Let’s be honest - choosing an engagement ring isn’t as simple as picking the first sparkly thing you see.
There’s meaning behind that stone, whether it’s about your love story, your lifestyle, or your personal style.
While diamonds still steal the spotlight, more couples are leaning into unique and meaningful alternatives.
In this guide, you’ll discover the most common gemstones used in engagement rings - and what each one says about your love.
So let’s show you your options!
In this article...
- The most common gemstones
- Gemstone engagement rings and custom design
- Are alternative gemstones more affordable?
- Gemstone shapes and settings to consider
- The rise of ethical and sustainable stones
- Color trends in gemstone engagement ring
- How to care for your gemstone engagement ring
- Things to consider when choosing a gemstone
Diamond engagement rings
Diamonds are the classic choice - and for good reason.
They’re the hardest natural substance on earth, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale.
That means they can withstand daily wear and still sparkle just as brightly.
Diamonds also symbolize strength, purity, and eternal love.
They’ve long been the traditional pick for engagements, especially since the famous ‘A Diamond is Forever’ campaign.
Still, tradition doesn’t mean boring: diamonds come in various shapes, cuts, and colors.
Sapphire engagement rings
Sapphires aren’t just blue.
You’ll find them in pink, yellow, green, and even white.
Their deep royal blue is the most iconic, famously worn by Princess Diana and Kate Middleton.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are tough enough for daily wear.
They’re said to represent wisdom, truth, and good fortune - perfect for a lifelong partnership.
Ruby engagement rings
If you’re after passion and drama, rubies might be your match. Their rich red hue symbolizes love, courage, and desire.
With the same hardness as sapphires (Mohs 9), they’re both durable and dazzling.
Rubies have been associated with royalty and romance for centuries.
And, on top of all that, they make a bold, meaningful statement.
Emerald engagement rings
Emeralds stand out with their lush green hue.
They’re said to symbolize rebirth, growth, and unconditional love.
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, they’re slightly softer and more prone to surface inclusions - so they require a little extra care.
But their rich color and vintage appeal are unmatched.
They’re ideal if you want a ring with a storybook feel. “And they lived happily ever after…”
Moissanite engagement rings
Moissanite is often mistaken for diamonds and intentionally so.
This lab-grown gem offers incredible brilliance and fire, even outperforming diamonds in sparkle tests.
It rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable. It’s also more affordable and environmentally friendly.
A great pick for the budget-conscious or eco-conscious couple.
Aquamarine engagement rings
Aquamarine’s soft, oceanic blue evokes calm and clarity.
It’s a gemstone of tranquility, harmony, and trust - all foundations of a lasting relationship.
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, it’s durable but still needs some care.
If you love pastel tones and coastal vibes, this might be your dream stone. It’ll have you crooning “sail away with me”.
Morganite engagement rings
Morganite is the sweetheart of the gemstone world.
Its delicate pink blush feels romantic, modern, and subtly feminine.
Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 means it’s tough enough for daily wear with some caution.
It’s also more affordable than diamonds or sapphires.
This gemstone has risen in popularity for its dreamy tone and approachable price tag.
Tanzanite engagement rings
If you want something rare and radiant, tanzanite could be the one
It’s only found in one place on Earth - Tanzania - and has a mesmerizing blue-violet hue.
Mohs hardness of 6–7 means it’s a bit softer than others, so it requires more gentle handling.
But for sheer uniqueness? It’s hard to beat.
Opal engagement rings
No two opals are the same. Their play-of-color effect creates dancing rainbows within the stone.
Opals are known for their creativity, mystery, and spontaneity.
But with a hardness of 5.5–6.5, they’re one of the more delicate stones on this list.
Opals make stunning engagement rings, but they’re best for occasional wear or extra-careful owners.
Pearl engagement rings
Pearls offer timeless, vintage beauty.
Symbolizing purity and loyalty, they make for sentimental and soft engagement rings.
However, with a Mohs rating of just 2.5–4.5, they’re very delicate.
If you’re drawn to their subtle charm, consider pearl accents instead of center stones - or plan for special-occasion wear only.
Lab-grown diamond engagement rings
Lab-grown diamonds look identical to mined ones - because they are diamonds.
They’re chemically and physically the same, just created in a controlled environment.
That means they have the same Mohs hardness of 10, the same sparkle, and the same prestige.
But often at a lower price point and with less environmental impact.
They’re perfect for couples who want traditional beauty with modern values.
Garnet engagement rings
Garnets are often overlooked in the engagement world, but they shouldn’t be.
They come in a range of red tones, from deep burgundy to warm cinnamon.
Garnets symbolize love, energy, and passion.
They’re also believed to bring protection to travelers and lovers separated by distance.
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5, they’re moderately durable and best for careful daily wear.
Affordable, earthy, and full of meaning - garnet could be your secret standout.
Topaz engagement rings
Topaz might surprise you with its versatility.
It comes in a variety of colors - blue being the most popular, but also available in yellow, pink, and even clear.
Blue topaz, in particular, symbolizes loyalty and communication, two pillars of any great relationship.
With a Mohs hardness of 8, it’s suitable for everyday wear with some mindful handling.
Topaz offers a clean, modern look, often with a friendlier price tag.
Spinel engagement rings
Often mistaken for ruby or sapphire, spinel has finally stepped into the spotlight in its own right.
