Do Engagement Rings Have to Be Diamond?

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you envision an engagement ring?

For most people, it’s diamonds. This has long been the traditional stone of choice for engagement and wedding rings, valued for their brilliance and durability. While diamonds remain a popular choice, the market continues to evolve, with more couples considering factors like budget and ethical sourcing. This leads to the question: do engagement rings have to be diamond, or are there other beautiful and responsible options available?

There are so many options at your disposal if you’re getting ready to pop the question, from sapphire to spinel, emerald to garnet, opal, and so many more. Just take a look at our unique gemstone engagement rings and see for yourself what’s possible!

Alexis Russell is your trusted source for all things engagement rings and wedding rings. We’ll help you weigh your options if you’re not married to the idea of diamonds, and show you what else you need to think about besides the stone itself.

But if you just want to skip to the good part where you’re asking your partner to marry you, get in touch with one of our Sales and Service Specialists today. We’re eager to guide you through the process step-by-step and help make your dream engagement ring a reality!

Why Diamonds are the Traditional Choice for Engagement Rings

Let’s start with giving credit where it’s due. Diamonds have been synonymous with engagement rings for centuries. The first diamond engagement ring can be traced all the way back to 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria chose this stone for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This set a trend into motion across European aristocracy. Diamonds became a symbol of wealth, commitment, and the enduring nature of marriage.

Fast forward to the 20th century and diamonds were cemented in modern engagement rings thanks to De Beers’ iconic “A Diamond is Forever” campaign. This linked diamonds with eternal love but also positioned them as the ultimate symbol of a significant life milestone.

You can see why diamonds are a perfect pick for engagement rings even just by looking at their characteristics: they’re strong, clear, and brilliant. In fact, diamonds are the hardest stone on the Mohs scale, making them a practical choice as well.

In this day and age there’s a societal expectation that if you’re going to propose, you better be prepared to shell out for a diamond engagement ring. But, do engagement rings have to be diamond?

Do Engagement Rings Have to Be Diamond, Though?

Absolutely not. While diamonds remain a beloved and classic choice for many, it's important to remember that there are no rules when it comes to engagement rings.

At its core, there’s only one thing an engagement ring HAS to be: a representation of your commitment to be with your partner for eternity. The characteristics of your engagement ring only need to resonate with your relationship.

We’re seeing more and more couples opt for alternative gemstones, embracing rings that better reflect their one-of-a-kind connection.

Maybe you feel like sapphires are more aligned with your preferences. Or, maybe you’re drawn towards the rawness of salt and pepper diamonds. There are so many possibilities if a traditional diamond doesn’t do it for you. We’ll unpack all your options in just a moment.

Why an Alternative Gemstone Might Actually Be the Right Choice

We know what you’re thinking…this goes against everything you’ve been told an engagement ring is supposed to be. Hear us out, though. There are a few reasons you might find an alternative gemstone to be the right choice for you.

Affordability Without Compromising Beauty

Let’s address the elephant in the room: diamonds are expensive! While there’s no getting around the cost of engagement rings, that doesn't mean you have to take on undue financial stress if your partner doesn’t really care about the traditional norms associated with diamonds.

Alternative gemstones offer a wider range of options and make breathtaking beauty more accessible. Sapphires, emeralds, and even opals can be stunning choices, often available at a lower price than traditional diamonds.

Uniqueness and Symbolism of Alternative Stones

Every relationship tells a unique story - why should your engagement ring be any different? A ruby's deep red might represent passion and commitment, while an aquamarine's serene blue could symbolize calm and clarity in a relationship.

Some couples choose stones with personal significance - perhaps a birthstone, a stone from a meaningful location, or one that captures a shared memory or experience. You get to decide what the gemstone means to you, breaking free from traditional expectations.

Practicality for Everyday Wear

While diamonds score highest on the Mohs hardness scale, they aren’t the only gemstone that’s known for its durability.

Sapphires, rubies and spinels, for example, rank extremely high in hardness - making them just as practical. They resist scratching and maintain their brilliance with minimal maintenance.

Gemstone engagement rings can be worn with peace of mind knowing they’re crafted to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.

What are the Best Diamond Alternatives For Your Engagement Ring?

So if not diamonds, what alternative gemstones can you go with for your ring? The possibilities are almost endless, from unique sapphire engagement rings to garnet, opal, tanzanite, and so many more. We’ll highlight some of our personal favorites below if you’re looking for inspiration.

Sapphire

Long before diamonds dominated engagement ring trends, sapphires were the stone of choice among royalty. That trend is making a comeback, as the likes of Kate Middleton wear sapphire today (it was actually Princess Diana’s ring originally!).

