It wasn’t until the 15th century that engagement rings took on the symbolism of love and intertwined unity that we know today. While the symbolism of engagement rings has remained steadfast, popular engagement ring styles have changed throughout history.

In the 15th century gimmel rings were the most popular choice for wedding rings and consisted of 3 individual bands that became a ring set for the bride on her wedding day. Posy rings also rose in popularity with intricate engravings of love poetry on the inside. Diamond engagement rings did not become popular until 1947 when the “a diamond is forever” marketing campaign was launched by De Beers, a South African company that mines diamonds.

While diamonds still remain the most popular option for engagement rings, many couples are now considering other ring design possibilities, opting for unique and alternative gemstones to express their love while remaining true to their own style, values, and individuality. From the fiery hues of topaz to the serene beauty of moss agate, today’s brides are looking beyond the lens of diamonds into the wide array of unique and brilliant stones that provide even more variety to the possibilities for their engagement rings.

If you’re curious about what kinds of alternative stones have become popular for brides today, here are 10 of our favorite unique alternative stones for engagement rings. Each beloved stone radiates a distinct charm and allure that can create a brilliant and beautiful custom engagement ring design for you or your bride to be.

1. Topaz

With its dazzling array of colors ranging from vibrant blues to warm yellows and pinks, Topaz is an excellent semi-precious gemstone choice for those seeking versatility in their engagement ring design. Topaz is allochromatic, which means that its color is caused by impurity elements rather than by an element of its basic chemical composition. Topaz is also pleochroic, meaning that different colors can be seen from different angles when the gem is moved in the light. Ranking at an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, topaz is suitable for everyday wear, however, it's essential to note that GIA says, it can break if exposed to high heat or rapid temperature changes, so an engagement ring with this gemstone will require proper care to maintain its beauty.

Birthstone: November & Blue Topaz is December
Mohs Hardness: 8
Color Range: Clear, red, yellow, brown, blue, violet, purple, pink

2. Citrine

Known for its sunny yellow hue, citrine symbolizes warmth, joy, and abundance. This semi-precious gemstone ranges in shades of pale yellow to dark amber and has a fair level of durability, ranking at a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. When given the proper care and attention, a Citrine ring can be a beautiful long-lasting everyday wear option for an alternative stone engagement ring. Citrine's affordability compared to other gemstones makes it an attractive choice for couples on a budget. For warm-hued gemstone lovers looking for a unique and affordable engagement ring, Citrine might be the perfect option for you.

Birthstone: November
Mohs Hardness: 7
Color Range: pale yellow to dark amber

3. Emerald

With its range of light to deep rich green coloring, emerald exudes elegance and sophistication, and is prized for its magnificent color and beauty. According to the American Gemstone Society, emeralds are commonly associated today with themes, like loyalty, peace, and new beginnings, but, in the past, they were valued as symbols of protection by the Egyptian empire, who would bury monarchs with these gemstones. Emeralds rank between a 7.5 and an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, which can make them more prone to scratching or chipping over time than gemstones like diamonds (10), moissanite (9.5), sapphires (9), rubies (9), and alexandrite (8.5), but emeralds are still a perfect everyday wear choice as long as your ring is cared for properly.

Birthstone: May
Mohs Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Color Range: light to deep rich green coloring and blue to yellow undertones

4. Moissanite

Moissanite, a lab-created gemstone with exceptional brilliance and fire, has been gaining popularity as a diamond alternative. It offers the sparkle and beauty of a diamond at a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent option for couples looking for affordability without compromising on quality. Moissanite also ranks high on the Mohs hardness scale at 9.25, making it one of the most durable diamond alternatives.

Mohs Hardness: 9.25

5. Sapphire

According to GIA, sapphires are traditionally associated with royalty and romance. Though the classic blue sapphire is a timeless choice for engagement rings, this stunning gemstone comes in various colors. Sapphires are highly durable, ranking a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them suitable for everyday wear. Its timeless beauty and durability make it an enduring symbol of love and commitment.

