A Guide to Gemstone Engagement Rings: Choosing, Styling, and Exploring the Lore

When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds have long been the traditional gemstone of choice. However, as couples increasingly seek to personalize their rings, gemstone engagement rings are becoming more and more popular. Colored gemstones offer a beautiful, unique, and often more affordable alternative to diamonds. 
If you're considering a gemstone engagement ring, it's important to make an informed decision about which gems are the safest and most suitable for everyday wear. It’s also important to think about how to style your gemstone ring to best complement its colorful sparkle. In this guide, we’ll explore the best gemstones for engagement rings, offer tips on styling them, and delve into the fascinating lore behind these colorful stones.

  1. Which Gemstones Are Safest for Engagement Rings?

    1. Sapphire

    2. Ruby

    3. Spinel

    4. Aquamarine

    5. Emerald

    6. Moissanite

  2. Styling Your Gemstone Engagement Ring

  3. Gemstone Meanings

Which Gemstones Are Safest for Engagement Rings?

ou wear your engagement ring every day, so it’s important to consider the durability of any gemstone you might choose as your center stone. While diamonds are known for their hardness (rated 10 on the Mohs scale), many colored gemstones are softer and more vulnerable to damage over time. Here are some of the best and safest gemstones for engagement rings.

1. Sapphire Engagement Ring

Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones for engagement rings, and for good reason. Though the stone is renowned for its stunning, deep blue hue, sapphires actually come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant pinks to rich yellows and even greens. Beyond their breathtaking beauty, sapphires are incredibly durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness–just below diamonds. This makes sapphires an excellent choice for an engagement ring that will endure daily wear.

Sapphire Engagement Ring

Additionally, sapphires are known for their resistance to scratching and fading, which makes them perfect for someone who leads an active lifestyle. While sapphires may need occasional cleaning to maintain their brilliance, their toughness ensures that they can withstand the test of time.

2. Ruby Engagement Ring

Rubies are similarly durable to sapphires (also ranking at a 9 on the Mohs scale). Rubies are known for their striking red hues, ranging from deep crimsons to soft pinks. The intensity of a ruby’s color makes it a romantic and bold choice for an engagement ring. 

Ruby Engagement Ring

Rubies are resistant to scratches and chips. Like sapphires, rubies are also relatively low-maintenance. However, it’s important to note that rubies can sometimes have inclusions which affect the overall appearance of the stone. When choosing a ruby, look for one that balances quality with the natural imperfections that make each gem unique.

3. Spinel Engagement Ring

Spinel is often overlooked in favor of other gemstones, but it is gaining popularity as a stunning and durable option for engagement rings. Spinels come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant reds and pinks to deep blues, purples, and even black. Although spinel is slightly softer than sapphires and rubies, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, it is still quite durable and can withstand everyday wear if cared for properly.

Spinel Engagement Ring

Spinels are resistant to fading and cracking, and their brilliance rivals that of other gemstones, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings. As an added bonus, spinels are generally more affordable than sapphires and rubies, which makes them a great option for couples on a budget.

4. Aquamarine Engagement Ring

Aquamarine, with its serene blue-green hue, is another gemstone that makes a beautiful and durable choice for engagement rings. While it’s slightly softer than sapphires and rubies, it still falls within the “safe” range for daily wear, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Aquamarine is relatively resistant to scratching, although it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and impacts that could damage the stone.

Aquamarine Gemstone Engagement Ring

In addition to its durability, aquamarine is known for its stunning color, which ranges from light blue to teal. It’s an excellent gemstone for those who appreciate understated elegance and want a unique alternative to the more traditional stones.

5. Emerald Engagement Ring

Emeralds are famed for their lush green color, which symbolizes renewal, growth, and fertility. However, emeralds are more delicate than sapphires or rubies, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. Although emeralds are still considered suitable for engagement rings, they are slightly more prone to cracks and chips due to their natural inclusions. These are internal flaws such as air bubbles or small particles of other trapped minerals. 
Many inclusions are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye, but they can still affect the durability of the stone. So, it's important to choose a high-quality stone with minimal inclusions and to set it in a way that protects the gem, such as with a bezel setting or a diamond halo design. If you are willing to take extra care to avoid rough handling or exposure to chemicals, an emerald could be a great choice for you.

