Many grooms might feel they have to splash out on the traditional sparkler when it comes to popping the question, but the modern custom for diamond engagement rings that cost three months’ salary was actually only introduced as a marketing campaign by acclaimed jeweller, De Beers back in the 1930s. And it stuck!
But you don’t have to follow suit, think outside the box and surprise your bride-to-be with an eclectic creation.
1. Amethyst
This pretty purple stone is well known in its raw state, but if it’s well cut, it can look truly beautiful in fine jewellery.
At 7 on the Mohs scale (diamonds are 10), Amethysts may not be quite as hard, but they’re still very durable and a fraction of the price. Pair the lavender hue with rose gold or silver for a gorgeous, romantic setting or set with other colours for something a little more off-beat.
2. Turquoise
Turquoise has become quite a trendy stone over the last few years.
Turquoise ranges from 5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and with a composition of copper and aluminium, it can range from a pure bright blue, to a pale hue with flecks of metal. Surround it with small diamonds in the setting for a luxe finish to a matte stone.
3. Morganite
Romantic, feminine and oh-so-pretty, morganite is perhaps one of the most popular choices for engagement rings at the moment.
As a beryl, morganite is from the same family of stones as aquamarine, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. The price of morganites can vary wildly, so do your research and talk to your jeweller about the cut and quality of your stone.
4. Garnet
Garnets come in all manner of colours but we’re partial to the romance of this deep red hue. Often found in antique settings, these stones also look really pretty paired with pearls or stones of other colours.
At 6.5 to 7.5, they’re not quite as hard as their ruby counterparts, but this is reflected in the price. A perfect alternative choice for a less expensive engagement ring.
5. Lapis Lazuli
These deep matte blue semi-precious stones are often overlooked for very fine jewellery but with the most captivating colours and beautiful gold flecks they can add a really opulent touch to a gold setting.
It hasn’t been used in many engagement rings before now, but we reckon it’s following turquoise’s steps and is set to be popular in the coming years.
They are relatively inexpensive, but the very finest stones are an even, intense blue with a light dusting of gold and no cracks. The lapis pigment is renowned for its lasting quality but at 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale your stone may scratch and perhaps need replacing every few years.
6. Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a mineral that is formed by a mix of two or three colours, but for fine jewellery, its green and pink variety has become increasingly popular.
At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is still quite hardy, and with a cloudier look than an emerald, scratches won’t be quite so obvious. Tourmaline looks beautiful in a baroque or bohemian style setting, especially mixed with different colour gem stones.
Ultimate Guide: How to choose an engagement ring
7. Topaz
Topaz, with its wide variety of colours and luxe clarity, is the perfect choice for engagement rings. While they do differ in their mineral content, topaz normally rates 8 on the Mohs scale.
A pure topaz is actually colourless, and the blue, orange, red, green and pink hues are actually created by imperfections in the stone. We think that beautiful quirk makes them a sweet stone to give your other half on your engagement!
8. Onyx
Onyx is a beautiful mineral that comes in an array of colours but it most commonly found in its black form for fine jewellery.
A dense, yet silky stone, (at 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale) Onyx would make a unique and utterly stylish addition to your engagement ring – plus as a black stone, will be timeless and chic. Pair with black diamonds, or even clear ones for a really opulent look.
9. Peridot
Peridots are one of a select few gemstones in the world that only appear in one colour, a vivid, olive-green. While sometimes mistaken for emeralds, peridots tend to be brighter in colour, though not as hard at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Peridots are only one of two stones created in the earth’s mantle, the other being diamond. They combine magnificent with other gemstone colours.
Peridots are often considered a token of love, making them a romantic engagement ring gemstone.
10. Labradorite
Labradorite has become increasingly en-vogue in fine cocktail rings and earrings over the last few years, so it was only natural for it to flow into the engagement ring market. This mineral can range from blue to black to brown, (though its grey-brown hue is most common in luxury jewellery) and ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
The mineral is regarded for its strengthening and shielding properties and legend has it that Inuits saw Labradorite falling from Aurora Borealis in the sky, making this a rather magical and special stone for your engagement ring.
11. Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a beautiful pastel blue semi precious gemstone that’s found its footing as a modern choice for engagement rings. This stone is quite hardy at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, and as a cousin of the emerald, it can appear particularly dazzling when well-cut.
Aquamarines have beautiful clarity, making them look expensive, they are also known as a “lucky stone”, the perfect charm as you enter married life.
12. Sunstone
Sunstones are an unknown gemstone, often overshadowed by moonstones, but custom designers are pairing them with more precious stones to make beautiful and interesting combinations.
These peachy (but often pink, orange, red or even green) coloured crystals are most commonly found in Norway and the US (they’re the official gemstone of Oregon!) and are 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Closely linked to Labradorite, sunstones are seen as an abundance mineral, bringing prosperity, vitality and fearlessness to the wearer.
13. Tsavorite
Tsavorite is a delightful bright green stone from the garnet family that makes a refreshing addition to any piece of jewellery. It rates 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a hardy stone, which can look really dazzling when well cut, and set among gold and coloured gemstones.
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