Diamonds are a classic choice for engagement or wedding rings, but they are far from the only option. Many couples today are drawn to alternative gemstones that offer colour, character, and deeper personal meaning, while still standing up to daily wear.
When choosing a gemstone for a ring you’ll wear every day, durability matters. Stones with higher hardness on the Mohs scale resist scratching and abrasion, helping your ring retain its beauty for decades.
Here’s a practical guide to the best alternative gemstones for engagement and wedding rings, and how to choose the right one for you.
Why Choose Diamond Alternatives for Engagement Rings?
Alternative gemstones allow couples to:
- Express individuality through colour and distinctive design
- Select stones with personal or symbolic meaning
- Create a ring that feels intentional rather than conventional
Many gemstones offer excellent durability, making them well suited to engagement and wedding rings when properly set.
What Makes a Good Engagement Ring Gemstone?
When choosing a gemstone for an engagement or wedding ring, consider three key factors:
1. Durability
For daily wear, gemstones ideally fall above 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. These stones resist scratching and maintain polish over time.
Excellent choices include:
- Sapphire
- Ruby
- Tsavorite garnet
- Spinel
- Alexandrite
These stones combine beauty with practical longevity.
2. Colour and Visual Character
Alternative gemstones open up a wide spectrum of colour:
- Deep greens, vivid blues, rich reds, soft pastels, and inky dark tones
- Subtle or saturated depending on your preference
Your metal choice influences the final look:
- White gold and platinum complement cooler hues (blue sapphire, spinel, alexandrite)
- Yellow and rose gold enhance warm tones (ruby, tsavorite, champagne sapphire)
3. Meaning and Symbolism
Many couples choose stones for their associations:
- Sapphire: loyalty, wisdom, and lasting love
- Ruby: passion, strength, and devotion
- Tsavorite: growth, vitality, and prosperity
- Spinel: renewal and resilience
Meaning can be personal rather than traditional. The most important factor is choosing a stone that resonates with you.
Best Diamond Alternatives for Engagement Rings
Sapphire
One of the most durable gemstones after diamond. Available in blue, green, yellow, pink, peach, and parti-colours. A timeless yet versatile choice.
Ruby
A variety of corundum (like sapphire) with exceptional hardness and a rich red colour. Ideal for those wanting a bold, romantic statement.
Tsavorite Garnet
Vivid green with excellent brilliance and strong durability. A striking alternative to emerald, but far tougher for everyday wear.
Spinel
Often overlooked, spinel comes in blues, greys, reds, pinks, and black. Hard, bright, and well suited to engagement rings.
Salt and Pepper Diamonds
Natural diamonds containing visible inclusions that create a smoky, speckled appearance. They offer the same durability as traditional diamonds, with a more organic, unconventional aesthetic.
Stones Better Suited for Accent Use
Softer gemstones such as quartz varieties (amethyst, citrine, rose quartz), turquoise, or malachite can be beautiful, but are more vulnerable to scratching. These stones work best as:
- Accent stones
- Occasional-wear rings
- Heavily protected bezel or halo settings
For centre stones in engagement rings, higher-hardness gems are the safer choice.
Engagement Ring Design Approaches
When exploring the best alternative stones for engagement rings, consider these design approaches:
- Single-stone rings: Showcase a sapphire, ruby, spinel, or tsavorite for a clean, timeless look.
- Gemstone centre with diamond accents: Coloured centre stone with small diamonds for added sparkle and durability.
- Bezel-set gemstones: A protective metal rim around the stone, ideal for active lifestyles.
Good design and setting choice significantly extend a gemstone’s lifespan. Browse our selection of handmade rings for inspiration.
Gemstones in Wedding Bands
Wedding bands can incorporate gemstones subtly:
- Small sapphires or rubies set flush into the band
- Mixed gemstone and diamond accents
- Alternating coloured stones for symbolic meaning
These details add individuality without sacrificing practicality.
Bespoke Engagement and Wedding Rings
For couples who want a truly unique ring, bespoke options are the perfect solution. Allowing you to choose the exact gemstone you love, select a setting and metal that suits your lifestyle, and create something truly one of a kind.
At The Middle Green, we specialise in creating bespoke engagement and wedding rings using both traditional diamonds and carefully selected alternative gemstones.
Book your consultation to design a ring that reflects your story and will last a lifetime.