Emerald Engagement Ring

6. Moissanite Engagement Ring

Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone that looks much like a diamond, and is often used as an alternative to diamonds due to its brilliance, hardness, and affordability. With a Mohs hardness of 9.25, moissanite is highly durable and can easily stand up to daily wear. Its striking fire and brilliance make it a popular choice for engagement rings, and it is available in a variety of cuts and shapes.
Moissanite has become a highly regarded option for couples who want a durable and sustainable alternative to diamonds. Plus, its affordability allows for larger carat sizes without breaking the bank.

Moissanite Engagement Ring

Styling Your Gemstone Engagement Ring

Once you’ve chosen your gemstone, the next step is styling your engagement ring to reflect your personality and taste. Gemstone engagement rings are incredibly versatile, and there are endless ways to design them. Here are a few styling tips to help you create a ring that you’ll love for years to come.

1. Choose a Setting That Highlights the Gemstone

The setting of your engagement ring plays a crucial role in highlighting the beauty of the gemstone. For gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, a prong setting is a popular choice because it offers maximum light exposure, amplifying the stone’s brilliance and sparkle.
For softer stones like aquamarine and emerald, a bezel setting (where the stone is surrounded by metal) can offer added protection. Additionally, halo settings, which feature a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones around the center stone, can enhance the overall appearance of the gemstone and even make it look larger.

2. Pair Your Ring with Complementary Jewelry

Gemstone engagement rings pair beautifully with other pieces of jewelry. For example, pairing your ring with gemstone earrings or a pendant necklace creates a cohesive look that draws attention to the beauty of the stones. If you have a sapphire engagement ring, for instance, consider adding a pair of sapphire stud earrings or a diamond-and-sapphire pendant to complete the look.
For those with a more eclectic style, gemstone rings can be mixed and matched with other colorful pieces to create a bold, personalized aesthetic. Have fun experimenting with different gemstones and metals to create a look that is uniquely yours.

3. Consider Vintage or Custom Designs

Gemstone engagement rings lend themselves beautifully to vintage and custom designs. If you’re drawn to vintage styles, consider looking for rings with intricate detailing, such as filigree or Art Deco-inspired settings, which will complement the stone’s natural beauty. Custom rings also offer the opportunity to create a design that perfectly reflects your style, whether you want to incorporate meaningful symbols, initials, or a specific setting to enhance the gemstone.

Gemstone rings

Gemstone Meanings

Gemstones have long been believed to hold mystical powers and meanings, and each stone carries its own lore. Many couples choose gemstones not only for their beauty but also for the symbolism behind them. Here are some popular gemstones and their associated meanings:

  • Sapphire: Known as the stone of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It’s often associated with clarity of thought and protection.
  • Ruby: A symbol of passion, love, and vitality. Historically associated with health.
  • Emerald: Represents rebirth, growth, and fertility. It is believed to bring balance and harmony to relationships.
  • Aquamarine: Known as the stone of courage and serenity. Aquamarine is said to calm the mind and promote emotional healing.
  • Spinel: Associated with revitalization and strength, spinel is believed to inspire energy and rejuvenation.
  • Moissanite: Represents clarity and beauty, often considered a symbol of an enduring, bright future.

When choosing a gemstone for your engagement ring, consider not only the color and durability, but also the symbolism that resonates most with you and your partner.

Find Your Gemstone Engagement Ring at Noe’s Jewelry in the Kansas City Area

Gemstone engagement rings offer a beautiful, meaningful, and often more affordable alternative to traditional diamond rings. By choosing a gemstone that reflects your personal style and understanding the durability, styling options, and symbolism behind your chosen stone, you can create an engagement ring that is as unique as your love story. When you’re ready to buy your own gemstone engagement ring, whether it’s a custom design or a ready-made ring, come visit us here at Noe’s Jewelry in Raymore, Missouri. Our staff will help you choose the perfect ring to fit your love story. Or, you can start exploring our collection of engagement rings online.