Advice for choosing an alternative gemstone for an engagement ring.
Alternative engagement ring stones.
Unexpected stones a sapphire or emerald engagement ring is a beautiful.
Diamonds are a 10 on the mohs scale this means they re the hardest gemstone they re even used in drill bits and will weather a lot of wear and tear.
The reasons run the gamut.
Diamonds have long been the obvious choice for engagement rings but other types of gemstones are growing more popular among brides to be whether for budget reasons or simply personal preference these unique alternative engagement rings offer a pop of color and value that has become increasingly more attractive.
And some simply prefer other stones.
Additionally 10 percent of all rings exchanged included a precious gemstone instead of a diamond indicating that alternative engagement rings are slowly but surely growing in popularity.
View gallery 25 photos 1 of 25.
Whatever the reason we re totally on board.
It gets better especially for pragmatic couples.
Below we ve rounded up popular diamond ring alternatives for the modern couple from synthetic diamonds to unique precious gemstones.
Avoid choosing a dull stone and look for gems with pretty patterns and antique settings.
Sapphire and 14k gold.
Below we present 16 unique alternatives to your run of the mill diamond engagement ring.
Marquise ruby engagement ring by capucinne.
Upon closer look the stone appears far more brilliant and has higher luster.
Click through as we dissect the five biggest trends in alternative engagement rings.
Because sapphires are such durable stones they re perfect for an engagement ring making a white sapphire ring a flawless and nearly identical alternative to a white diamond ring.
The cost of this is 0.
Needless to say the moissanite is a very popular stone choice for alternative engagement rings.
At 5 5 to 6 5 on the mohs scale opals are not as hardy as other gems but do make beautiful engagement ring stones if you don t mind a little tarnish or if you plan to wear your ring only occasionally.
Here is something i ve noticed after a few years a lot of women don t wear their engagement ring anymore.
The moissanite is equally as durable and costs significantly less.
I m not saying all women do this but it s something that s more prevalent than i expected.