The Best 5 Diamond Alternatives to Consider for Your Engagement Ring

There is a reason why diamonds are seen as such a traditional option for engagement rings. Diamonds are a representation of the kind of enduring love and commitment that accompany marriage because they are among the strongest naturally occurring materials on earth and can survive practically anything. Diamonds aren't the greatest option for everyone, despite their strength and beauty. Instead of a diamond engagement ring, you might want to think about a less expensive or more distinctive option.

After all, there is no rule stating that the center stone in your custom handmade jewelry must be a diamond. There are numerous additional jewels that may be used to create stunning rings that are perfect for daily use and will stand out in a crowd. Other colorful stones have been chosen by some celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria, and Halle Berry. The British royal family is also known for doing this; just take a look at Kate Middleton's magnificent sapphire engagement ring.

Here are some crucial considerations to bear in mind while deciding whether or not to take the non-diamond path.

Aquamarine

Light blue aquamarine gemstones are a classy and modern option that can also serve as your "something blue" for your engagement ring (and an excellent family heirloom). Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and belongs to the same species as emeralds and morganites. With a hardness value of 7.5-8, they would be scratched by sapphires and diamonds. The stone can need to be polished with time. Therefore you should store them apart from your other jewels. However, aquamarine is a rather robust choice that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite.

Emerald

Emeralds are a timeless choice that will significantly enhance your jewelry collection with their stunning green tint. They come in a number of shapes that may be easily altered to fit into your ideal ring.

Because emeralds are roughly 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, similar to aquamarine, they may need a little extra care and attention when being worn or preserved. The most desirable emeralds to buy will be a stunning green stone that appears to be incredibly transparent. The ideal emerald shade is one that is highly clear, medium in intensity, and neither too deep nor too light.

It's also very important to find out how much oil was used to cure your emerald, as the appearance of stones treated with a lot of oil would probably deteriorate over time.

Ruby

Because they can be both traditional and daring at the same time, rubies make a great alternative to diamonds. They are the gemstone of love and range in color from deep pink to red. When combined with white and yellow metals, they provide a stunning contrast.

The strength and suitability of rubies for everyday wear are unquestionably a benefit. They aren't quite as affordable as some other possibilities, though. Colored stone engagement rings are the most expensive colored gems per carat. When purchasing, she advises seeking out the more coveted deep red rubies and ensuring the stone is eye-clean.

Sapphire

Another classy and attractive alternative that comes in a variety of hues is sapphires. One of the toughest stones other than diamonds, these colorful gemstones are perfect for daily wear. You can wear a sapphire throughout your life. These stones require minimal maintenance.

Given that the market for colored stones isn't as tightly controlled as the market for diamonds, we advise using a reliable source when buying a sapphire. The stone's capacity to transmit light at the molecular level is what we're looking for when selecting a crystal. You should consider the sapphire's sparkle factor because irradiation can significantly reduce it.

On the other hand, sapphires frequently undergo heat treatment, which is perfectly appropriate. Pure heat treatment without the addition of any chemicals or other materials can enhance the color and clarity of many sapphires.

Opal

Oregon sunstone rings can help you attain an heirloom look or a more vintage-inspired look if that's what you're going for. These lovely milky white stones are quite adaptable and have a fascinating iridescence.

Opals are not the strongest stones available, though. Opals are incredibly permeable and delicate. You might have chips and scratches with continued use, and the stone's color might alter over time. However, being fragile and porous, opals are not recommended for daily wear as they do not cope well with unexpected temperature changes or prolonged exposure to sunlight.