It’s a durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, and comes in rich shades of red, pink, purple, and even grey.
Spinel symbolizes revitalization, perfect for fresh starts and new beginnings.
It’s a lesser-known gem with a luxurious feel, especially for those who want something off the beaten path.
Tourmaline engagement rings
Tourmaline is a true rainbow stone.
You’ll find it in virtually every color, but pink and green are the most sought-after for engagement rings.
This gemstone is associated with compassion, balance, and protection.
Mohs hardness ranges from 7 to 7.5, making it suitable for most wearers with a little care.
It’s a vibrant, expressive stone for couples who want something bold and playful.
Gemstone engagement rings and custom design
One of the biggest perks of choosing a gemstone ring?
Customization.
You’re not bound to traditional settings or cookie-cutter styles.
You can design a ring that blends color, texture, metal, and symbolism, creating something as unique as your love story.
Mix diamonds with sapphires. Frame an emerald with halos.
Pair a Morganite with rose gold. The possibilities are endless - and deeply personal.
If you’re looking for a ring that doesn’t follow trends but sets them, custom gemstone rings are the way to go.
Are alternative gemstones more affordable?
In many cases, yes.
Gemstones like aquamarine, morganite, and topaz are significantly less expensive than traditional diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite also provide cost-effective brilliance.
This means you can often get a larger stone, get the traditional diamond look, a more unique design, or a custom piece, without exceeding your budget.
And just because it costs less doesn’t mean it means less.
In fact, choosing a gemstone that resonates with your values can make the ring even more meaningful.
Gemstone shapes and settings to consider
The shape of your gemstone can drastically affect its look and feel. Here are a few popular shapes:
Round
Classic, timeless, and enhances brilliance. Great for diamonds and moissanite.
Oval
Elegant and elongating. Popular for sapphires and morganite.
Emerald Cut
Chic and vintage. Ideal for emeralds (naturally) and aquamarines.
Cushion
Soft, romantic, and works beautifully with colored stones.
Pear
Modern with a hint of drama. Especially striking for sapphires or tanzanite.
The setting matters too. A bezel offers more protection, while a prong setting maximizes sparkle.
Choose what suits your style and lifestyle best.
The rise of ethical and sustainable stones
More couples are choosing ethical gemstones - and for good reason. Mining can be tough on the environment and local communities.
Lab-grown options, like moissanite and lab diamonds, offer transparency and a lighter environmental footprint.
Many natural stones also come with ethical sourcing options if you're buying from a trusted jeweler.
But natural stones still have an important role to play.
Buying a responsibly sourced natural diamond can directly support communities in countries like Botswana, where diamond mining contributes over 80% of the country's export revenue and funds healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The key is doing your research.
Ask about a stone’s origin, the mine it came from, and the supply chain behind it.
Choosing a certified conflict-free stone - or one from a known ethical source - means your ring doesn’t just symbolize your love story. It supports someone else's story, too.
At Ben Garelick, sustainability and responsibility are always in style because love should never come at a cost to the planet.
Color trends in gemstone engagement rings
Color is having a moment. Here are a few gemstone colors that are rising in popularity:
Teal (think blue-green sapphires or tourmaline)
Peachy-pink (morganite, pink topaz)
Champagne (colored diamonds or zircon)
Violet-blue (tanzanite or spinel)
These shades feel personal, warm, and a little unexpected. Perfect if you want a ring that stands out from the rest.
How to care for your gemstone engagement ring
Not all gemstones have the same strength and some need extra TLC.
Here are a few universal tips:
Remove your ring during workouts, cleaning, and swimming.
Store it separately to avoid scratching with any other jewelry.
Clean it with mild soap and a soft brush - no harsh chemicals.
Take it for professional cleaning and inspection yearly.
Softer stones like opal, pearl, and tanzanite benefit most from careful wear and gentle cleaning routines.
With the right care, your gemstone ring can last a lifetime - and beyond.
Things to consider when choosing a gemstone
Durability
An engagement ring is meant for everyday wear, so your stone needs to keep up.
Diamonds, sapphires, and moissanite are the most durable options.
Softer stones like opal or pearl need more careful handling. Always check the Mohs hardness when comparing stones.
Personal style
Do you prefer something bold and colorful?
Or are you drawn to classic, minimal elegance?
Your engagement ring should reflect who you are, not just what’s popular.
Explore different stone colors, cuts, and settings to match your taste.
Symbolism
Each gemstone carries its own meaning. Diamonds for strength. Sapphires for wisdom. Emeralds for growth.
Choosing a gemstone with personal symbolism adds a beautiful layer of meaning to your ring.
Budget
Your perfect ring shouldn’t break the bank.
Stones like moissanite, aquamarine, and morganite offer stunning looks at more accessible prices.
Lab-grown options are also worth exploring if you want beauty without the hefty price tag.
Finishing touches
Diamonds may still be the reigning choice, but they’re no longer the only option.
From fiery rubies to serene aquamarines, today’s gemstone engagement rings allow you to write your own love story.
The right stone is the one that reflects your bond, your lifestyle, and your values.
Take your time, explore that your options, and choose a gemstone that shines just for you.
Ready to find a ring that’s uniquely yours?
Explore our collection of gemstone engagement rings at Ben Garelick and discover the one that’s meant to be.
