Diamond Alternatives: Exploring Non-Traditional Engagement Ring Center Stones

Stones in the Corundum Family

Sapphires: A Colorful and Durable Diamond Alternative

Sapphires are among the most popular diamond alternatives. Available in a range of colors beyond the classic blue, sapphires offer durability second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale. Blue sapphires evoke a sense of royalty, pink sapphires provide a romantic touch, and yellow sapphires imitate the look of yellow diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Some believe sapphires bring good luck, promote intuition, and enhance an individual’s ability to tune into their inner wisdom and guidance. Did your parents go on a date in January? Some people choose sapphires because they’re September’s birthstone.

Rubies: Symbolizing Passion and Love

Rubies, with their rich redness, symbolize passion and love, making them a fitting choice for engagement rings. Also part of the corundum family like sapphires, rubies offer durability for everyday wear for people who hit the gym a lot or spend time in the garden or fixing things around the house. Their rarity, especially in larger sizes, can make them a prestigious choice, and have been prized in many cultures for centuries. They’re thought to bring energy and courage to the wearer. Some famous rubies have interesting names and histories, like the Sunrise Ruby, Liberty Bell Ruby, King Thibaw’s Ruby, and our personal favorite, Hordes Black Prince’s Ruby (even though it’s actually a red spinel).

Garnets: Beyond the Classic Red

Speaking of red, Garnets, often associated with deep reds, actually come in a variety of colors. Mandarin garnets offer a bright orange, while tsavorite garnets provide a green that rivals emeralds in intensity, while some garnets even change color in different lights, making them extra special. Their affordability and durability make them attractive options and have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians thought garnets helped them in the afterlife, which helps explain the success of The Mummy.

Stones from the Beryl Family

Aquamarines: Serene Ocean-Inspired Hues

Aquamarines, with their pale blue hue, is reminiscent of the serenity of the ocean. These beryl family gems offer a softer, more subtle alternative to blue sapphires for people that want something blue, but less blingy, and their clarity and light tone make them especially striking in larger sizes. Often chosen by people who love the sea or were born in March, aquamarines are said to bring calm and peace to relationships. The largest cut aquamarine, known as the Dom Pedro, is over 10,000 carats and sits in the Smithsonian’s National Gem and Mineral Collection.

Morganites: Soft Pink Elegance with Rose Gold Appeal

Morganites, also from the beryl family, have seen a surge in popularity. Their soft pink to peach colors complement a variety of skin tones and pair beautifully with rose gold settings. While softer than some alternatives, proper setting can ensure their longevity. Morganites are named after banker J.P. Morgan, who was a big gem collector, and are sometimes called “pink emeralds” even though they’re not really emeralds. People often pick morganites for their gentle, romantic look, with a hint of femininity.
Did you know: Morganite, despite being less expensive than diamonds, are actually more rare?

Tourmalines: A Rainbow of Choices

Tourmalines offer perhaps the widest color range of any gemstone, from rich greens to bright pinks and blues, tourmalines satisfy any color preference. Some specimens even display multiple colors within a single stone, a phenomenon known as “watermelon tourmaline.” Tourmaline derives its name from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed colors.”
Many tourmaline crystals have a property known as “pleochroism”, which means they display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Color isn’t the only thing that sets Tourmaline apart from other stones, it is also known for, get this, its electric properties. When subjected to heat or pressure, it develops an electrical charge resulting in the polarization of the crystal. This is known as pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity, respectively, and made them useful in old radios.

Opals: Unique Play of Color with Special Care Requirements

Opals, with their play of color, offer a truly unique option, and ancient Romans agreed because they thought opals were the most precious of all since they contain the colors of every other gem. Some opals even glow in the dark, which is pretty cool.
Beauty aside, their softness and high water content require special care in both setting the stone and daily wear. They mainly come from Ethiopia and Australia, with them being Australia’s national gemstone. Ethiopian opals have entered the market as a more durable alternative to their Australian counterparts.

Almost The Real Thing

Lab-Created Stones: Ethical and Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Lab-created stones offer another avenue. These gems have the same chemical composition as their natural counterparts but are produced in controlled environments. This allows for larger, often more affordable stones with consistent color and clarity. They’re exactly the same as natural gems, just made by humans instead of the earth. For those that want to reduce their environmental footprint, these are the way to go.

Moissanite: A Brilliant and Affordable Diamond (Substitute)

Moissanite has gained popularity as a diamond simulant that stands on its own merits. With more brilliance and fire than natural diamonds, moissanites offer sparkle at a lower price point. Available in various colors, they provide durability suitable for daily wear. Moissanite was first discovered in a meteor crater and was super rare in nature, however now we can make it in labs, contributing to its popularization. If you don’t hang out with jewelers or diamond experts, some people can’t tell the difference between moissanite and diamond without special tools. Just don’t let anyone get too close.

Key Considerations When Choosing Diamond Alternatives

When considering diamond alternatives, several factors come into play. Durability ranks high, as engagement rings endure daily wear, especially for righties. Someone who works with their hands might need a tougher stone than someone with a desk job. Color stability is another consideration, as some gems may fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. It’s important to think about how the stone looks in different lights, as some gems might look great in the store but dull in everyday settings. Rarity affects both price and perceived value. Personal style and lifestyle are big factors too, but obviously, that is something more subjective for you to decide.

Importance of Setting Selection for Alternative Gemstones

The choice of setting becomes particularly important with alternative gemstones. Some stones may require more protective settings due to their softer nature. Bezel settings, for instance, provide excellent protection for emeralds or opals. The metal used in the setting also affects how the stone looks. Yellow gold can make some stones look warmer, while white gold or platinum makes colors pop. If you have a jeweler you trust, talk to them about the best setting for your chosen stone.

Care and Maintenance of Non-Diamond Gemstones

Cleaning and care requirements vary among different gemstones. While diamonds can withstand most cleaning methods, other stones require gentler care. Some stones shouldn’t be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners, which are common in jewelry stores, but your jeweler should be aware of this. Others need special storage to avoid scratches, but it’s always a good idea to store all jewlery when you’re not using it. It’s a good idea to have a jeweler check your ring once a year to make sure the setting is still holding the stone properly. We provide our customers with specific care instructions for their chosen stone.

Resizing and Longevity

Resizing considerations also factor into gemstone choice, as some ring designs allow for easier resizing than others. Certain stones, particularly those treated for color enhancement, may not withstand the heat required for resizing. Our designers take this into account when creating rings, often incorporating features that allow for future size adjustments. Fingers can change size over time due to things like weight changes or pregnancy. It’s worth thinking about this when choosing a ring, especially if you’re young or your weight tends to fluctuate.

Personalization Through Alternative Stones

Ultimately, choosing a diamond alternative allows for a highly personalized engagement ring. Whether driven by color preference, budget considerations, ethical concerns, or simply the desire for something unique, these gemstones offer a world of possibilities for couples looking to symbolize their commitment. Alternative gems are also a conversation starter, that often have interesting stories couples share when people ask about their rings. In the end, the most important thing is picking a ring that feels right for you and your partner.