Beyond Diamonds: Exploring Unique Engagement Ring Alternatives

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a significant decision. While diamond engagement rings are a popular and timeless choice, other attractive alternative diamond engagement rings are available. Diamond alternative engagement rings offer exquisite sparkle and shine, making them worth considering for a non-traditional, yet stunning choice. With a wide variety of gemstone engagement rings available in captivating colours and at lower prices than diamonds, it can be overwhelming to start your search. To assist you in finding the ideal gemstone engagement ring, we've created a guide on all you need to know about diamond alternatives.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings

When choosing alternative engagement rings, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Gemstone type
• Budget
• Quality
• Durability
• Personal Style
• Ethical Considerations
• Setting and Metal
• Maintenance

Considering these factors will empower you to make an informed decision and find a diamond alternative ring that meets your preferences, values, and budget.

 

What is an alternative to a diamond?

An alternative to a diamond is a gemstone. Gemstone engagement rings made with moissanite and sapphire have gained popularity as diamond alternatives. They offer unique qualities such as exceptional sparkle, vibrant colours, and affordability. Gemstones for rings are attractive options for engagement rings and jewellery, providing a distinct and stylish choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional diamond rings. With their captivating beauty and individual characteristics, gemstones offer a wide range of options for couples looking for a non-diamond alternative.

While still a diamond, those with higher budgets might consider opting for an engagement ring made with highly rare Argyle Pink Diamonds. This sought-after type of diamond that is mined from the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia, known for producing some of the world's most exquisite and valuable pink diamonds. 

These vibrant pink-hued diamonds are incredibly rare, with only a small percentage of diamonds mined from the Argyle mine exhibiting the pink colour. Due to their rarity and beauty, Pink Argyle Diamonds are considered a luxury and prestigious choice for engagement rings and other high-end jewellery pieces. The Argyle mine ceased its operations in 2020, making Pink Argyle Diamonds even more valuable and collectible.

Pros of Diamond Alternatives

Opting for a diamond alternative engagement ring can have several advantages. 

• Affordable: They offer affordability compared to natural diamonds, allowing couples to get a larger or more elaborate stone within their budget. 
• Customisable: These alternatives come in a variety of colours, providing more options for customisation and personalisation. 
• Eye-Catching: Diamond alternatives often exhibit exceptional brilliance and sparkle, rivalling that of diamonds. 
• Ethical: Choosing a diamond alternative can be a more ethical and sustainable option, as it reduces the environmental impact associated with diamond mining. 

Cons of Diamond Alternatives

While diamond alternatives like gemstones have advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider when choosing a ring for your partner. 

• Durability: Some gemstones, like moissanite, may not have the same level of hardness as diamonds, making them slightly more prone to scratching or wear over time.
• Value: Gemstones may not hold their value as well as diamonds, which are traditionally seen as a long-term investment. 
• Tradition: Some individuals may have personal or cultural preferences for diamonds, and choosing a diamond alternative may not align with their desired aesthetic or symbolism. 

What Stones Are Comparable to Diamonds?

The gemstones that are most similar to diamonds in terms of their visual appearance and optical properties are:

• Moissanite: Moissanite is often considered the closest diamond alternative due to its exceptional brilliance, fire, and high refractive index. It closely resembles diamonds and can be challenging to differentiate from them without specialized equipment.
• White Sapphire: White sapphires are colourless or near-colourless gemstones that can closely resemble diamonds. They share similar durability and brilliance, making them a popular choice for diamond substitutes.
• Cubic Zirconia (CZ): While not a natural gemstone, cubic zirconia is a synthetic material widely used as a diamond simulant. It can closely mimic the appearance of diamonds, offering a comparable sparkle and clarity.
• White Topaz: White topaz is another gemstone that shares some similarities with diamonds. While it may not possess the same level of brilliance, it can still provide a diamond-like look, especially when expertly cut and set.

It's important to note that while these gemstones may resemble diamonds in appearance, they may have different physical properties and durability. Each gem has its own unique characteristics, and it's essential to consider these factors when selecting a diamond alternative.

What is the Best Alternative to a Diamond?

What you consider the best alternative to diamond engagement rings will ultimately depend on you and your partner’s individual preferences and priorities. However, one popular and widely regarded diamond alternative is moissanite. Moissanite closely resembles diamonds in terms of brilliance, fire, and durability. It offers exceptional sparkle and is often indistinguishable from diamonds to the naked eye. Moissanite is also more affordable than diamonds, allowing for larger stone sizes and more elaborate designs within a given budget. 

