Why Choose a Diamond Alternative?

There are so many things to consider when you are looking for an engagement ring. Most of our clients looking for something other than a diamond for their engagement ring is usually because of ethical, financial, or wanting to find something unique or symbolic. Diamonds have long been considered the gold standard. Many of our clients are pushing boundaries and seeking rings that are not the norm. One of the biggest reasons is cost. Diamonds, particularly those that are naturally mined and high in clarity and carat are expensive. Alternatives such as moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, or colored gemstones are beautiful and more affordable. This gives options without compromising on the symbolism or quality. 

If ethical reasons are your concern, it makes sense to explore other options. The diamond industry has been criticized for its association with conflict zones and exploitative labor practices. It can be a non-starter for some couples. This is why lab-created stones and other stone options have become popular. It’s important to have options that align with your values. One of the cornerstones of the store is to have something for everyone.

However, the main reason why I found that most people are drawn to alternative stones is to find something unique, symbolic and meaningful. Colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and morganite provide a chance to break away from tradition and embrace a fun and playful option. Some couples choose stones for their symbolic meanings or sentimental significance, turning their engagement rings into more personal and meaningful tokens. In an era where individuality is increasingly celebrated, alternative engagement rings offer a chance to create something truly one-of-a-kind.

What Is Your Take on These Diamond Alternatives?

Sapphires:

Sapphires make beautiful engagement rings because of the vibrant color, exceptional durability, and deep symbolic meaning. There is such a beautiful range of  hues, especially deep blue, that sapphires provide a bold and elegant alternative to traditional diamonds. Sapphires are also rich in symbolism, often associated with loyalty, wisdom, and sincerity - qualities that perfectly reflect the spirit of lifelong commitment.

Topaz:

Topaz also has a stunning range of colors, brilliant clarity, and symbolism. Available in shades like icy blue, warm golden, and deep pink, topaz offers a big variety in choices. Topaz has a beautiful sparkle and clear transparency making it beautiful for a center stone. Topaz is associated with love, joy, and emotional balance all of which add a layer of personal meaning to this choice.

Emeralds:

Emeralds are always a good idea! The vibrant green color and timeless elegance set them apart from more traditional gemstones. Long associated with love, renewal, and growth, emeralds carry deep romantic symbolism that resonates with the commitment of marriage. Their unique hue adds a touch of vintage charm and sophistication. We have many emerald options for our clients. It’s a very popular stone. It’s physically a much softer stone so you need to make sure to take that into consideration when it comes to wearability. 

Aquamarines:

Aquamarines make lovely engagement rings because of their serene, oceanic blue color and their association with calmness, clarity, and harmony. Who doesn’t want that in their union? Their soft, ethereal glow gives aquamarines a romantic and elegant appearance, perfect for someone who wants a delicate yet eye-catching alternative to traditional stones. Their soothing color and symbolic ties to peace and emotional balance make them a meaningful choice for an engagement ring.

Morganites:

Morganites are beautiful and don’t get used enough. They tend to be a soft, blush-pink hue that exudes romance, warmth, and grace. Their gentle color complements a wide range of metal settings (especially rose gold!) creating a dreamy, feminine look that's both modern and timeless. Morganites are often associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing, making them a natural choice for couples that like symbolism. One of the first custom rings I had made for a client was a morganite. It was such a fun process and a ring that she still wears almost 20 years later. 

Spinels:

Spinels are a really fun choice for an engagement ring. They come in a wide range of colors. The colors vary from vibrant reds, pinks, blues, and even rare shades like lavender or gray, making them very versatile. Spinels are also more affordable than many traditional gemstones, allowing for larger or more vividly colored stones without sacrificing quality. It’s nice to be able to play with color and get a natural stone that has the hue you are looking for. Spinels are known for attracting abundance and success. We could all use more of that in our relationships.

What should someone consider in choosing the right alternative stone? 

Choosing the right ring is everything. Whatever you choose it should truly reflect your values, style, and be symbolic and meaningful. The cool thing about alternative stones is there is often flexibility in design, cost, and meaning. Whatever your concerns are ethical, price or the desire for something totally unique, alternative stones offer that. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept. There is a wide range of beautiful, durable, and symbolic options beyond the traditional diamond. From vibrant sapphires to romantic morganite, each stone carries its own charm and story, making it possible to create a deeply personal and meaningful ring. Ultimately, the right alternative engagement ring can beautifully honor both love and individuality. An alternative stone is a nice way to create a unique ring that represents the bond of marriage. 

What designers do you love who are specializing in diamond alternatives right now?

Many of our designers are making beautiful stone alternatives for engagement rings. We always carry a wide variety of antique and vintage rings. This is one of my favorite categories because there are so many different periods of design and a wide highway in cost and materials. We have Deco, Victorian, Georgian, and cool one-of-a-kinds that are rare finds and baked with meaning. Ara Vartanian makes gorgeous rings in Tanzanite, Rubies, Emeralds, Tourmalines, and Rubalite to name a few. His unique designs are perfect for the edgy bride. Shay and Anita Ko are at the forefront of making beautiful contemporary yet classic one of a kind rings that are perfect for alternative brides. Yi Collection and Xiao Wang are really creative when it comes to their alternative stone combinations. All of our designers are creative and are amazing at coming up with custom ideas for the customer that wants to dance outside the lines. 

Any final thoughts on the process of someone looking for a non-diamond ring?

When someone looks for a non-traditional engagement ring, they typically start by exploring different gemstones and styles that reflect their personal taste and values. One of the most important pieces of jewelry that you will ever own should be in line with your beliefs and personal style. Exploring options like sapphires, emeralds, or other unique stones, weighing factors like color, durability, and symbolism. They often visit jewelers who specialize in alternative stones or browse online to compare designs and prices. Throughout the process, they focus on finding a ring that feels meaningful and distinctive, balancing beauty, practicality, and emotional significance to create a truly personalized symbol of their commitment. It’s such a fun process that when done right you end up with a piece of jewelry that is truly meaningful and will last a lifetime.