Image by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design.

Every love story is unique, and every engagement ring should reflect that. While diamonds have continuously been one of the most popular choices, we recognize that they aren’t for everyone. And we’re here to help unique couples break free of those traditional expectations, from fashion down to your engagement ring. 

With engagement rings being a representation of your love, you want to make sure it’s something you actually want. Rather than sticking with the expected diamond ring, here are alternatives to consider for an unlike-any-other engagement ring. 

Why You Should Consider Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings

There’s no one size fits all ring, and diamonds aren’t for everyone’s taste and budget. The biggest advantage to choosing one of these diamond alternative engagement rings is the price. Generally, alternatives are more affordable. But the benefits stretch far beyond the price tag. With diamonds being one of the most popular engagement ring options, selecting other gemstones will leave you with a unique symbol of your love story. 

Which Diamond Alternative Should You Choose?

As we’ve said before, there is no one size fits all ring. This is true when it comes to style, fit, and even stone choice. And each alternative comes with a different price tag, appearance, and longevity. That’s why we’re breaking down each diamond alternative—in order of durability—so you can make an educated choice that’s fit for you.

Diamond Alternatives You Should Consider

1. Moissanite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 9.25

The highest score a gem can receive on the Mohs Hardness Scale is a 10. And with Moissanite being a 9.25, that means it’s incredibly suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite is calling your name if you want the look of a diamond without the hefty price tag. It ​​gives the illusion of a diamond with the same sparkling stone and durability and is actually known to sparkle more.

2. Sapphire 

Mohs Hardness Scale: 9

Sapphire is another durable gem suitable for engagement rings. But that’s not even the best part. This precious gemstone comes in a variety of different colors. Though blue is the most popular, you can find yellow, white, pink, and so much more. If you’re wanting a natural diamond alternative, stick with the white. But the colorful sapphire options are a perfect fit for unique couples wanting something that goes against the grain.  

3. White Topaz 

Mohs Hardness Scale: 8

The beauty of the white topaz comes with much-needed care. Scoring an eight on the Mohs Hardness Scale, this ring isn’t the most durable diamond alternative, but it’s an incredibly stunning addition to any jewelry piece. It has a natural, elegant look and comes with an attractive price tag. If you choose to go with white topaz, you’ll need to schedule professional cleanings often. Keep this in mind before making your engagement ring gem choice. 

4. Emerald

Mohs Hardness Scale: 7.5 to 8

The stunning green hues make the emerald a classic gem choice. Though it doesn’t rank highest on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it’s still a great alternative for engagement rings—it just requires a little more care than a traditional diamond ring. But with proper care, it’ll remain in perfect condition and last long beyond your “I do” day. 

5. Morganite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 7.5 to 8

A light peach color and good durability–we’re sold. Being the sister gem on Emerald, Morganite is a stunning diamond alternative for couples looking for a gem with a vintage feel and a subtle pop of color. Ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it’s fit for everyday wear but—like an Emerald—will need a little more care than a diamond ring. As long as you clean the ring frequently and wear it with care, you’ll be able to enjoy the pretty pink hues and small price tag. 

6. Opal

Mohs Hardness Scale: 5 to 6.5

Opals are elegant, vintage-looking stones that are also extremely delicate. Their hardness varies but is constantly a low ranking. This means the stone is quite fragile, so you’ll need to exercise extra caution while wearing it. Though this stone can be easily scratched or broken, the cloudy gem iridescence makes for one of the most unique diamond alternative engagement rings. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making for a fully customizable engagement ring. 

7. Pearl

Mohs Hardness Scale: 2.5

With their off-white tint, pearls are an elegant and sophisticated choice for an engagement ring. Though they are much more affordable than diamonds, they are also a lot less durable. This means you should think twice before purchasing a pearl engagement ring. Ranking a 2.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, they’re most likely to scratch and break. So as much as we love the look of a pearl ring, the upkeep needed might not be what you’re looking for in an everlasting reflection of your love. 

As a ring you’ll wear every day, it’s crucial that it speaks to your personal style. And now that you’re sold on one of these stunning diamond alternatives, it’s time to finalize the style. Before running to your local jeweler, check out this beginner’s guide to engagement ring types and styles. It’s the perfect place to start for anyone who needs help identifying what ring is right for them.

Image by Ash Gabes Photography.