Published on October 2nd, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Diamond Alternatives You Can Use For Your Engagement Rings

Diamonds are widely recognized as a traditional option for engagement rings for a specific purpose. Diamonds, being one of the toughest substances found in nature and having the capability to endure most challenges, represent the eternal love and dedication associated with marriage. Despite their strength and attractiveness, diamonds are not cheap, prompting the question, “Which gemstones (or diamond substitutes) are the top picks for engagement rings?”

Today, there are numerous gemstones available that are perfect for beautiful wedding jewelry. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria, and Halle Berry have also chosen vibrant gemstones for their rings, following the tradition of the British royal family, exemplified by Kate Middleton’s exquisite sapphire engagement ring. If you’re not convinced about diamond alternatives or want more insight on different gemstones, we created a basic guide to assist you in exploring non-diamond engagement rings.

Here is the essential information on diamond substitutes, including factors to keep in mind while purchasing and the top gemstones to consider for your engagement ring.

Factors to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Diamond Alternative

When choosing a substitute for a diamond, it’s crucial to remember that certain gemstones are not appropriate for daily use. That is why it’s essential to consider your lifestyle when selecting a stone. Certain gemstones are fragile and require careful handling to prevent any potential damage. Select a gemstone that matches the strength needed for your everyday tasks. Make sure to consult a jeweler or conduct thorough research to determine the durability of your chosen gemstone.

Color should be constantly considered. Diamonds are transparent and lack color, making them versatile enough to match any outfit. Nevertheless, a variety of diamond substitutes are vibrant and striking, which can make them less versatile. Ensure that it is a color that you truly adore and will not become bored with.

Diamond Alternatives

Moissanite

Moissanite has emerged as a top choice for those seeking diamond alternatives in recent years, and the reasons for its popularity are clear. Moissanite not only closely resembles a diamond, but it also comes at a fraction of the cost and is nearly as durable. Moissanite gemstones rank as the second most durable gemstones employed in jewelry production nowadays.

They are extremely sturdy for the most energetic prospective bride. Moissanite is extremely flexible and possesses a stunning brilliance that is difficult to achieve even with the finest diamond. They are also made in a laboratory, which makes them a more ethical and sustainable choice compared to other stones formed naturally.

Rapper Iggy Azalea is a celebrity who decided to get a Moissanite engagement ring instead of a diamond one. Her former fiancé, basketball player Nick Young, presented her with a beautiful yellow-gold engagement ring adorned with a 7-carat cushion-cut moissanite gemstone encircled by diamonds.

Aquamarine

Choosing light blue aquamarine stones for your engagement ring is a stylish and refreshing option that can double as your “something blue,” making it a wonderful family heirloom. A member of the beryl family, aquamarine shares a comparable composition to emeralds and Morganites.

These gemstones have a hardness level of 7.5 to 8, making them susceptible to scratches from diamonds and sapphires. You should keep them in a separate location from your other jewelry and you may need to polish the stone periodically. Nevertheless, aquamarine is a relatively sturdy choice that will become a cherished favorite.

Emeralds

Emeralds, known for their beautiful green color, are a timeless option that will truly enhance your jewelry assortment. The shapes can be easily personalized to fit perfectly in your ideal ring.

Similar to aquamarine, emeralds have a Mohs hardness of around 7.5, meaning they need extra care when worn or stored. When looking to purchase an emerald, the most attractive stones will have a lovely green color and a very clear appearance.

In the end, the ideal emerald shade to search for is not overly dark or too pale – aim for a hue that is moderately intense and very clear. Furthermore, it is important to ask about the amount of oil used on your emerald, as the appearance of stones treated with high levels of oil may alter in the future.

Morganite

Morganite is a popular diamond alternative among many people because it is a pink stone with a feminine appearance similar to the high-end pink diamond. The stone’s versatility and ease of wear are enhanced by its light color, providing numerous options for styling.

Morganite belongs to the same gemstone family as aquamarine, making them very alike. Both Morganite and diamond have a similar hardness of 7.5, which means that Morganite can be worn daily but should still be handled with care compared to a diamond.

Ruby

Rubies are a great substitute for diamonds as they can be both traditional and daring simultaneously. They represent love and are available in various colors, such as deep pink and red, creating a stunning combination of white and yellow metals.

Rubies are long-lasting and practical for daily use, making them a definite benefit. Nevertheless, they are not as affordable as certain choices. Rubies have a higher per carat price compared to other colored gems.

Sapphire

Sapphires are a sophisticated and timeless choice available in various colors. These colorful gemstones are tough like diamonds and perfect for everyday use. You can wear sapphires all day every day because maintaining them isn’t that difficult compared to other gems.

When buying a sapphire, it is advisable to collaborate with a reliable source as the colored gemstone industry lacks the same level of regulation as the diamond industry. Seek out a high-quality crystal, which refers to the stone’s capacity to transmit light on a molecular scale. Exposing a sapphire to irradiation can significantly reduce its brilliance; therefore, it is important to evaluate the stone’s sparkle level.

On the flip side, sapphires often undergo heat treatment, which is widely practiced and considered appropriate; solely using heat treatment can enhance the color and clarity of numerous sapphires.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.