6 Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Traditionally, diamonds have been the go-to stone, but gemstone engagement rings are gaining popularity for their uniqueness, beauty, and symbolism.

Whether you’re looking to stand out with a colorful stone or find something more meaningful, there are plenty of gemstone options that might be perfect for your loved one. Let’s dive into some of the best gemstones for engagement rings and help you make a decision that suits your style, story, and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Durability Matters - Choose a Tough Stone for Everyday Wear: If you're looking for a gemstone that will last, go for stones like moissanite, sapphire, or ruby. These gems are tough, resistant to scratches, and perfect for daily wear, making them excellent choices for an engagement ring that stands the test of time.
• Personal Meaning Can Make the Ring Even More Special: Whether you choose a gemstone based on its symbolism, like emeralds representing renewal or rubies symbolizing love, the right stone can add extra meaning to your ring. Personalize your choice to reflect your unique relationship and what’s important to both of you.
• Not All Gemstones Are Equal - Some Need Extra Care: While many gemstones are durable, softer stones like pearls and emeralds require a little more maintenance. If you choose a softer gem, make sure it's set in a protective setting and that you’re prepared to care for it to keep it looking beautiful over the years.

What Is a Gemstone Engagement Ring?

A gemstone engagement ring typically features a colored stone instead of the traditional diamond. However, moissanites are colorless gemstones that can still give you the effect of a diamond if you’re looking for something with more sparkle. Gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are becoming more popular for engagement rings, offering variety and personality. These rings can carry personal significance, from birthstones to stones with symbolic meanings, and they allow you to pick a stone that represents something special for you and your loved one.

While diamonds are known for their sparkle and durability, gemstones are often more affordable and have a wide array of colors and meanings. Whether you want something classic like a sapphire or more unconventional like an aquamarine, gemstone rings offer a great opportunity to reflect personal taste.

What Are the Best Gemstones for an Engagement Ring?

When it comes to choosing a gemstone for your engagement ring, you want a stone that not only looks stunning but can also stand up to daily wear. Here are six gemstones that are the most popular for engagement rings:

Moissanite

Moissanite is a popular alternative to earth-mined diamonds because it has incredible sparkle and is highly durable. With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale (just below a diamond’s 10), it can handle everyday wear and still look stunning. Moissanite can also more affordable than earth-mined diamonds, making it a great option for couples on a budget who still want a stone that shines brilliantly.

Besides its durability, moissanites can also be eco-friendly, as most moissanite stones are lab-grown, meaning they have a smaller environmental footprint than earth-mined diamonds.

Sapphire

Sapphires have been a favorite for engagement rings for years, and for good reason. Known for their deep blue hue, sapphires are also available in a range of other colors, like pink, yellow, and green. These stones are incredibly durable, with a hardness of 9, making them a perfect choice for a ring that’s worn daily.

Sapphires also have rich symbolism—traditionally representing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility—which makes them a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Plus, with iconic rings like Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, sapphires are a popular and timeless option.

Pearl

If your partner loves vintage or classic style, a pearl engagement ring could be the perfect fit. Pearls symbolize purity and love and bring a soft elegance to any ring. While pearls aren't always ideal in an engagement ring since they aren’t as hard as other gemstones (with a hardness between 2.5 and 4.5), they can still work well if set precisely and treated with care.

Pearl rings often feature diamonds or other stones surrounding the pearl to protect it, making them both a beautiful and sophisticated choice. For a timeless, understated look, a pearl ring could be a perfect option.

Ruby

If you’re looking for a gemstone with a bold, passionate feel, a ruby is an excellent choice. Rubies are known for their rich red color, which symbolizes love, passion, and energy—perfect for a ring that represents your deep commitment. Rubies are also quite durable, with a Mohs hardness of 9, making them a great option for a ring that will last for generations to come.

A ruby engagement ring stands out from the crowd and offers a vibrant, powerful look. It’s a great way to show off your loved one’s fiery, passionate spirit.

Emerald

Emeralds have long been associated with royalty and elegance, and their lush green color evokes feelings of renewal and growth. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, emeralds are slightly softer than sapphires or rubies but still a great option for a durable engagement ring, especially when set properly.