Birthstone: September
Mohs Hardness: 9
Color Range: Blue, fancy sapphires are available in several colors except red

6. Peridot

Peridot's vibrant green hue evokes feelings of vitality and renewal, making it a unique and meaningful choice for an engagement ring. This gemstone is relatively affordable, although it does rank slightly lower on the Mohs hardness scale than some other diamond alternatives which means damage can occur, so proper care is essential to preserve its beauty.

Birthstone: August
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Color Range: Yellow Green

7. Moss Agate

Moss agate, with its unique moss-like inclusions, offers a natural and organic aesthetic that’s perfect for nature-loving couples. This gemstone is relatively affordable and lends a unique, magical quality to any engagement ring design. Its distinct appearance makes it a conversation starter and a standout choice.

Mohs Hardness: 6.5-7
Color Range: colorless, grayish white with green inclusions

8. Morganite

Morganite's delicate pink hue symbolizes love and compassion, making it an ideal choice for romantic souls. This gemstone is durable enough for everyday wear and is often more affordable than diamonds or other colored gemstones of similar size and quality. The variety of delicate pink tones that this stone offers has long captured the hearts of pink-loving brides-to-be.

Mohs Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Color Range: Pink, Violet, Peach

9. Alexandrite

Alexandrite's remarkable color-changing properties, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, make it a fascinating and unique choice for an engagement ring. This rare gemstone is highly valued for its beauty and uniqueness, making it a cherished symbol of love and devotion. With these extraordinary properties, this choice can celebrate the magical, dynamic, and sometimes mysterious nature of love.

Birthstone: June
Mohs Hardness: 8.5
Color Range: Appears purplish red in artificial light and green in natural light

10. Garnet

Associated with the themes of love, peace, and friendship, garnet is a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. This gemstone has affordable options, offering excellent value for couples seeking a meaningful yet budget-friendly option. Garnet has also long been part of human history, as these gemstones have been used before the Bronze Age in jewelry and other ornamentation.

Birthstone: January
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5
Color Range: red, green, orange, and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to engagement rings, there's no shortage of unique and alternative gemstones to choose from. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant colors of topaz and citrine, the timeless beauty of sapphire and emerald, or the enchanting allure of morganite and alexandrite, there's a perfect stone to suit every style and personality. By opting for an alternative gemstone, you can create a one-of-a-kind ring that reflects your individuality and love story for years to come. Shop our collection of unique engagement rings or start designing your custom engagement ring that celebrates your extraordinary love.

Resources

https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/history-engagement-ring/ 

https://www.britannica.com/money/De-Beers-SA 

https://www.gia.edu/gem-encyclopedia 

https://www.gia.edu/topaz

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/select-gems-ordered-mohs-hardness/ 

https://www.gia.edu/topaz-care-cleaning 

https://agta.org/education/gemstones/citrine/ 

https://emerald.org.in/emerald-gemstone/care-and-replacement-of-emerald-panna-gemstones/ 

https://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones/may-birthstone/history-of-emerald/ 

https://emerald.org.in/emerald-gemstone/tips-choose-high-quality-emerald-gemstone/ 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/moissanite-vs-diamond/ 

https://www.gia.edu/sapphire/gem-overview 

https://www.gia.edu/sapphire-history-lore 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/choosing-sapphire-engagement-ring-stones/ 

https://www.gia.edu/peridot 

https://www.gia.edu/peridot-care-cleaning 

https://www.gia.edu/alexandrite-description 

https://www.gia.edu/alexandrite 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/morganite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/ 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/big-affordable-engagement-ring-stones/ 

https://www.gia.edu/morganite 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/moss-agate-engagement-ring-guide/ 

https://www.gia.edu/garnet-description

https://agta.org/education/gemstones/garnet/ 

https://www.americangemsociety.org/garnet-folklore/ 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/garnet-symbolism-legends/ 

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/garnet-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/ 

https://www.gia.edu/garnet