Diamond Engagement Ring Alternatives

September 15, 2018
Garth Sleater

Welcome back to the Lonnie’s Custom Jewelers blog! Here, we talk about all the different topics and information that would be of interest to us, and our customers! As you might imagine, one of the biggest topics, the biggest subjects of interest of our clients are engagement rings! When it comes time to pop the big question, everyone wants to do something special, something that no one else has done. So why would you want to get the same kind of ring? This time on the blog we are looking at alternatives to traditional diamond engagement rings.

Alternative Diamonds

First, when it comes to the style of rock in the ring, you could go for something a bit different than the standard diamond. Don’t get us wrong, diamonds are wonderful! They absolutely have earned their place as one of the most prized stones, and their durability and history make them such romantic options. But there are other precious stones out there that can be great additions to a standard engagement ring!

Moissanite and Other Man-Made Diamonds

One such option? Moissanite! This precious stone is naturally occurring in meteorites! If getting your sweetheart a ring made from a space crystal isn’t unique, we don’t know what is! Moissanite is an incredibly durable stone, and as the process and technologies have gotten better, it is now able to be replicated, and created by hand by jewelers looking for the perfect stone.

If budget is a concern, moissanite and other man-made diamonds can be the perfect alternative to a traditional diamond. As mentioned, the technologies and science behind them are only getting better and better. While some ‘fake’ stones, like cubic zirconia, might not have the exact durability of diamond, they can share the same sparkle, color, and size often at a fraction of the price! Whether or not that is something you want to look at when it comes time for ring shopping is up to you and your loved one.

Other Precious Gems

Where diamonds are often that clear, white light dazzling on the finger, other precious stones that can be even rarer and more spectacular when done right. Stones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby, can have the same cut and shape as diamonds but by their very colorful outward difference completely change the feeling of the engagement ring. Certain individual stones are even rarer than a diamond in given circumstances, so if rarity is what you are looking for, keep an eye out!

diamond alternatives emerald

Other Traditional Rings

Maybe a single stud diamond engagement ring just isn’t a good option no matter what stone you put in there? If that is the case then maybe you should take a look at other traditions for inspiration? Things like the old European fede rings. These rings are not simple bands, but rather their focus is on two hands clasping together in the center, often with a heart or other symbol in the center. The most common of such, the Claddagh ring, is popular in Irish traditions.

 

These have been just some alternatives to a traditional diamond engagement ring. There are so many more out there, from different stones to different bands, to making a ring custom, the biggest consideration is what is important to you and your loved one. Getting the perfect diamond is amazing, but if your love wants something unique with color, they may have preferred a ring set with sapphires.  It is important to know your partner, or if you are doing the ring shopping together, to talk openly about expectations and desires. Then you can be sure you got the perfect ring!