Emeralds are a bit more delicate and require extra care, but their unique, natural inclusions (called "jardin," which means "garden" in French) give them a distinctive charm. If you want a ring that feels both elegant and unique, an emerald engagement ring is a great choice.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine’s serene blue color makes it a favorite among those looking for something calm and elegant. Symbolizing peace, clarity, and harmony, aquamarine is an ideal choice for couples who want a soothing, timeless look. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday wear but may need a little more care than harder stones like sapphires.

Aquamarine engagement rings are especially popular for their subtle, understated beauty, and the stone is often more affordable than diamonds, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Pros and Cons of a Gemstone Engagement Ring

Before choosing a gemstone, it's important to consider both the advantages and drawbacks of gemstone engagement rings.

Pros

• Unique and Personalized: Gemstone rings stand out from the crowd. They allow you to choose a stone that reflects your loved one's personality, style, or even something significant like a birthstone.
• Variety of Colors: With gemstones, you get a wide range of colors and styles to choose from. Whether you opt for a rich ruby or a tranquil aquamarine, there's a gemstone for every taste.
• Affordability: Many gemstones are more affordable than diamonds, allowing you to get a larger or more intricate stone while staying within your budget.
• Durability: Some gemstones, like sapphires, rubies, and moissanite, are extremely durable, making them good choices for everyday wear.

Cons

• Varied Hardness: Not all gemstones are as hard as diamonds. Stones like pearls and emeralds are softer, making them more prone to scratching or chipping if not set carefully.
• Less Tradition: While gemstone rings are becoming more popular, diamonds still hold a strong place in engagement ring tradition. Some people might feel that a diamond is a more classic or conventional choice.
• Maintenance: Some gemstones, like emeralds, require extra care and attention due to their natural inclusions or softer surfaces.

Tips for Selecting the Right Gemstone Engagement Ring

When choosing the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring, keep these things in mind:

• Consider Durability: If your partner leads an active lifestyle, a harder gemstone like sapphire, ruby, or moissanite will be a better choice.
• Personal Meaning: Choose a gemstone that holds personal significance, whether it's a birthstone or a stone that represents something meaningful in your relationship.
• Budget: Gemstones often cost less than diamonds, so take advantage of the opportunity to choose a stone that fits both your budget and your vision for the ring.
• Ring Setting: Consider what the actual ring will look like, what kind of metal will be used, and how the gemstone will be set. Softer stones like pearls or emeralds may benefit from a more durable and protective setting using a stronger metal like platinum to avoid potential damage.

Learn More about Gemstone Engagement Rings with Faithful Platform

Ready to start your search for the perfect gemstone engagement ring? Faithful Platform offers a range of ethically sourced gemstones and a unique custom experience. Whether you’re drawn to a classic sapphire, a fiery ruby, or a soft aquamarine, you can find the perfect ring to symbolize your story.

Get started today by requesting a free quote and you’ll be matched with a personalized consultant that can best serve you and your vision through this process!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which gemstone is best for an engagement ring?

The best gemstone depends on what you're looking for—moissanite is a great choice for its brilliance and affordability, while sapphire is tough, stylish, offers a vast array of color options, and has deep symbolism. Ruby and emerald are also great options if you're after something with bold colors and rich meaning.

What stones should not be used for an engagement ring?

Stones like pearls and opals aren’t always ideal for engagement rings since they’re softer and can get scratched or damaged easily. If not set properly and treated with care, they may not hold up well in the long run for a ring that sees daily wear.

What is the most durable stone for rings?

The most durable stone for engagement rings is a diamond, but if you're looking for an alternative, moissanite is incredibly similar in durability and sparkle. Sapphires and rubies are also tough, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, so they can handle daily wear without issue.

What is the most meaningful stone for an engagement ring?

The most meaningful stone often comes down to personal preference - emeralds stand for renewal, while rubies symbolize passion, and sapphires represent loyalty. Pick a gemstone that reflects your relationship or holds special significance to both of you.

Do gemstone engagement rings last?

Yes, gemstone engagement rings can last a lifetime with the right care. Stones like sapphires and rubies are incredibly durable, but softer stones like emeralds or pearls may need a little extra attention to keep them looking their best.