Does an Engagement Ring Have to Be a Diamond? 5 Diamond Alternatives

Your engagement ring doesn’t have to include a diamond. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other colored gemstones are popular diamond alternatives, especially for couples who want a unique engagement ring or a pop of color.  

Durability matters when choosing a gemstone, and it’s important to consider the hardness of diamond alternatives, especially if you have an active lifestyle. Below, we’re comparing 5 diamond alternatives for their different colors, characteristics, and maintenance needs.

1.   Sapphire

Sapphires are one of the most popular diamond alternatives as they’re rated at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them highly resistant to scratching and ideal for daily wear. If you want a colored gemstone, there are several popular colors you can consider beyond a blue sapphire, including green, teal, and parti stones.

A sapphire is a great option if you want a traditional engagement ring without opting for a diamond or if you’re looking for a September birthstone ring. 

Read more: Teal Sapphire vs Blue Sapphire: What’s the Difference?

2.  Ruby

Rubies and sapphires are both varieties of corundum, making them great diamond alternatives as they both sit at 9 on the Mohs scale. The distinctive red hue of a ruby stone is romantic, incorporating a little passion into your engagement ring.

Ruby is also an ideal stone for a July birthday and is a gemstone that has historically been worn by nobility, while also being synonymous with creativity and vitality.

3.  Emerald

Emeralds symbolize love, renewal, wisdom, and eternal youth, making them another worthwhile diamond alternative. Their rich green color and natural inclusions give them a unique appearance, ideal for couples who want a nature-inspired engagement ring.

If you’re considering an emerald gemstone for your engagement ring, it’s worth looking for a more protective setting, as this stone ranks at a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it less durable than a sapphire or ruby.

4. Aquamarine

An aquamarine is a great diamond alternative if you want a gemstone that has a lighter or cooler blue tone than a traditional sapphire. Although it’s suitable for an engagement ring, it’s another gemstone that is best suited to a bezel setting and may not be ideal for someone with an active lifestyle.

5.  Garnet

Garnet rings are a less common diamond alternative and another gemstone to consider if you want something more unique than a sapphire. Garnets come in a variety of colors and are ideal for pairing with a yellow or rose gold band for added warmth, especially for stones with a deep red hue. 

These stones typically rank from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so you’ll need to invest in regular cleaning and choose a bezel setting or sturdy prongs to make it suitable for daily wear.

Shop Diamond Alternatives for Your Custom Engagement Ring

At Valley Rose, our gemstone finder allows you to explore hundreds of diamond alternatives, from emeralds to rubies, sapphires to topaz, and aquamarines to garnets. You can explore our range of gemstones by booking a virtual consultation or by shopping our range of unique engagement rings.