When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds may be the classic choice, but they’re far from the only one. More couples are choosing gemstones that better reflect their personal stories, stones that carry deeper meaning, offer unexpected color, or speak to their values.
Why Choose a Non-Diamond Stone?
Non-diamond engagement rings invite a more personal approach to one of life’s biggest symbols. For some, it’s about expressing individuality or connecting with a birthstone. For others, it's about the romance of color or the symbolism a particular gem carries such as loyalty, passion, renewal.
There’s also the quiet luxury of owning something less traditional. These choices feel curated rather than cookie-cutter.
Durability Matters: Understanding the Mohs Scale
An engagement ring is meant to be worn every day, which means the gemstone at its center needs to stand up to real-life—hands in pockets, workouts, office life, travel, and everything in between. That’s where the Mohs scale of hardness comes in. This tool measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching, and it’s essential when considering a gemstone for daily wear.
Diamonds top the scale with a rating of 10, but they’re not the only stones built to last. Sapphires and rubies, both part of the corundum family, rank just below at 9, making them excellent alternatives that combine beauty with durability. Spinel also scores high, offering bold color and strength in one. Meanwhile, emeralds, although striking and rich in history, have a lower hardness (7.5 to 8) and often feature natural inclusions, which means they need a more protective setting and thoughtful care.
If you're drawn to a more unique gem, like tourmaline or aquamarine, it's still possible to make it work for everyday wear, with the right setting and guidance from our expert jewelers.
The Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings
When it comes to choosing a non-diamond center stone, durability, symbolism, and visual appeal all play a role. Here are some of the most meaningful and resilient gems to consider.
Sapphire: Elegant and Resilient
Sapphires have long symbolized loyalty and truth, and their strength is just as enduring as their meaning. With a Mohs hardness of 9, they’re second only to diamonds in durability—perfect for everyday wear. While the classic deep blue is most iconic, sapphires come in a spectrum of hues including peach, green, yellow, and even white. This versatility makes them a favorite among couples looking to blend tradition with personal style. You’ll find many of these unexpected hues in the Chroma by G.St. collection, where bold color meets modern design.
Ruby: Passionate and Regal
Rubies are rich with emotion, long associated with love, strength, and vitality. Their saturated red color captures attention, while their hardness (also a 9 on the Mohs scale) ensures they’ll stand the test of time. Rubies are perfect for those who want a bold, heirloom-worthy ring that still feels timeless.
Emerald: Vivid and Romantic
Emeralds offer a lush green hue that’s almost hypnotic. They're beloved for their old-world glamour and connection to growth, rebirth, and love. With a Mohs rating between 7.5 and 8, emeralds require a bit more care, but when set with intention and protected in design, they make for showstopping engagement rings.
Spinel, Moissanite & Other Gems
Spinel is a hidden gem in fine jewelry available in fiery reds, purples, and greys, it offers high durability (8 on the Mohs scale) and brilliant sparkle. Moissanite, a lab-created stone, is nearly as hard as diamond and provides exceptional fire and brilliance, making it a popular alternative for those who want maximum sparkle without the diamond price tag.
Tourmaline, aquamarine, and garnet also offer distinctive color and character, but are best reserved for clients willing to take a little extra care or work with a custom design that protects the stone.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Gemstone
There’s more to choosing a gemstone than appearance. How you live, what matters to you, and how often you’ll wear the ring all help determine the right fit.
Daily Wear and Lifestyle
Think about how you use your hands day-to-day. Are you constantly typing, cooking, lifting, or on the go? If so, you’ll want a stone that can keep up. Sapphires, rubies, and moissanite offer top-tier durability. If you're drawn to softer stones like emerald or opal, consider a bezel or halo setting that adds extra protection.
Meaning and Symbolism
Gemstones carry their own stories. Sapphires speak to loyalty, rubies to passion, and emeralds to rebirth and renewal. Choose a stone that reflects your relationship, personal journey, or even your birth month. A meaningful gem adds soul to the sparkle.
Color and Aesthetic
Color is often the spark that draws someone to a non-diamond ring. Whether you want something rich and dramatic or soft and subtle, gemstone rings give you options. Don’t be afraid to mix metals or accent with side stones to enhance your chosen gem’s tone and personality.
Customization Options
Custom design is all about the details. From setting styles to stone orientation, our team works with you to create a ring that feels intentional and entirely your own. Heirloom gems or new selections, every choice is handled with care and precision.
Sourcing and Integrity
Gemstone sourcing should be clear and responsible. We work only with partners who prioritize ethical practices and long-standing relationships, so you’ll always know the origin and integrity of the stone you choose.
Choosing a Gemstone That Reflects You
Your engagement ring should feel like more than a milestone — it should reflect your values, style, and story. Our gemstone engagement ring collection features rare, responsibly sourced gemstones chosen for their beauty, durability, and meaning. From vivid sapphires and emeralds to modern lab-grown options, each ring is crafted to last and designed to resonate.
For something truly personal, our custom design process gives you the freedom to shape every detail, from the stone to the setting, with expert guidance at every step.
