Are you looking for a unique ring to pop the question with? In this blog post Jack Jahan from Ramsdens Jewellery shares with us five of the best alternative gemstones for an engagement ring.
If you're planning to pop the question sometime soon, you'll have likely come across plenty of diamond engagement rings on your search. It’s easy to see why this precious stone is such a popular choice for engagement rings: not only does it have a stunning, eye-catching sparkle, but it's one of the most precious and valuable materials around.
However, there are plenty of other gemstones available which don't always get the attention they deserve. Not only can they be eye-catching, colourful, and come in their own unique style, but they can sometimes be more affordable, so they're a great choice for people looking for an engagement ring on a tighter budget.
Whether you're looking for a pop of colour for your fiancé-to-be or searching for something a little more unique, why not consider an alternative gemstone? Read on to find out how to choose the right gemstone for your partner, and discover our pick of the five best gemstones to use for engagement rings.
How to choose an alternative ring
There are so many gemstones out there, which can make it difficult to find the perfect one for your special someone. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to choose the right gemstone for them to make their engagement ring personalised and extra special.
The meaning behind the gemstone: Each gemstone has its own meaning behind it to make it unique, so why not find one with a special message for your partner? For example, amethyst has long been associated with protection and tranquillity, while it's believed that garnet provides courage and strength.
Birthstone engagement ring: If your significant other has a lot of other birthstone jewellery, or they're into astrology and would like to find out more about their birthstone, this is a great way to go.
Their favourite colour: Your significant other is bound to love the ring if it has a gemstone of their favourite colour. And the good news is that there are so many colourful gemstones to choose from, including deep red rubies, intense blue sapphires, and yellow-green peridots.
Their jewellery style: It's a good idea to consider what type of jewellery your partner usually wears, and which gemstone will work best with it. For example, pearls work best with simple and classic styles, while vibrantly coloured gemstones like ruby and tanzanite are great for people with more adventurous styles.
Five alternative gemstones to choose
If you're looking for some inspiration, the following five gemstones are stylish, eye-catching alternatives that are sure to impress your special someone when you pop the question.
Ruby
If your significant other loves red shades, this is the perfect engagement gemstone for them. This striking red stone will really allow your partner to stand out from the crowd with their eye-catching ring. High quality rubies can be incredibly rare too, so it' a very special gemstone to choose. Rubies are also very durable. They have a score of nine on the Mohs hardness scale, ranking just behind diamonds at ten (GIA). So not only are they beautiful stones, but they can also be enjoyed for a lifetime if looked after well.
Rubies are believed to bring health, love, and peace, making it the perfect gemstone to start your engagement with. It' also the July birthstone, so you may want to consider it if your partner has a birthday in this month.
Opal
An opal engagement ring is incredibly elegant and truly unique. This precious stone has a stunning shine and is the perfect choice for those of you looking for a dazzling ring. If your significant other was born in October, this is the perfect choice for them as it's the birthstone of this month too. It comes in a variety of beautiful colours, so you're sure to find one that your partner will love. And as each opal is really one-of a kind, it makes the ring extra special for your fiancé-to-be. The gemstone is also very versatile as it works with a variety of metals, including yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
If you choose an opal engagement ring to propose to your partner, it's a good idea to opt for a boulder opal gemstone, as it is the most robust and durable out of all the different types.
Sapphire
This gorgeous gemstone is a popular alternative to diamonds for engagement rings, and it's easy to see why. Just like rubies, sapphire stones are incredibly durable, as they also rank nine on the Mohs hardness scale (GIA). And if you're looking to give your partner their 'something blue' for the big day, proposing with a stunning deep blue sapphire engagement ring will give them something beautiful to wear for the ceremony.
This gemstone is so stylish that it's even popular amongst royalty, as Princess Diana's engagement ring had a blue Ceylon sapphire. But this isn't the only colour which the stone comes in. You can also find stunning green, yellow, and pink sapphires. The pink variation of the gemstone is perfect for an engagement ring, as it is an incredibly romantic shade. This stone is also a great option for future fiancés with September birthdays, as sapphire is the birthstone of this month.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine engagement rings are perfect if your future fiancé likes a subtle touch of colour in their jewellery. This light blue-green gemstone comes from two Latin words, 'aqua' which translates to 'water', and 'marina' which means 'of the sea'(GIA). So, if the beach is a special place for you and your partner then this can be a particularly poignant stone for an engagement ring. As the colour of the gemstone is a light and subtle one, it's incredibly versatile and works well with a range of metals and cuts. They're also usually flawless rings, so if this is what you're after then this gemstone may be the best for you and your partner. What makes aquamarine most special is the meaning behind the gemstone. They're believed to symbolise union and trust, making them the perfect gemstone for proposing to spend the rest of your life with your special someone.
Emerald
Last but by no means least is this gorgeous green gemstone. Emerald engagement rings are becoming more and more popular, and even actress Megan Fox has received one recently (National Jeweler). Her partner Machine Gun Kelly chose this stone as it's the birthstone of her May birthday. But even people who don't have an emerald as their birthstone are sure to love this gem in their engagement ring. They're incredibly beautiful and have a truly eye-catching colour. They're also a versatile stone and work well with a variety of styles, colours, and types of metal.
This precious gemstone also has a touching meaning behind it, which is perfect for couples planning on tying the knot. Emeralds symbolise hope, growth, and peace, so proposing with an emerald engagement ring is a fantastic way to start your new journey together.
Any one of the gemstones above will work perfectly as a standalone alternative to a diamond, or even alongside a stunning diamond as well. Whichever stone you choose, make sure to spend some time thinking about how you can make your engagement ring truly special for your fiancé-to-be.