A-Z Guide to Alternative Gemstones for Engagement Rings 2023

View More

Alexandrite is a beautiful bluey-purple gemstone (though it can vary from green to red as well) and is variety of chrysoberyl. At 8.5 on the Mohs scale it makes a really durable choice for an engagement ring. Becoming more stylish in recent years, it can be found in Russia, India, Brazil and Tanzania, among other places, but also look out for the more affordable, but equally pretty lab-grown varieties.

Alexandrite

READ More     

Citrine varies in colour from fiery orange to bright yellow, and makes a more affordable alternative to canary yellow diamonds. As a variety of quartz, citrine can vary wildly in hardness, so make sure you talk to your jeweller about purity of the stone. A symbol of prosperity, citrine is also known as the 'money stone' - chi-ching!

Citrine

READ More     

Okay so diamonds aren't exactly an alternative engagement ring gemstone, but just because you choose a classic stone doesn't mean your ring can't be unique. Yellow and pink (often known as 'fancy diamonds) are often found in the most lavish vintage pieces, while black, champagne and grey diamonds have become increasingly popular with modern brides. And there's no denying, that iconic sparkle is hard to resist!

Diamonds

READ More     

Emerald is a classic choice for an engagement ring, but this versatile vivid green stone looks just as gorgeous in a contemporary ring setting as a more vintage style ring. A form of beryl, the best quality emeralds reach an 8 on the Mohs scale. While an emerald cut is the go-to for its namesake stone, a brilliant cut emerald is equally dazzling.

Emerald

READ More     

Fire opals are a variety of transparent opal with an orange glow that varies from the quite subtle to the rather brilliant. The lab-grown fire opals however have a really vivid orange glow, and are becoming more and more popular in fine jewellery. At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale though, you will have to be a little careful with fire opal ring.

Fire Opal

READ More     

Garnets are gorgeous red precious stones, slightly browner in tone than rubies. They're mostly found in antique jewellery, but they are set to make a comeback as they really are a beautiful engagement ring stone. At 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale they're not quite as hardy as rubies or emeralds, but they're also not quite as expensive.

Garnet

READ More     

Iolite, also known as Cordierite, is a stone that varies from a cloudy greenish-grey to a to a bright purple, though the gem-quality stones can sometimes be a rich blue. The lab-grown varieties in particular have a dazzling clarity to them, and they're starting to appear more in more in fine jewellery. At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, they are quite durable, and were historically used as an affordable substitute to sapphires.

Iolite

READ More     

Labradorite is having a bit of a moment right now, and is becoming more and more coveted by jewellery designers around the world. An iridescent stone that's most commonly seen as a grey-brown tone, it's 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Labradorite is known to symbolise strength and shielding and is found in its Canadian namesake, as well as parts of Norway.

Labradorite

READ More     

Morganite has been beloved by brides for several years now, and is fast becoming one of the most popular engagement ring gemstones. Particularly pretty when paired with red hues or a sparkling diamond halo, these soft pink stones have such a romantic quality to them. Like emeralds, morganites are a form of beryl and reach 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.

Morganite

READ More     

Onyx was used a lot in jewellery in the early 1900s and it's starting to make its comeback in contemporary jewellery too. Generally featured as a cabochon style jewel rather than a faceted gem, these highly-polished black stones have a timeless quality to them, and are particularly striking when paired with diamonds, emeralds or rubies. Onyx is 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Onyx

READ More     

Pearls are among the most delicate stones, so while they're common in necklaces and earrings, they're not as suitable for the wear and tear of an engagement ring. Made from calcium carbonate, they're just 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning they're easily cracked or scratched. It's not all bad news though, you can opt for a pearl engagement ring as an occasional, cocktail-style ring or get small pearls deeply set into an vintage-style cluster.

Pearl

READ More     

Rose quartz is a pretty pink stone, sometimes cloudy in colour. Often more associated with fashion jewellery than fine jewellery, modern designers have been pairing it with more precious stones to make beautiful contemporary engagement rings. Reaching up to 7 on the Mohs scale, rose quartz can be hardy, but again it's worth chatting to your jeweller to ensure you're getting a pure variety.

Rose Quartz

READ More     

Another classic engagement ring stone, sapphires are most-commonly associated with a rich blue hue, but they actually come in a host of colours, from yellow and pink to peach, purple or green - white sapphires are also a more-affordable but equally precious diamond substitute. At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are as hardy as emeralds or rubies, making them a fitting option for a ring that's all about everlasting love

Sapphire

READ More     

Tanzanite is a gorgeous blue stone, that was actually given its name by Tiffany & Co after being discovered near Mount Kilimanjaro - the ad campaign by Tiffany in the late 60s said tanzanite could now be found in two places: "in Tanzania and at Tiffany's". Only found in Tanzania, this rare stone is heat-treated (either naturally or artificially) to produce its strong violet-blue hue. Tanzanite is a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Tanzanite

READ More     

Zircon (not to be confused with the man-made cubic zirconia) is a crystal that sits at 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Found in a variety of colours, it differs with reddish brown, yellow, blue, green and colourless variations, the colour can be changed and enhanced with heat treatments. While you can find some special statement pieces (large blue zircon rings are often flanked with diamonds - like the one above) as a typically inexpensive gemstone, zircon in a smaller stone works perfectly for a token promise ring while you hold out for the real rock.

Zircon

READ More     

more

Read

16 Biggest Wedding Money Wasters 

7 Delightful Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

10 Must-Have Wedding Photos

See More

See More

See More