6 Alternatives to Diamond Rings

It’s no surprise that at Shane Co., we love natural diamonds. As the most popular stone used in engagement ring designs, diamonds are classically beautiful and full of meaning. However, they are not the only choice for engagement rings. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable option, something colorful, or just want to explore what’s out there, these alternatives to diamond rings are certainly gorgeous.

1. Colorful Sapphires

Sapphires are one of the most common choices as an alternative to diamonds, because of their stunning sparkle and wide range of colors. Once thought to bring spiritual enlightenment, sapphires are rated a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning they’re exceptionally durable and will last a long time in your ring. While traditional sapphires are usually thought of as blue, Shane Co. carries over a dozen colorful shades of sapphires, ranging from bright yellow to sultry black and everything in between.

2. Aquamarine

A newly popular stone, aquamarine shines a light blue and will look gorgeous with any engagement ring setting. Named after the ocean because of its calming color, aquamarine is strong enough to wear as a ring, though not as strong as diamond or sapphire, rated a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. It was often used by fishermen for protection at sea and is perfect for a unique look, even if you’re not a big swimmer.

3. Morganite

Morganite is very on trend right now, and it’s no wonder why! This gorgeous peachy-pink gemstone looks beautiful with every skin tone, creates a romantic, rose-like feel, and works particularly well with vintage and halo-style rings. Also rated a 7.5-8, it will hold up for everyday wear, especially if you’re taking good care of it.

4. Ruby

Known for symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity, deep red rubies are always a wonderful choice for an engagement ring. Shane Co. rubies, like all our gemstones, are hand-picked to ensure the highest quality and depth of color. Bring out the exceptional color of your ruby by surrounding it with a halo of sparkling diamonds. Like sapphires, rubies rate a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them remarkably durable for long-term wear.

5. Amethyst

Did you know that accounts say St. Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid? This rich stone is a beautiful option if you’re looking for something a little more out of the box. While Shane Co. doesn’t carry loose amethyst gemstones for use in engagement ring settings, we have plenty of amethyst fashion rings that can easily be worn as an engagement ring. Just remember that amethyst is only a 7 on the Mohs scale, so you may have to take a little more care when choosing when to wear it.

6. White Sapphires

If you prefer the look of diamonds because of their ability to match with everything, but are worried about the size of your budget, try choosing a white sapphire as a center stone for your engagement ring. These sparkling beauties offer the same clean look as a diamond at a much lower price point. They’re strong, simple, and sparkly!