Think Outside Of "The Box"
In this day and age you have the option to explore all kinds of beautiful gems—so why get something predictable? Choose an engagement ring that uniquely reflects your partner and speaks to the unbreakable bond you share. So let's look at 20 different gemstones—who knows; you might find the perfect gem for you and your partner!
1. Sapphire
Remember when Prince William gave Kate Middleton that stunning blue sapphire that once belonged to Princess Diana? Sapphires come in every color except red. Your ring will look as gorgeous on your 50th anniversary as it did on the day of your proposal, thanks to its durability.
2. Ruby
The vibrant red of a ruby instantly captures attention. Ancient cultures considered rubies the stone of love and passion, perfect symbolism for your commitment. Rubies are like red sapphires, as both are varieties of the mineral corundum.
3. Emerald
Egyptians believed emeralds represented eternal youth, which feels fitting for a love that keeps you young at heart. These green beauties rank 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, requiring more care than other options. The most prized emeralds come from Colombia, where perfect geological conditions created the most vivid specimens.
4. Moissanite
Scientists first discovered natural Moissanite in a meteor crater. With a brilliance and fire that exceeds diamonds, these sparklers fool even experienced jewelers at first glance. Most of these are lab-created, which offers an ethical and affordable alternative for eco-conscious couples.
5. Aquamarine
Olden-time mariners used to believe these gems would protect them at sea. Part of the beryl family (like emeralds), aquamarines range from 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. The most valuable specimens display a deep blue color rather than the pale blue that is commonly seen.
6. Morganite
So, this peachy-pink gem was named after banker J.P. Morgan, who was a dedicated gem collector. Morganite has surged in popularity over the past decade, especially paired with rose gold settings that complement its blush tones. The stone's hardness makes it suitable for daily wear when adequately set.
7. Tanzanite
Found only in a tiny four-square-mile area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this gem wasn't discovered until 1967. The blue-violet color of tanzanite changes depending on the lighting and angle from which you view it—a phenomenon called pleochroism. Most tanzanite on the market has been heat-treated to improve its color.
Wiener Edelstein Zentrum on Wikimedia
8. Iolite
"Iolite" comes from the Greek "ios," meaning violet, though it's also known as "water sapphire." Deposits in India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar supply the top gem-quality iolite. As per sources, it was once used by Viking navigators as a polarizing filter to locate the sun on cloudy days.
Eurico Zimbres Zimbres on Wikimedia
9. Spinel
Well, the Black Prince's "Ruby" in the British Crown Jewels is a red spinel that fooled royalty for centuries. Natural spinels come in a rainbow of colors, including red, pink, blue, and purple. However, this one is less well-known, so it can be harder to find in mainstream jewelry stores.
10. Zircon
Zircon is one of the earliest minerals on Earth, with some specimens dating back a billion years. Its exceptional brilliance and fire rival diamonds, particularly in the colorless varieties. People constantly confuse natural zircon with cubic zirconia, but they couldn't be more different.
11. Rose Quartz
Healing energies and heart chakra connections make rose quartz a meaningful choice beyond its pink color. This crystal has adorned love tokens since Mesopotamian times. Rose quartz typically forms in pegmatite deposits, with Brazil producing some of the finest specimens.
12. Topaz
Imperial Topaz grabbed the attention of Czarina Catherine the Great. She went so far as to claim all the bright orange-pink stones that were discovered in the Ural Mountains just for herself. Beyond the familiar blue shades, you can also explore natural yellows, browns, reds, and rare pinks.
13. Pearl
Queen Elizabeth I popularized pearls as gems of purity and refinement during the Tudor era. Unlike faceted gemstones, pearls grow organically when mollusks coat irritants with nacre, creating overtones that appear pink, green, or gold. Their delicate 2.5-4.5 hardness means pearls absorb perfumes and need regular cleaning.
14. Turquoise
Turquoise carries years of spiritual significance and is sacred to indigenous cultures across the American Southwest. Its color results from copper and aluminum compounds formed in arid regions. Persian turquoise has historically commanded the highest prices, though Arizona's Sleeping Beauty mine produced similarly coveted sky-blue specimens.
15. Moonstone
Ethereal light drifts across the moonstone's surface like clouds passing over the moon. Gemologists call it adularescence. Victorian-era jewelers frequently featured this mysterious stone in engagement rings, believing it could reconcile lovers' quarrels and promote harmony. The finest pieces display a blue sheen against a colorless background.
16. Peridot
Extraterrestrial origins make peridot truly otherworldly, as it's been found in meteorites and even in dust on Mars. Ancient Egyptians termed it "the gem of the sun" despite mining it at night. Also, note that it is a great choice for those born in August or who love its symbolic meaning.
17. Opal
Australian aboriginal legends consider opals sacred. The rarest black opals from Lightning Ridge display bright flashes against a dark background, commanding prices higher than equivalent-sized diamonds. These contain water (5-6% by weight) and score 5.5-6.5 in hardness.
18. Garnet
This name derives from "granatum" (pomegranate), referencing the stone's resemblance to the fruit's seeds in their common deep red form. Russian demantoid and African tsavorite varieties show off brilliant greens that can compete with emeralds. It is said that Victorians exchanged them as tokens of affection.
19. Alexandrite
"Emerald by day, ruby by night" describes alexandrite's color-changing ability. It was discovered in Russian emerald mines on the future Czar Alexander II's birthday in 1830. The stone possesses exceptional durability at 8.5 on the Mohs scale, requiring minimal maintenance.
20. Diamond
Finally, you have the classic choice. Diamonds stand the test of time with a superb 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes them practically indestructible for daily wear. They're not actually rare, though. De Beers' marketing campaign in the 1930s created the "diamonds are forever" tradition we know today.
