Its hue varies between a pale pink to peach.
Like diamonds, morganite has amazing clarity. When the light hits the gem, it becomes even more vibrant.
You can find morganite engagement rings in different unique styles. Choose one with a rose gold or silver band. If you still want a classic diamond ring, you can choose one where a larger morganite gem is surrounded by a diamond cluster.
Morganite is also durable and is between a 7.5 and 8 grade on the Mohs scale.
Morganite prices vary. It’s worth also depends on the cut and the size.
Will You Buy Diamond-Alternative Engagement Rings?
Diamond engagement rings are the classic choice. But if you buy a diamond, you’re feeding into an industry of violence and corruption. This is why more couples are opting for diamond-alternative engagement rings.
Choose any of these gems for an exquisite engagement ring. These gems are still glamorous with the quality of a diamond at the fraction of the price. Some even closely resemble a diamond!
Want to read more advice on how to have a lasting marriage? Read our relationship section.