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Choosing Gemstones for Engagement Rings
Engagement rings with gemstones are a popular alternative to rings with diamonds. They offer colorful styles, special meanings and often more affordable pricing than women’s and men’s diamond rings.
Much like the 4Cs of diamonds, there are gemstone characteristics and qualities to consider when shopping for gemstone engagement rings. Keep these qualities in mind when buying a gemstone engagement ring:
COLOR
The color of a gemstone is its most defining and memorable feature—and for many, it’s the most important factor in choosing a gem. In general, the more saturated a gemstone, the more valuable it is. But for most people, buying gemstones isn’t about picking the most “valuable,” but rather choosing a gemstone in a color they really, really love.
CLARITY
Gemstone clarity depends on how many inclusions are present. These little flaws include gas bubbles, minerals, and liquid that gets stuck in the gemstone when it’s formed. In general, “eye-clean” gemstones are the most desirable, but in many cases, inclusions add to the unique appearance of the gemstone and make it more special to its wearer.
CUT
A skillful gemstone cut is crucial for proportion and symmetry. Gems are faceted in a way that best highlights their special features, like their color, clarity, or brilliance. Gemstone cuts vary in the number and size of facets carved into the surface. Different cuts bring out different aspects of the stone, such as its color and brilliance.
Shop Popular Gemstone Engagement Rings
Which Gemstone is Best for an Engagement Ring?
The most significant factor in choosing a gemstone for your engagement ring is how its beauty strikes you. Rest assured that no matter which gem ends up in the setting, all of our high-quality gemstone engagement rings are handcrafted for maximum sparkle and strength.
Gemstone Engagement Ring Benefits
Engagement rings with gemstones are increasingly popular for this symbolic jewelry. They offer special meanings, colorful styles, affordable pricing, and unique beauty for all kinds of rings. Most gemstone engagement rings are priced considerably lower than diamond styles, making their cost one of their biggest benefits. Gemstones also make for some of the most unique engagement rings, helping bring standout style to this classic jewelry.
Gemstone engagement rings are a popular alternative to more traditional designs. With a wide range of prices, styles and designs, these rings bring endless benefits and beauty. Discover some of the most popular gemstones for these rings.
Gemstone Engagement Ring Care Tips
Gemstone wedding rings and engagement rings are often easy to care for. To keep a gemstone ring at its best, be sure to follow the specific gemstone care instructions for the gemstones in the jewelry. In general, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and strenuous activity. Visit one of our local jewelry stores or contact our experts today to learn more about caring for these colorful engagement rings.
Popular Gemstone Engagement Rings
BLUE SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Blue sapphire is favored in engagement rings for its brilliant saturation. With a Mohs rating of 9, sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones and a popular choice for jewelry that will see daily wear. Blue sapphires are dazzling in step cuts and have been said to foster honesty and loyalty.
PINK SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
The pink sapphire is reminiscent of summer sunsets and looks gorgeous against white gold. These prized pink gems are rarer than their blue counterpart—the most valuable shades are vivid hot pinks. Pink sapphires are a symbol of love and good fortune—a fitting stone for an engagement ring.
EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Emeralds are characterized by an intense, green hue. This verdant gemstone facets exquisitely and is a favorite for its namesake, the emerald cut, which accentuates its color. Emeralds often have inclusions that have the appearance of moss, creating a garden of delights inside that will grow truth and happiness and truth in your marriage. Emeralds rate a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making them fairly durable, but you’ll want to wear it with care to avoid chipping and scratches.
RUBY ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Ruby is the color of passion and romance—a symbol of your commitment to keeping the fire alive. Rubies with the most vibrant red saturation fetch the highest price per carat of all the gemstones. Rubies have a hardness rating of 9, so you don’t need to hold back too much while you’re wearing it. Set it in yellow gold for a look as bold as you are.
AMETHYST ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, wore an amethyst ring carved into the likeness of Cupid. Carry your valentine with you always with an amethyst engagement ring, which you can find in shades from pale lilac to richly saturated purple. This show-stopping gem is eye-clean and pairs wonderfully with a blushing rose gold band. A hardness rating of 7 means amethyst engagement rings are durable enough to wear daily with care.