Best All-Around Diamond Alternatives

Some of the best all-round diamond alternatives are:

• Moissanite
• White Sapphire
• Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
• Morganite
• Emerald

Moissanite closely resembles diamonds in brilliance and durability. White sapphire offers a diamond-like appearance and durability. Cubic zirconia is an affordable and diamond-like simulant. Morganite provides a romantic and affordable option. Emerald, although different in appearance, offers a unique charm. Consider personal preferences and budget when choosing the best alternative.

Most inexpensive diamond alternative

The most Inexpensive diamond alternatives include cubic zirconia (CZ), white topaz, and moissanite. Each of these closely resemble diamonds at a much lower price point, but vary in terms of durability and refractive index (brilliance).

Comparing prices from reputable sources helps find a cost-effective option.

Popular Natural Diamond Alternatives

At Artelia, we often have clients coming to us to choose diamond alternative engagement rings. The most popular diamond alternatives include diamond look-a-likes, such as moissanite, but also coloured gemstones. Sapphires, emeralds, morganite and rubies are popular choices for those seeking unique and vibrant alternatives to traditional diamonds. Below, we explain more about our most popular diamond alternatives.

Moissanite

Moissanite is considered a good diamond alternative for several reasons. It offers a combination of beauty, durability and affordability, making it a popular and compelling diamond alternative.

Notably, moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire. It possesses a unique ability to disperse light, resulting in a captivating display of colourful flashes and sparkles. This optical property, combined with its high refractive index, gives moissanite a brilliance that closely rivals or even surpasses that of diamonds. 

Moissanite is also highly durable, ranking high on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means it is resistant to scratches and abrasions, making it suitable for everyday wear. Additionally, moissanite is more affordable than diamonds, allowing individuals to get a larger or more elaborate stone within their budget.

Aquamarine

Aquamarines are adored for their pure, rich colour, versatility and flawless appearance with a greenish-blue hue that effortlessly refracts the light. Colour is an important factor in grading aquamarines, and gemstones with a dark blue undertone are generally the most expensive and sought after.

This gorgeous gem is said to represent harmony, trust, companionship, and fidelity, making it a perfect choice for an engagement ring. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, aquamarine ranks from 7.5 to 8, which means it is durable and sturdy enough to be worn daily.

At Artelia, our aquamarine engagement rings are ethically sourced, with gems of the highest quality — so you can create a bespoke ring that’s an emblem of your eternal love.

Emerald

Signifying true, loyal love, wisdom, renewal and rebirth, emerald engagement rings are favoured by couples wishing to celebrate their love with a unique stone that will draw eyes. Ranking from 7.8 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, this beautiful gem will last for generations as a prized family heirloom.

While emeralds are usually available in rectangular or square shapes, the most popular cuts are round and octagon, like our stunning cushion-cut emerald engagement ring. Round emeralds have more sparkle than other shapes, making them one of the best non-traditional engagement rings.

At Artelia, our ethically sourced stones are of the highest quality and bound to delight you with their sparkle and pure beauty! Plus, you can create a bespoke emerald gemstone engagement ring that matches your taste.

Morganite

The delicate pink hue of morganite is associated with romance, love and innocence, which makes it a stellar option for a non-traditional engagement ring. Morganite ranks from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, meaning it’s durable and scratch resistant, so it’s perfect for everyday wear.

If you love to go against the grain and you’re looking for something more unique than a diamond, consider morganite — it strikes the perfect balance between old-world charm and fresh, contemporary design sensibilities. Plus, it's an affordable option that is sure to make a unique statement.

Equally as beautiful on its own or when surrounded by a cluster of gems in a range of gorgeous hues, Artelia offers a customised experience that allows you to work with our team to help you find the perfect morganite engagement ring. Whether you already have a design in mind or need inspiration for the perfect setting and arrangement, we’ll be there for you every step of the way.

Ruby

The vibrant, fiery ruby is a gorgeous gemstone that radiates with vibrant intensity and symbolises both love and passion. For centuries, this enchanting jewel has been revered as a remarkable alternative to diamonds in engagement rings, gracing them with its unique and enriching hue. With a robust 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, rubies stand proudly alongside diamonds in terms of durability, ensuring a timeless heirloom that can be cherished and passed down through generations. 

At Artelia, we offer an unparalleled experience, where our skilled artisans will craft a bespoke ruby engagement ring that captures the essence of your love story, leaving an indelible impression on your beloved. Elevate your declaration of love with a masterpiece that transcends the ordinary and celebrates the extraordinary bond you share.

Sapphire

Indulge in the allure of sapphire engagement rings, where deep, lustrous hues and unwavering durability converge. Sapphires, renowned for their symbolic association with love and purity, embody the essence of commitment and new beginnings—a perfect embodiment of the traditional marriage philosophy. With an impressive hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs Scale, sapphires excel in durability, effortlessly withstanding unexpected bumps and knocks. 

