Alternative Stones for an Engagement Ring

Alternative Stones for an Engagement Ring

When most people think of engagement rings, they picture a gold ring with a white diamond in the center. Maybe a ring will have a few accent stones or a unique band, but people don’t often stray from the conventional diamond ring. Some couples, however, prefer other stones. Whether they want something more unique or a ring that doesn’t cost quite as much. Here are nine beautiful alternatives to white diamonds.

Amethyst
These purple stones have a very romantic feel to them. Set them in silver or rose gold to really make the color stand out. Amethysts aren’t as hard as diamonds, but they are fairly durable and cost considerably less than diamonds.

Sapphire
Replacing a white diamond with a deep blue sapphire makes for a dazzling piece of jewelry. Sapphires are typically a fraction of the cost of diamonds, as well. A white sapphire can give you a classic look for about a third of the price, though they won’t be as sparkly as diamonds.

Emerald
These deep green stones add a luxurious element to any piece of jewelry. While they were once extremely popular for engagement rings (JFK proposed to Jackie with an emerald and diamond ring), they have fallen out of conventional style. An emerald in yellow gold will give your ring a glamorous vintage vibe.

Morganite
Morganite is a very popular diamond alternative right now. It’s typically a pale pink or salmon color, giving it a very feminine look. They come from the same family as emeralds. The cut and quality of morganite, like any stone, will make a big difference in its appearance and price.

Ruby
Rubies are one of the four precious stones, along with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. The deep red color looks dazzling as a center stone. Rubies are hard, durable and rare, so they can cost as much or more than diamonds, depending on the quality of the stone.

Opal
Once though of as old fashioned, opals have been making a comeback in recent years. They’re iridescent and reflect the entire rainbow as they move. Choose an antique or vintage setting with a cluster of small opals. They are softer than precious stones and may tarnish easily, so they’ll need more care than other options. Opals are perfect if you don’t plan on wearing your ring all the time.

Onyx
Typically a deep black color, Onyx is a truly unconventional stone for an engagement ring. Set in yellow gold, onyx has a very stylish and timeless look. It’s perfect for a bride who really wants a ring that stands out.

Aquamarine
Another relative of the emerald, aquamarine is typically a pale blue. A well-cut aquamarine can have great clarity and look really stunning in the right band. Some people even consider them lucky.

Colored Diamonds
While this may not save you any money (or even cost more depending on the rarity), colored diamonds are a great choice for anyone wanting a unique look. Diamonds are extremely hard and durable, so the stone will last a lifetime. Try a deep blue, pink, purple, yellow, turquoise or even a black diamond for a ring that will truly stand out.

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