Beyond Diamonds: The Rise of the Gemstone Engagement Ring

Gemstone engagement rings have gained popularity as a unique and colourful alternative to traditional diamond rings. Whether for their symbolism, ethical sourcing, or stunning beauty, gemstones have become a favoured choice for couples seeking something special.

Selecting the right one involves more than just picking your favourite colour. Durability, wearability, and maintenance requirements should all be considered to ensure your ring stands the test of time.

Choosing the Perfect Gemstone Engagement Ring

Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a gemstone engagement ring. Since engagement rings are worn daily, they must withstand everyday wear and tear without excessive damage.

One of the most popular options is sapphire. Known for its deep blue hue, sapphire is also available in various colours, including pink, yellow, and green. Its hardness makes it highly resistant to scratches, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear.

Ruby is another exceptional choice. Iconic for their bold red colour, rubies represent passion and love, making them a deeply symbolic choice for engagement rings. Not only do they make the world a more beautiful place, but their inherent durability allows them to be worn every day without losing their sparkle.

Emeralds are a timeless choice for engagement rings. Their luxurious dark green hue conveys elegance and classicism, yet their natural inclusions mean they take a little more care. Choosing an emerald with fewer inclusions and setting it in a protective design can help preserve its beauty.

More Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gemstone

There is much more than its hardness to be considered. Colour and clarity are two of the most important elements. One of the most significant determinants of a gemstone’s appeal and subsequent value is its colour, with some colours being more highly sought after than others. Clarity also factors in, with gemstones featuring fewer inclusions or imperfections, giving off a more vivid and brilliant look. However, some stones, like emeralds, naturally house inclusions, contributing to the decision-making process.

Another important consideration is the budget. Alternative gems include stones like moissanite and spinel that are both affordable and durable yet do not break the bank; sapphires and rubies fall within the mid-to-high price range. To assist you in choosing gemstone combinations that not only look gorgeous together but work together within your budget as well, below are some helpful examples.

Gemstones to Avoid

While many gemstones are stunning, not all are well-suited for an engagement ring due to their fragility.

Opal is one such gemstone that, while breathtakingly beautiful, is highly prone to cracking and scratching. It requires delicate handling and frequent maintenance, making it a less practical choice for an engagement ring.

Though elegant and timeless, pearls are among the softest gemstones. They are incredibly susceptible to scratches and damage from everyday activities and require extreme care to maintain their lustre.

Moonstone is also a popular choice because of its mystical glow. But its fragile nature means it is subject to chips and cracks and is not suitable for everyday use.

Labradorite is also quite brittle, even though it is famous for its unique iridescence. It is prone to superficial scratches, so it’s best reserved for pieces not worn every day.

Turquoise is another gemstone to avoid. Its porous nature makes it highly sensitive to liquids, oils, and environmental changes, which can lead to discoloration and structural weakening over time.

Famous Gemstone Engagement Rings

Many celebrities and royals have chosen gemstone engagement rings instead of traditional diamonds, proving that these unique stones can be elegant and timeless. These famous rings have influenced trends and added to the appeal of gemstone engagement rings as a meaningful and stylish choice. Here are some of the most iconic gemstone engagement rings that continue to inspire couples today.

Princess Diana & Kate Middleton – Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

One of history’s most recognizable gemstone engagement rings is the stunning 12-carat blue sapphire ring worn by Princess Diana and Kate Middleton. Originally given to Diana by Prince Charles in 1981, this deep blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds, was a bold departure from the traditional diamond solitaire. The ring was later passed down to Prince William, who proposed to Kate Middleton with it in 2010. Its elegant design and royal association have made blue sapphire engagement rings highly desirable, symbolizing both grace and tradition.

Jackie Kennedy – Emerald Engagement Ring

The engagement ring of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy is another legendary gemstone ring. John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in 1953 with an exquisite 2.88-carat emerald and 2.84-carat diamond ring set in a unique bypass setting. The striking contrast between the emerald and the diamond made this ring stand out, influencing engagement ring designs for decades. Emeralds, known for their deep green colour and timeless elegance, have since become popular for those looking for a vintage or Art Deco-inspired engagement ring.

Jessica Simpson – Ruby Engagement Ring

When singer and actress Jessica Simpson got engaged to former football player Eric Johnson, he gave her a unique 5-carat ruby engagement ring accented by two side diamonds. Ruby was a very sentimental choice, as the gemstone is also Jessica’s birthstone. Rubies are ideal for those who are looking for a scarlet, bold alternative to the classic diamond, as they evoke passion, love, and romance.