It’s not hard to see why - their deep, rich colors range from classic blue to soft pink. In this sense, they’re one of the best diamond alternatives you can consider. They're nearly as hard as diamonds, too, making them a really practical choice.

Emerald

Emeralds make a serious statement with a vibrant green hue that symbolizes growth, renewal, and the vibrant life you and your other half are building together.

These stones may be slightly softer than diamonds, but they’re still a stunning choice for engagement rings. Trust us, the unique color will have you standing out from the crowd.

Opal

These stones shimmer with an otherworldly play of color, capturing light in a way no other gemstone can. They’re becoming more popular for those who want the most unique ring possible.

Just be aware that opals are more delicate and will thus require more careful handling and regular maintenance. But for the right couple, this is part of the charm! It speaks to the delicate nature of their love life.

Moonstone

Moonstone has a soft, luminous glow that brings a touch of magic to engagement rings. The name fits perfectly, as these gemstones seem to capture moonlight within their depths and make for a more subtle and romantic alternative to traditional options.

We recommend moonstone engagement rings to couples who appreciate understated beauty and a hint of mystique. It’s rare you’d enter a crowded room and bump into someone else who has a moonstone engagement ring!

Sunstone

On the other hand, sunstone brings a unique warmth to engagement rings with its copper-like shimmer and golden-orange hues. These stones capture light in a way that feels like bottling a sunset and carrying it around on your finger.

Couples who love nature and want a ring that reflects this sentiment, along with the warmth of their relationship, find that sunstone checks all their boxes.

Morganite

Morganite's blush-pink tones carry a soft, romantic look that feels both modern and timeless. They’re surprisingly affordable and create a gentle, feminine aesthetic that is just irresistible.

Garnet

Garnets unveil a spectrum of colors, from rich burgundy to vibrant green. They’ve been traditionally associated with passion and commitment, which is why they’re such a great alternative to diamonds for engagement rings.

Each garnet is unique, much like every relationship has its own intricate details and unexpected beauty. You can’t go wrong with one of these engagement rings.

Tanzanite

This stone was actually discovered relatively recently in Tanzania, which the stone is aptly named for. These put out an incredible blue-violet hue that is unlike any other gemstone.

Tanzanite is actually quite rare - much more so than diamonds - which makes it an exceptional choice for couples seeking something truly one-of-a-kind. Its color shifts between blue and purple depending on the light. This mesmerizing effect is sure to spark conversation!

Tourmaline

Can’t choose just one color? We get it. Tourmaline might just be what you need. These stones come in virtually every color imaginable - from deep greens to soft pinks, electric blues to vibrant yellows.

Some tourmalines even display multiple colors in a single stone - a beautiful metaphor for the complexity of love and relationships.

Spinel

We like to call spinel the unsung hero of gemstones, as it’s long been overshadowed by more popular options. It’s finally starting to get the recognition it deserves and we’re so here for it!

These stones come in a remarkable range of colors, from deep reds that rival rubies to soft, understated pastels. That means whether you want something simple and subtle or flashy and eye-catching, you can rest assured spinel will deliver.

It’s also very durable and tends to be more economical than traditional diamond alternatives. So if you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on the beauty of your ring, look no further!

Explore All Your Engagement Ring Options at Alexis Russel!

There are so many amazing diamond alternatives at your fingertips as you start shopping for your engagement ring. The beauty in these isn’t just in their affordability or being different. It’s finding a stone that speaks to your relationship - its quirks, depth, and unique sparkle.

That’s what we’re all about here at Alexis Russel, and why our unique engagement rings are exactly what you need. We’re passionate about helping couples find or create the ring of their dreams, one that’s as individualized as your journey up to this point.

All our jewelry is one-of-a-kind and handcrafted in our Buffalo, New York studio. We only use ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones, and take it a step further to use recycled materials whenever possible.

You can choose between ready to ship engagement rings if you’re in a rush to take the next step in your relationship, or you can work with our Sales & Service Stylists, for custom engagement rings made just for you.

Whether you prefer a black diamond engagement ring, salt and pepper diamond engagement ring, cigar band engagement ring, or anything in between, something in our catalog inventory will resonate. If not, let’s work together to make your vision a reality! Get in touch today.

Final Thoughts on Diamond Alternatives for an Engagement Ring

So, do engagement rings have to be diamond? On the contrary - we’re seeing more and more couples break free from societal norms in favor of an alternative gemstone!

There are so many reasons you may be looking to take this route yourself, from the financial side of things to the ethical concerns associated with diamonds. Or, maybe you just don’t feel that diamonds speak to your relationship - there are other options that will.

We’re eager to help you find it, whether it’s a sapphire or emerald, spinel, opal, or anything in between. Browse our catalog or reach out to take the next step today. Your dream ring awaits!