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Gemstone engagement rings are a new fad. They are popular for their color, sparkle, and meaning. While diamonds remain an evergreen choice for engagement rings, colored gemstones are becoming the new favorites for couples who want jewelry that reflects their individuality.
Besides blue sapphire , rare gems like alexandrite make the list of best alternative stones for engagement rings.
All gemstones have unmatched beauty. They differ in color, clarity, and hardness. Picking the right gemstone for your engagement ring isn't about beauty; it's about strength and suitability for daily wear. Other than this, its heirloom value matters too.
Of course, you are not investing in just a small piece of jewelry; it's all about emotions and memories. This is why you should know a few things before buying a gemstone engagement ring.
A Gemstone engagement ring refers to a non-diamond ring. Here, the centre stone is any colored gemstone other than a diamond, and thus is often called a colored gemstone engagement ring.
With changing preferences, modern couples are opting for these rings as a classy choice that complements their outfits and personalities. Why couples or brides-to-be prefer unique gemstone engagement rings over traditional diamond rings:
But don’t just buy a gemstone because it looks impressive. If you wish to buy a gemstone engagement ring, then you need to understand durability, treatments, colour, and the metal that matches the gem.
Read our blog: Best Gemstone Alternatives for Diamond Engagement Ring
This is something many people ignore. Some gemstones look beautiful but scratch very fast. Memories are meant to be lived and cherished, not stored away in lockers or wardrobes. This is why hard stones for engagement rings are kept as first choices.
What you can choose:
Sapphire & Ruby (9 hardness) – durable, best gemstones for engagement rings, perfect for daily wear.
Alexandrite (8.5 hardness ) – Makes a good choice for a unique gemstone engagement ring because of its color-changing property. Rare gemstone that stands out from the rest.
Emerald (7.5 hardness) – Not very durable, but you can choose a Zambian emerald, as it is more durable than other origins.
Opal, Pearl, Moonstone (5–6 Mohs scale hardness) – pretty but soft. These are the best alternative stones for engagement rings, only if you wear them occasionally or keep them in protective settings. Also Read: Do Pearls Make a Good Engagement Ring ?
Experts always say: if you’re rough with your hands, avoid soft stones.
This is one point almost every first-time buyer misses. Most gemstones in the market undergo some sort of treatment. This is usually done to enhance their color and clarity. But treatments such as glass filling or heavy oiling can weaken the stone.
If you are looking for budget-friendly options, treated gemstone rings are worth considering. But if you are looking for heirloom jewelry that will stay with you and your loved ones forever, natural gemstones are the perfect choice.
Gemstones aren’t like diamonds, where clarity is the biggest factor. For gemstones, color rules everything.
For example:
Sapphire: Deeper blues are more valuable. Sapphire engagement rings offer many colour options. So it’s not only blue that rules the world of unique jewelry pieces: rare shades like Padparadscha sapphire stone and bi-color sapphires also add their own magic to the collection. Also Read: Is Sapphire a Suitable Gem for an Engagement Ring?
Ruby: Pigeon blood is the dream color.
Alexandrite: A sharp, clean color change is important. Alexandrite engagement rings are classy, standing out from the rest with their rarity and unique colour.
Emerald: Rich green colour takes the lead as it is evergreen and has calming effects. Clarity is the biggest issue because they have natural inclusions.
If you’re buying gold gemstone engagement rings, match the stone of your preference with the metal shade:
Yellow Gold – looks great with ruby, emerald, yellow sapphire stone , garnet, citrine. Read More: Why Choose a Yellow Sapphire Engagement Ring Over a Diamond?
White Gold or Platinum – perfect for sapphire, alexandrite, and aquamarine.
Rose Gold – beautiful for morganite or pink sapphire. Some gems also need extra protection. Softer stones should be set in bezel settings rather than prongs, as prongs leave corners exposed.
Some stones are just too soft and break easily, even with a light tap. Stones, many experts say, should be avoided for daily engagement rings:
These are gorgeous but fragile. If you still want something unique, choose them only in protective settings or wear them occasionally.
Always choose gemstones that are lab-certified and buy from reputable sellers only:
A certificate provides information on the type of treatment, the stone's origin, and its authenticity.
While you say diamonds are expensive, colored gemstones can also be out of your budget—research gemstone prices from different websites. Gemstones like pigeon-blood rubies and Colombian emeralds in high carat weight can cost you a lot. Make sure you compare gemstone prices from everywhere before deciding.
Choosing an engagement ring is a life decision that deserves thoughtful attention. This is where Navratan steps in, helping you find the right gemstone for your ring. We also offer customised options so you can select all the parts of the ring you choose. Visit Navratan today to know more.
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