TOPAZ ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors, so it’s easy to find this gemstone in a hue you love. London blue topaz is the most popular color and represents a peaceful partnership. Topaz is generally free of inclusions and has uniform coloring, making it a stellar choice for any shape and any ring style. Topaz rates an 8 on the Mohs scale and is well-suited for everyday wear.
AQUAMARINE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Aquamarine symbolizes tranquility and protection in marriage. Icy blues and lush teals are signatures of this eye-clean gemstone, and a hardness of 7.5 to 8 makes aquamarine a fine choice for an engagement ring if you wear it with care. A cushion-cut aquamarine engagement ring with a halo of diamonds showcases the color and clarity of this gemstone beautifully.
MORGANITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Morganite is the gemstone of enduring love. These peachy-pink to deep pink gems are generally eye-clean and take well to faceting—and with these beauties, more facets mean more rosy-hued sparkle. Morganite is an 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone worthy of engagement rings. Cushion-cut morganite pairs elegantly with diamonds in an infinity ring—a breathtaking tribute to your happily-ever-after.
OPAL ENGAGEMENT RINGS
The otherworldly opal is known for its spectral iridescence. These gems favor cabochon or domed cuts that highlight the opal’s natural color-play. Opals are the gemstone of good fortune, and they bring luck to lovers. They’re a softer gem, with a Mohs rating of just 5 to 6.5. They’re highly susceptible to scratching and other damage, and we don’t recommend opal engagement rings unless your lifestyle fits the type of wear it requires.
TANZANITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Luscious, violet-blue tanzanite is rarer than a diamond, and it has a soothing presence in relationships. A Mohs rating of 6 to 7 makes this gem adequate for engagement rings, but wear it carefully. Tanzanite looks spectacular in many shapes, but especially cushion or oval. Tanzanite is commonly found in gorgeous, paler shades of violet, but deeply saturated tanzanite is the most valuable.
MOONSTONE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Moonstone is a popular choice for engagement rings due to the way light billows across its surface, an ethereal, otherworldly effect that makes it hard to pull your eyes away. Fine moonstone has a bewitching blue glow, and a cabochon cut beautifully captures this colorful phenomenon. This extraordinary gem represents eternal love—but it falls between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so if you choose a moonstone engagement ring, you’ll need to wear it very gently to prevent scratches and other damage.
How Do Gemstones Compare to Diamonds?
How do various gemstones compare to the traditional diamond for rings? We’ve created these helpful resources to give you all the information you need to pick the best center stone for an engagement ring. Read our guides for some of the most popular gems including ruby vs diamond, emerald vs diamond, moissanite vs diamond, pearl vs diamond, sapphire vs diamond, and blue topaz vs diamond.
FAQs About Gemstone Engagement Rings
What are the benefits of gemstone engagement rings?
Gemstone wedding rings and engagement styles are often priced lower than diamond designs. Lower price isn’t the only benefit of these rings, though. They also offer symbolism, colorful looks, personality for unique style, and easy coordination with other jewelry. Many people also believe that some gemstones carry special energies and protection, bringing extra benefit to engagement rings with these stones.
Are these rings symbolic?
Many gemstones are birthstones, carrying special symbolism associated with months of the year. For example, sapphire is often believed to symbolize luck and fortune. Amethyst has been associated with healing and protection. Emerald, another popular gemstone for engagement rings, has been associated with new beginnings. Visit our full gemstone guide to learn about the symbolism of specific gems.
How do I find the right ring size?
You can use our printable and plastic ring sizers to find the perfect ring size for yourself or a loved one.
What are gemstone enhancements?
Some stones receive gemstone enhancements to improve their durability, color and other qualities. Explore our guide to gemstone enhancements to learn more about these popular treatments and their benefits.
Are all gemstones good for engagement rings?
When shopping for gemstone wedding rings and engagement styles, it’s important to choose the right fit for the wearer’s style and upkeep preferences. Gemstones like sapphires and rubies can be worn without worry, but some softer gems will need extra care when they’re worn in an engagement ring. Pearls and opals are popular styles for engagement rings, but they may not be fit for frequent wear due to their delicate nature.
How much should I spend on a gemstone engagement ring?
There’s no exact amount to spend on a gemstone engagement ring. Instead, you should focus on choosing the ring that best fits your budget and the wearer’s style. Visit our engagement ring buying guide to learn more.