Engagement Rings traditionally are made of gold and are crowned with a diamond. This does not deter anyone, however, from preferring another stone to the traditional diamond. Below we present you 3 best picks for alternative Engagement rings.

Sapphire

Blue Sapphire is a very intriguing option for an Engagement ring as it is both classy and is also considered a royal stone that can serve as a unique substitute for the diamond. Set in 18K or 9K gold it makes for a superb diamond alternative!

In Hebrew lore, it says that King Solomon and Abraham wore Sapphire Talismans. Sapphires also played a role in Christianity because they were used as centrepieces for religious rings. In Asia, Buddhists believed sapphires were stones of clear mind and devotion and Hindus considered Sapphire as one of the “great gems” used in offerings in the temples for worship.

Sapphire is also considered the gemstone of royals. The deep blue colour was thought to emanate loyalty, dignity, and prosperity Throughout history sapphires were associated with wisdom, virtue, good fortune, and holiness for royals.

The Sapphire gemstone on a wedding ring or engagement ring is a symbol of faithfulness and sincerity, as well. Throughout history, people attributed mystical properties in sapphire. In antiquity, it was believed that sapphires protected their wearers from evil and bad luck.  In the Middle Ages the sapphire, when worn as a talisman, was also believed to preserve chastity, protect from poison and discover fraud and treachery. (hence the name Stone of purity)

The stone of hope, faith, protection, good fortune, and celestial wisdom and royalness is none other than the Sapphire. A stone with so many meanings and history is an important stone fit to be the centrepiece of an engagement ring. Getting engaged is a confession of affection. And what stone is more appropriate than the holy sapphire?

Ruby

Ruby, the bright red stone of passion is also a beloved alternative for an engagement ring to the traditional diamond. Rubies are associated with love, passion and strong feelings of affection due to their vibrant deep red hue.

However, In old times they were famously thought to be some of the most significant gifts in a new relationship and are nowadays considered to be some of the most coveted engagement gifts and Valentine’s Day gifts. By many considered as the king of precious gems, it is the Birthstone of July.

This stone symbolises the joy of life and the passion for your significant other. If bought as a gift to a significant other it will most certainly mark the beginning of a successful relationship.

A fun fact about the bright red ruby is that it shares the same chemical properties as the sapphire (it is made from the element corundum as is sapphire)

It owes the bright red colour to the element chromium present in the stone. The word ruby comes from the word “ruber” which means red in Latin. Rubies are also famous for being extremely strong and resistant to wear and scratches. They are very resilient and only a bit softer than diamonds, measuring 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale making them a durable alternative to a diamond.

It is believed that when you wear a Ruby you can overcome drowsiness and fatigue. It is also thought to cure health ailments as it amplifies the immune system, boosts energy and provides the wearer with extra vitality. It has also a soothing, calming effect on some individuals.

In the middle ages, Rubies were also linked with fertility, increased libido and emotional exuberance.

If you are head over heels for your special person, a ruby is the stone for you. Its fiery red colour, its deep meaning and history and its historical significance make it a prime contender for an engagement ring.

If your emotions for your significant other are those of passion, high energy, love, and vibrancy then ruby is the stone for you. Why not break tradition and go for meaning?

Emerald

Emeralds are both chic and modern, and at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds can be forever too, making them a superb alternative to traditional Engagement Ring stones. A fun fact about the emerald is that it is the birthstone for May. It is a gift that symbolizes calmness and the flourishing of nature. It is said to be a stone that promotes growth in a relationship and healthy development.

Emeralds are also relatively hard gemstones that are resilient to knocks. It is mostly made out of the element beryllium and it is one of the most precious and sought-after gemstones in existence. In older times emeralds were used as talismans and were thought to help against memory loss and provide the wearer with a boost of intelligence and intuition!

The emerald was also used in the past as a truth potion. It was thought to provoke a person, to tell the truth when the gemstone was presented to them! The emerald Rings we offer make ideal gifts for many situations, namely: as Emerald Wedding Rings, Emerald Engagement rings, or rings to celebrate anniversaries! If you are not sure as to what to buy for your loved one a lush green emerald ring set in bright high-quality diamonds is the ideal gift that will mark a beautiful moment in your loved one's life.

It is also believed that emeralds reignite the passion, attract positive feelings and provide an inner calmness of emotions. Meditating while concentrating on a verdant green emerald is said to create pleasant feelings of inner peace and calm.

Emerald, in short, is the ultimate calming stone. It is a unique stone with a lot of meanings attributed to it and serves as the perfect pick for those who would love a happy peaceful love with their special ones!

The Bottomline

There are many options if you want to escape tradition, with emerald, ruby, and sapphire being the most prevalent ones. Your taste and your values should be the first and foremost judge of this. Your engagement is a milestone in your life and you have to make it special no matter what! For more Gemstone Ring Ideas for Engagements, you can check here.