Want To Play Against Type? Stand Out With These 5 Engagement Stones that Aren’t Diamonds

When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds are the obvious choice.

They’re timeless, elegant, and as sophisticated as they are sparkly. Indeed, you can’t go wrong with this breathtaking stone.

However, some could argue that they’re too traditional.

The thing about engagement rings is that there are no actual rules regarding them. There are no unspoken terms and conditions that state that an engagement ring must follow certain styles or specifications.

Even the long-standing tradition that only women get engagement rings is being challenged nowadays, with engagement rings for men a sudden hot trend.

So if you’ve been having second thoughts about a diamond gemstone, our team has curated five beautiful diamond alternatives that would make for beautiful, arresting, and non-traditional engagement rings.

Sapphire. 

Integrity & Royalty

Did you know that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a gorgeous sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to the late Princess Diana?

Sapphire is a fierce, royal blue gemstone that symbolises integrity and wisdom. It’s often associated with royalty due to the beliefs that tie it with abundance, blessings, and wealth.

As an engagement ring, sapphire is a promise of reverence and honesty. This ring embodies a sense of regality and tells your partner that you see them as royalty and will treat them as such.

Ruby. 

Passion & Commitment

Singer Katy Perry has proudly shown off her stunning 2-carat ruby engagement ring, a perfect match for her bold and vivacious personality.

Ruby is a fiery red gemstone that symbolises passion, protection, and wealth. In Sanskrit, ruby—or ratnaraj—means “king of the precious stones.” Historically related to romance and riches, a ruby is emotionally powerful and impossible to ignore.

If you want to let your partner know the depth of your commitment and the intensity of your desire for them, a ruby engagement ring is one way to do it.

Tanzanite. 

Intuition & Purity

Interestingly, Tanzanite is a thousand times rarer than diamonds.

Considered a “geological phenomenon,” this stunning cerulean gemstone is indeed one-of-a-kind. The richness of its colour and the depth of its hue has led people to associate it with mystery and wonder. When part of jewellery pieces, Tanzanite is believed to represent intuition and purity.

As an engagement ring, Tanzanite is your way of affirming your partner’s emotions and instinctual choices. You are telling them that your soul recognised them as your intended, without the need for conscious reasoning. 

Emerald. 

Beauty & Foresight

Nothing can calmly command attention quite like a flawless, perfectly-polished emerald. Highly sought after and rich in lore, very few can compare with its breathtaking beauty. 

Emerald is a gorgeous green gemstone known as the “jewel of kings.”

Just like sapphires, emeralds are often associated with richness and royalty. This vivid verdant stone was also supposedly queen Cleopatra’s jewel of choice, symbolising beauty—a trait she held in high regard.

By giving your intended an emerald engagement ring, you are letting them know you recognise their stunning beauty and sparkling wit. You are in awe of both their looks and their intellect.

Aquamarine. 

Safety & Reawakening

One of the most famous celebrity engagement rings is a 6-carat diamond flanked by aquamarine stones. It was co-designed by Justin Timberlake for his bride, Jessica Biel, and it remains one of Vogue’s Best Celebrity Engagement Rings of all time.

And if you know what aquamarine looks like, it’s easy to see why.

This crystal blue gemstone is the purest symbol of love; young, innocent, and untainted by anxiety and doubt. The Romans believed that aquamarine could absorb love. When blessed and worn, it would let the wearer accomplish incredible feats.

Just as sailors were given aquamarine gems to keep them safe, so too do you promise to cherish and protect your partner when you gift them an aquamarine engagement ring. You are telling them that your love has reawakened the warrior, the guardian, in you.

Pros of Diamond Alternatives

• Affordable. Diamond alternatives are generally less expensive than diamonds, making them far more accessible and far easier to obtain. Plus, a lower price point doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality. Skilled jewellers and gemstone cutters can produce absolutely stunning stones for a fraction of the cost of a diamond.
• Interesting. Diamonds are timeless. However, they may be too subtle and too understated for those who prefer exciting hues and pops of colour. Diamond alternatives like sapphires and emeralds can act as brilliant-coloured accents for many outfits.

Cons of Diamond Alternatives

• Delicate. Diamonds are hardy—a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs scale—and don’t get scratched easily. Diamond alternatives, on the other hand, are a little more susceptible to wear and tear, thus making them unsuitable for everyday use. 
• Loud. Because they’re clear and colourless, diamonds suit almost any aesthetic and colour palette. But since diamond alternatives, like emerald and Tanzanite, come in bold, brilliant colours, they’re more seasonal but less versatile, which could make it challenging to work them into different outfits and occasions.

We understand that selecting the right ring for you and your partner can sometimes feel as overwhelming (as it is exciting). At Dracakis, we are dedicated to ensuring you have everything you need to create the perfect setting.

Find out more and book a consultation here.