When it comes to choosing the best stones for engagement rings, diamonds might be the first name that comes to mind. But they’re far from the only option. In 2026, more couples are turning to colorful gemstones, meaningful symbolism and one-of-a-kind rings to mark their forever.
Whether you’re leaning into tradition or looking for something a bit more unconventional, knowing your unique engagement ring options makes the process that much easier. From the unmatched brilliance of diamonds to the bold romance of rubies and the pastel charm of morganite, this guide will help you navigate the top engagement ring gemstones this year.
| Stone | Hardness (Based on Mohs Scale of Hardness) | Characteristics |
| Diamond | 10 | Unmatched brilliance, most durable, timeless symbol |
| Sapphire | 9 | Comes in many colors, extremely durable |
| Ruby | 9 | Rich red, known for passion and boldness |
| Emerald | 7.5-8 | Lush green, naturally includes jardin, vintage feel |
| Aquamarine | 7.5-8 | Cool pale blue, calming, often paired with white metals |
| Morganite | 7.5-8 | Blush pink, romantic, perfect in a rose gold setting |
| Topaz | 8 | Often more affordable, vivid blue hues are popular |
| Tanzanite | 6-7 | Rare, velvety violet-blue, softer so needs extra care |
| Amethyst | 7 | Deep purple, spiritual symbolism, often budget-friendly |
1. Diamonds
- Best for: Timeless elegance and durability
- Hardness: 10
- Meaning: Eternal love, purity and strength
Diamonds are the classic choice for engagement rings thanks to their brilliance, durability and long-standing value. Many couples now explore both natural and lab-grown diamonds for different budgets and preferences.
Whether you’re choosing a quintessential round solitaire or a trendy oval cut, diamonds provide unmatched radiance and a hardness rating of 10—the highest on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. That makes them ideal for daily wear, no matter your lifestyle.
2. Sapphires
- Best for: Classic with a colorful twist
- Hardness: 9
- Meaning: Loyalty, wisdom and sincerity
Once reserved for royalty, these gems are now a favorite among couples seeking bold color without compromising durability. While deep blue remains the iconic hue, sapphires actually come in nearly every color of the rainbow, including peach, green, yellow, and even white.
Their exceptional toughness (9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness) makes them perfect for everyday wear. For a unique engagement ring, pair a sapphire center stone with a diamond halo or vintage-inspired details like tapered baguettes.
H2: 3. Rubies
- Best for: Passionate romantics and bold aesthetics
- Hardness: 9
- Meaning: Love, vitality and inner fire
Few stones are as striking or as symbolic as the ruby. With its rich crimson color, a ruby engagement ring conveys deep passion and strength. In fact, some ancient cultures ranked the ruby as the most precious stone. Rubies shine especially well in yellow or rose gold settings, where their warm undertones glow even brighter. Rubies are bold, perfect to be the center stone paired with diamonds in a three-stone design.
4. Emeralds
- Best for: Nature lovers and vintage romantics
- Hardness: 7.5-8
- Meaning: Renewal, growth and harmony
There’s something undeniably enchanting about emeralds. Their lush green color exudes sophistication and a sense of timeless elegance. Known for their natural inclusions called “jardin,” emeralds are more delicate than diamonds or sapphires. That’s why they’re best suited for protective settings, like a halo or bezel, which not only enhance the stone’s beauty but also protect it from chips and scratches.
If you’re looking for a beautiful gemstone engagement ring and you’re drawn to antique designs or botanical inspiration, emerald may just be your stone.
5. Aquamarines
- Best for: Minimalist elegance and cool-toned lovers
- Hardness: 7.5-8
- Meaning: Peace, clarity and hope
Aquamarine’s icy blue tones feel like a breath of fresh air. With a name meaning “water of the sea,” this stone brings serenity and lightness to any ring design.
Aquamarines look especially ethereal in white gold or platinum settings, which amplify their cool color. While not as hard as diamonds or sapphires, aquamarines are still suitable for daily wear depending on your lifestyle, making them a refreshing and elegant alternative stone for engagement rings.
