Style Guide for Non-Diamond Engagement Rings

The diamond engagement ring is timeless and traditional, but diamonds are also the most expensive gemstone on the market. If you want an engagement ring that’s as appealing to your wallet as it is to your partner, a non-diamond engagement ring might be the choice for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of engagement ring options that offer the same beauty of a diamond ring. Colored gemstones, clear gemstones like Moissanite or white sapphires and even intricate gem-less bands create enamoring engagement rings that may even be a better fit for your bride-to-be! If you’re thinking about swapping out the more expensive diamond for a budget-friendly alternative, use these style tips to magnify the beauty of your ring:

Colored Gemstones

Gemstones are becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern couples. Not only are they more affordable, but many young couples love to bunk tradition and don an engagement ring that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Choosing gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, or sapphires also allows you to choose a larger center stone for your ring. As diamonds dramatically increase in price with carat size, going for large looks isn’t always feasible. While the price point of colored gemstones increases with their size, the cost isn’t nearly as dramatic. And, with more inexpensive gems like amethyst, buyers can purchase extremely large stones for a fraction of even a moderate-sized diamond.

White Gemstones

If you still want that classic diamond look, try a diamond look alike! Moissanite and white (or clear) sapphires are ideal alternatives to the more expensive diamond. While clear sapphires and moissanite aren’t as durable as diamonds—which are the hardest gemstone—they are still incredibly strong and are perfect for everyday wear. Style these stones as you would a diamond!

Mixing Colored and White Gemstones

Colored gemstones showcase the clarity of clear stones like white sapphire and moissanite. Choose birthstones or just a favorite colored gemstone to hug your center stone. Fancy cut side stones like pear, marquise, and trillion bring geometric interest to the setting while also adding a pop of color.

With Moissanite, Forget the 4C’s!

With diamonds, buyers have to consider The Four C's—Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity—to find the perfect stone for their budget. Since the majority of moissanite stones are lab-created and therefore naturally colorless—like a D-F diamond—buyers won't have to pay more for that renown transparent beauty. Also, moissanite offers perfect clarity, so buyers don’t have to be concerned with inclusions. Moissanite is measured in millimeters, not carats, so you can visualize stone size without the guesswork. White sapphires also don’t follow the same rating standards as diamonds, however, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the cut of a sapphire is important. When selecting colorless sapphires as a center stone, know that they will not display the same brilliance as a diamond, but, when cut in emerald, Asscher or other step-faceted styles, these gems will mimic the luster of a diamond.

Add Diamond Details...or More Moissanite & Sapphire

When selecting an alternative clear stone to replace a diamond as a centerpiece, some buyers wonder if they should--or even could--add diamonds to the setting. Diamonds will add fire to your ring, but moissanite--again--has similar brilliance. If you’re choosing moissanite for the center stone, use moissanite stones for halos or other details. White sapphire, however, may be brightened by diamonds. Or choose sapphires in other hues for a colorful halo.

Engagement Bands

Some engagement rings may eschew stones completely. We think intricately carved and detailed wedding bands make beautiful engagement rings. You may also wish to add monograms to an engagement band or even sculptural details to create depth and dimension. Buyers may always customize their ring to create a one-of-a-kind symbolic sentiment. While diamonds are often the traditional engagement ring center stone, diamonds are not necessarily the only gemstone choice for engagement rings. Non-diamond engagement rings can feature colored gemstones or even intricate gem-less engagement bands. Colorless sapphires or moissanite may also replace the diamond for an ethical center stone that offers a clear alternative to the pricier diamond. Style gemstones and moissanite stones with halos, side stones, or as simple solitaires and create an engagement ring that offers budget-friendly—and breathtaking—Brilliance!