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Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings

February 15th, 2023

A newly-engaged couple embraces, showing off the bride-to-be’s sapphire engagement ring, during a walk in the woods

Engagement rings represent an unending commitment and eternal love. As such, and because this is a ring you will likely be wearing for the rest of your days, it should be forged in the finest, most long-lasting materials. Although diamonds are by far the most popular choice of gemstone for these rings, many brides-to-be are seeking to stand out from the crowd with other colorful jewels. Our experts at Azzi Jewelers have put together a guide of the best gemstone choices to make your engagement ring shopping experience a breeze.

A honeymooning couple in a hotel embraces while the bride wears her diamond side stone engagement ring

Diamonds

These classic gems are beloved not only for their incredible brilliance but also for their impressive durability. Diamonds are the hardest natural substances on the planet. When it comes to fine gems, the Mohs scale is helpful to determine whether or not a stone would be a smart choice for an engagement ring, because it declares the hardness of all stones. Diamonds, for instance, are a 10 on the Mohs scale – the highest possible score.

A couple holding hands while hiking through nature shows off a white gold sapphire halo ring

Sapphire

If you are looking for something a bit more unique and unexpected, consider a stunning sapphire. Sapphires score a 9/10 on the Mohs scale and are some of the hardest gemstones available. While most people picture a deep blue hue when they think of sapphires, such as the iconic gem featured in Princess Diana’s ring, these gems actually come in a great variety of colors, including pink, orange, and green.

A jeweler with dirty hands holds a platinum solitaire ring with a prong-set, round cut moissanite center stone

Moissanite

Moissanite is a phenomenal option for those seeking a radiant clear stone without the price tag of a diamond. As the second hardest mineral in the world, moissanite scores a 9.5/10. The cost of these gems is quite a bit lower than diamonds, and they also come in yellow or green varieties.

A woman wearing a vintage sterling silver ruby ring sits her hand on a cotton tablecloth while waiting for henna to dry

Ruby

The sister stone of sapphires, rubies offer a rich and fiery red hue while scoring a 9/10 on the Mohs scale. A ring featuring a ruby will last in beauty and retain its shape and pristineness. The finest rubies can even fetch a higher price tag than their diamond counterparts.

A woman with manicured nails wears a vintage sterling silver pink topaz ring

Topaz

With a 8/10 rating on the Mohs scale, topaz is another phenomenal choice for an engagement ring. Topaz can be found in most any color in the rainbow. They naturally occur in large crystals, so choose topaz for a larger center stone at a lower cost than a diamond, sapphire, emerald, or ruby.

A woman with manicured nails reaches out, showing off a yellow gold, solitaire emerald ring on her index finger

Emerald

These vibrant green stones are truly enchanting and make a great option for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary. They score a 7.5/10 and often feature a variety of inclusions that some find charming. However, avoid inclusions that are close to the surface as they could cause damage to your center stone.

A fashionable young woman sports an eccentric, geometric-design aquamarine fashion ring among an assortment of different rings

Aquamarine

Many adore aquamarine for its dreamy, tranquil, light blue hue, and its 7.5/10 score on the Mohs scale makes it fitting for use in engagement rings. They can also feature a hint of green and are typically entirely free of any inclusions for a beautifully clear center stone.

A woman wearing a green velvet dress showcases her alexandrite gemstone ring while sitting in front of a window

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is another incredible gemstone option, for multiple reasons. For one, it scores an 8.5/10 hardness rating, meaning it is wonderfully sturdy and hard. Additionally, it changes color depending on the type of light it is under. In the sunlight, it will appear green, but under lightbulbs it will reveal a rich red color. This jewel will be captivating in any engagement ring setting.

A man picks up his girlfriend while on a walk in a field for a romantically intimate moment

Shop Gemstone Engagement Rings and Custom Design Rings at Azzi Jewelers

It would be our pleasure at Azzi Jewelers to assist you in finding your dream engagement ring. Whether you are seeking a timeless diamond engagement ring or a piece featuring a different sort of gem, you are certain to find what you are looking for here at our Lansing jewelry store. We offer a plethora of designer collections, as well custom design services so you can create the ring you have been looking for. Request an appointment for a personalized consultation with one of our team members today.