From an enchanting spectrum of colours, including yellow, green, black, and purple, these exquisite gemstones crafted from corundum exhibit natural shifts in hues, casting a mesmerizing play of colour in different lights. Their well-cut facets mesmerize with a captivating sparkle that's hard to resist, while various cuts, such as round, cushion, and oval, offer options to suit every style. 

At Artelia, our ethically sourced and hand-picked sapphires guarantee the highest quality, ensuring a one-of-a-kind custom sapphire engagement ring that reflects your unique taste. Embark on a journey with our skilled artisans to create the perfect symbol of everlasting love.

Amethyst

Another wonderful diamond alternative is the amethyst. Firstly, it is known for its vibrant and captivating purple colour, which adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to jewellery pieces. This distinct colouration sets it apart from traditional diamonds. Amethyst can also be an attractive accent to a diamond ring, like the amethyst border in this diamond, pearl and amethyst engagement ring.

In terms of its properties, amethyst is a type of quartz and possesses a Mohs hardness of 7. This makes it relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear, although it may require some care to prevent scratches and damage. Amethyst is also valued for its transparency and clarity, with high-quality specimens exhibiting minimal inclusions.

Aside from being a diamond alternative, amethyst is also associated with various symbolic meanings and is believed to possess healing properties in certain spiritual practices. It is considered a stone of tranquillity, inner peace, and spiritual growth.

Pearls

The soft, warm and organic glow of pearls is hard to resist. Formed naturally, with each stone offering a different look, feel and finish, pearls have long symbolised purity, commitment and love — making pearl engagement rings a unique yet beautiful choice when asking your partner for their hand in marriage.

From simple, classic designs to glamorous contemporary cuts, nothing comes close to the sophistication and elegance embodied by a pearl ring. Whether paired with round diamonds on the sides or mixed with complementary gemstones like sapphires, Artelia can help you find or create the ring of your dreams. Whatever setting, arrangement or design you’re after, we will collaborate with you to find your dream pearl engagement ring.

Opal

Opal is considered a unique and captivating diamond alternative for several reasons. It is known for its mesmerizing play of colours, which can include a spectrum of vibrant hues and iridescent flashes. This optical phenomenon, known as "opal fire" or "play of colour," gives opal a distinct and enchanting appearance that sets it apart from traditional diamonds. You can clearly see this gorgeous phenomenon in our custom designed Mother Earth Opal engagement ring.

Opal is also valued for its individuality, as each opal gemstone is unique and possesses its own pattern and combination of colours. This makes opal jewellery truly one-of-a-kind and allows individuals to express their personal style. It is also associated with symbolism and spiritual meanings, often representing creativity, inspiration, and emotional healing in various cultures and beliefs.

Opal is a hydrated silica mineral. It has a relatively lower hardness compared to diamonds, ranking at around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This means opal requires gentle care to prevent scratching or damage. However, with proper precautions, opal can be enjoyed as a beautiful and durable gemstone.

Citrine

With its sunny and bright yellow glow, citrine engagement rings have emerged as an irresistible option for those seeking a non-traditional engagement ring that radiates charm. 

This gemstone possesses remarkable durability, boasting a solid 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, ensuring it can withstand the test of time. As an affordable alternative to diamonds, citrine's unique colour exudes a mesmerising radiance that adds an extra touch of luxury and brilliance to any ring. 

If you're ready to make a bold statement and seize the moment, a citrine gemstone engagement ring promises to be an alluring and captivating choice for an unforgettable proposal.

Conclusion

Exploring diamond alternative engagement rings opens up a world of unique and stunning options. While diamonds have long been the traditional choice, gemstones like moissanite, sapphire, morganite, emerald, ruby, amethyst, opal, and citrine offer a range of captivating colours, exceptional brilliance, and affordability. These alternatives provide an opportunity for personalisation and customisation, allowing couples to find the perfect ring that reflects their style and values.

The best diamond alternatives for engagement rings depend on individual preferences and priorities. Moissanite is often regarded as one of the best all-around alternatives due to its brilliance, durability, and affordability. Other popular options include white sapphire, cubic zirconia, morganite, and emerald. It's essential to consider factors such as visual appearance, durability, and symbolism when choosing the ideal gemstone for an engagement ring.

For further assistance and to delve deeper into the world of engagement rings, we invite you to read our engagement rings guide. It provides valuable insights and expert advice to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect diamond for your ring.

At Artelia, we understand the significance of engagement rings and offer a personalised experience to help you find the perfect diamond alternative. With our expertise and a wide selection of gemstones, we can assist you in creating custom made jewellery that symbolizes your eternal love. 

Contact us to begin your journey with Artelia and discover the beauty and uniqueness of diamond alternative engagement rings.