Gemstone Engagement Rings — Embracing Diamond Alternatives

For generations, the Diamond engagement ring has stood as the quintessential symbol of everlasting love and commitment. Its timeless brilliance and unparalleled strength have made it the classic choice for a proposal.

Yet, for the modern couple seeking to express their unique love story, the world of fine jewellery offers a captivating array of Diamond alternatives. Vibrant and symbolic gemstones — such as a personal birthstone — are a unique way to embrace individuality and celebrate a love that is truly yours.

B.P. de Silva’s expertise in high jewellery and our Gem Library make us a trusted guide in helping you find the perfect gemstone engagement ring or bespoke wedding ring.

What to Consider for Gemstone Engagement Rings

When choosing a non-Diamond engagement ring, the initial allure of a gem’s colour must be balanced with a few practical considerations. A ring is more than a beautiful adornment; it is a piece of jewellery intended for a lifetime of everyday wear. This makes the gemstone's durability a primary concern.

Another equally important consideration is your colour preference, which encompasses not only the gemstone’s overall colour but also its specific hue. It is also crucial to ensure the gemstone's compatibility with your chosen setting, as different cuts and shapes require specific mounting techniques.

Finally, it is wise to understand the long-term maintenance requirements of your selection to ensure its brilliance endures.

The Mohs Hardness Scale

The Mohs hardness scale is an essential tool for understanding a gemstone's durability. It ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). When it comes to selecting a gemstone for jewellery (especially a ring that will be worn frequently), it is arguably one of the most important factors to consider.

Diamond sits at the top with a hardness of 10, meaning it can only be scratched by another Diamond. For the best non-Diamond engagement ring that can withstand daily wear, we recommend selecting a stone that ranks at least 7 on the scale. 

What Are the Most Popular Gemstones for Diamond Alternatives

If you are looking for a non-Diamond engagement ring, the world of gems offers a wealth of stunning options. Here are some of the best gemstones you can select:

Moissanite

Moissanite is a brilliant Diamond alternative for a modern bride who prioritises brilliance and sparkle. It is a naturally occurring mineral, but is almost exclusively lab-grown for jewellery due to its extreme rarity. This gemstone is highly sought after for its exceptional brilliance and fire.

Additionally, with a Mohs hardness of 9.25, Moissanite is incredibly durable and a fantastic choice for an engagement ring that will be worn every day. The main point of consideration for Moissanite is that it is a lab-created stone, which may be a factor for those who prefer a naturally occurring gemstone.

Sapphire

The Sapphire is a timeless and classic alternative to the Diamond. With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is exceptionally durable, making it an ideal choice for an engagement ring.

Contrary to popular belief that they are only blue, Sapphires are available in a spectrum of elegant colours beyond the classic blue, including pink, yellow, and green. This versatility allows for a deeply personal and vibrant ring. If you’re considering a Sapphire, prioritise colour saturation, with vivid, even colours being the most valuable.

Emerald

Emerald is a unique and sophisticated choice that exudes a rich green hue, symbolising new beginnings and hope. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, it is a suitable choice but requires slightly more care than a Sapphire or Diamond due to its inherent inclusions, which can make it more susceptible to chipping. 

Overall, Emeralds are good for a bride with a classic and refined style. It is also usually advised to opt for a protective setting to safeguard the gem from sharp impacts or blows.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a subtle alternative to a Diamond. This gemstone offers a serene blue colour and is known for its elegance. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, it is a relatively durable option for an engagement ring. Its tranquil, ocean-like hue is perfect for a bride with a calm, gentle, and ethereal aesthetic.

Aquamarine gemstones also come in deeper, more saturated blues. However, they are highly sought-after and more valuable, making the choice of colour a personal balance of preference and rarity.

Morganite

Morganite is another discreet Diamond alternative. It is loved for its romantic pink hue, making it perfect for a bride with a romantic and soft style. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, offering good durability for everyday wear.

Just like Aquamarine, when selecting a Morganite, you need to consider its colour. Paler pink stones are more common, so it is a personal choice whether you prefer a delicate hue or a more saturated pink.

Ruby

The Ruby brings a vibrant red colour that symbolises love, passion, and vitality. This makes it among the best gemstones for a bride with a bold, passionate, and confident style.

With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is an exceptionally durable gemstone for an engagement ring. The main point of consideration when using this gemstone is its colour and origin, with "pigeon-blood red" rubies from Myanmar being the most coveted. However, ethical sourcing is a crucial point of consideration, as rubies from certain regions may be associated with complex social and political issues.

Amethyst

Amethyst offers a beautiful range of purple hues, from pale lilac to deep violet. It is often chosen by brides with a creative, whimsical, and artistic style. This gemstone has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it suitable for rings but requiring more careful wear than harder stones.

However, it is important to be aware of the stone's sensitivity to prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can fade its colour. A protective setting is also advisable due to the gemstone’s relative softness.

Choosing the Right Gemstone Engagement Ring

Selecting an engagement ring is a deeply meaningful and personal act that not only symbolises commitment but also reflects individuality. 

We believe that choosing the perfect ring size and style should be a joyous and memorable experience. That's why our expert gemmologists are here to provide personalised guidance, helping you find a gemstone that perfectly aligns with your desires and celebrates your love story.

Visit our flagship boutique or book a virtual concierge appointment today to secure an engagement ring that showcases your love.