6. Morganite
- Best for: Soft, warm and romantic style
- Hardness: 7.5-8
- Meaning: Love, compassion and healing
Morganite has become a go-to choice for modern jewelry wearers looking for something soft, romantic and totally unique. Its blush-pink hue flatters most skin tones and adds a warm glow, especially when set in rose gold.
Morganite is a type of beryl, like emerald and aquamarine, and offers a good balance of beauty and durability. For added brilliance, consider a diamond halo around a morganite center stone. It enhances the color and creates a breathtaking look that feels custom-designed.
7. Topazes
- Best for: Brilliant color on a budget
- Hardness: 8
- Meaning: Joy, communication and clarity
Topaz brings versatility and vibrant energy to the world of gemstone rings. Available in a range of colors, blue topaz—especially Swiss Blue and London Blue—is a favorite.
With a hardness of 8, it’s durable enough for everyday wear and offers great brilliance without the higher price tag. Topaz is a fantastic choice for couples who want a statement gemstone ring that’s eye-catching, expressive and affordable.
8. Tanzanite
- Best for: Rare beauty and modern individuality
- Hardness: 6-7
- Meaning: Intuition, transformation and uniqueness
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, found only in a specific region in Tanzania. Its mesmerizing blue-violet color shifts beautifully in different lighting, offering depth and intrigue you won’t find in any other stone.
While tanzanite is softer than many other engagement ring stones, it can be safely worn with the right setting and care. If you love the idea of something rare, spiritual and a little mysterious, tanzanite could be your perfect match.
9. Amethysts
- Best for: Creative spirits and meaningful connection
- Hardness: 7
- Meaning: Calm, wisdom and inner strength
With its rich violet hues, amethyst adds a luxurious yet grounded feel to engagement rings. Long associated with clarity of mind and spiritual growth, it’s ideal for couples who want a meaningful stone with visual impact.
Amethyst is also one of the most affordable gemstones on this list, offering beauty and symbolism without breaking your budget. To highlight its color, opt for white gold or platinum settings that let its purple tones pop.
How to Choose the Right Engagement Ring Stone
There are different considerations you should take note of when choosing the perfect engagement ring stone, such as color, toughness and cost. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are smart ways to narrow your search:
- Color: Want something neutral or bold? Diamonds and aquamarine are subtle, while emeralds and rubies are more vivid.
- Setting (appearance): A stone’s settings can enhance the look of your ring. Halos and bezels are both beautiful and practical.
- Safety (stone protection): Softer stones like emeralds or tanzanite should be shielded from hard impacts.
- Toughness: Stones like diamond, ruby and sapphire hold up best over time.
- Lifestyle: If you’re very active, opt for higher durability gems.
- Symbolism/meaning: Let your stone speak to your relationship and choose what resonates with your story. You might select a ruby to convey passion or a diamond to convey eternal love—the choice is uniquely yours.
- Cost: Consider morganite, topaz or lab-grown diamonds for affordability.
Find the Best Stones for Engagement Rings at Blue Nile
Your engagement ring should be as meaningful as the story behind it. Choosing the right stone is where that story begins. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless brilliance of diamonds, the bold color of rubies or the romantic glow of morganite, we offer an expertly curated selection of the best stones for engagement rings to fit every style and budget.
From timeless classics to modern favorites, our collection of gemstone engagement rings features quality, responsibly sourced stones and settings designed to last a lifetime.
Find your perfect match. Start by browsing all engagement rings, or connect with one of our diamond experts for personalized guidance and styling support.
Diamonds are still the top choice due to their durability, brilliance and timeless appeal.
Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganite are trending options. Explore diamond alternatives that balance style and budget.
Diamonds top the list with a Mohs Scale of Hardness rating of 10, followed closely by sapphires and rubies at 9.
If you want a personalized, symbolic and eye-catching alternative to a traditional diamond, colored stones are a beautiful and meaningful option.
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