The Rise of Gemstone Engagement Rings

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For generations, diamond engagement rings remained a timeless symbol of everlasting love. This enduring trend makes sense because a classic diamond’s crystal-clear sparkle matches everything and with a 10/10 rating on the MOHS gemstone hardness scale, diamonds are the most durable gem in the world. Therefore, diamonds are not only versatile and gorgeous, but they will last a lifetime. Yet, even with the diamond’s symbolism and strength, gemstone engagement rings are experiencing a surge in the market.

Valina answered the call for color with our blue sapphire engagement rings. These colorful rings feature sapphires as side stones, halo embellishments, and center stone accents. Some of our newest rings in this collection feature a 3-stone engagement style, featuring two large sapphires on the side, like our glistening 3-stone halo ring with pear-shaped sapphires and pave set accent diamonds: R1048W-BSA.

Why Choose Gemstones Over Diamonds?

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Gemstone engagement rings have existed as long as diamond rings, but they are growing in popularity more than ever before, especially among millennials. There are many reasons couples choose gemstones over diamonds, but mainly, colored gemstones highlight individuality more because colors have deeper meanings. Whether someone wants an engagement ring in their favorite color or in a color that represents something important to them, there is a gemstone for everyone.

Some of our sapphire engagement rings also capture the essence of a deeper meaning with hidden accents on the inner shank. R9802WP-BSA, a vintage-inspired split shank princess cut ring with floral halo notes and marquise sapphire accents, is a wonderful example of how an engagement ring can say “I love you” in more ways than one. A few of our blue sapphire styles feature these delicate rose gold “love” details on the inner shank.

Considerations When Choosing a Gemstone

Even though Valina only features a blue sapphire collection, any engagement ring can be fully customized with a variety of gemstones. This includes the side stones, under gallery accents, and even the center stone!

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Choosing your favorite color is always a smart choice when it comes to gemstone engagement rings (unless your favorite color often changes). But, the hardness of the stone is equally important because theoretically, you'll wear this ring for the rest of your life. Harder stones mean increased durability. Constantly wearing anything leads to a lot of wear and tear, and the ring should go through it all unscathed. Therefore, any gemstone could theoretically embellish or take center stage on an engagement ring but not every gemstone should. For example, a pearl at 2.5-4.5 hardness or an opal at 6, are both beautiful and unique alternatives for diamonds. Unfortunately, these gems are so soft they will get scuffed, scratched, chipped, or even cracked, requiring above average care and unforeseen repair costs.

The setting of a ring can protect the stones from some damage. For example, channel settings protect gemstones with a golden frame. RQ9925W-BSA is a great example of how a ring can protect its stones while still adding that personalized pop of color – this design would be a safe choice for the slightly softer gemstones.

Yet, no matter what, the safest way to avoid damaging the stones on your ring is choosing gems with a hardness of at least 7-anything below is at risk. So, let’s explore the best and most popular gemstone options for a customized engagement ring!

Gemstone and Color Significance

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Sapphire engagement rings are the most popular alternative to diamonds. They are so highly regarded because blue is the most popular color in the US and sapphire is one of the strongest gemstones with a hardness of 9. Topaz, with a hardness of 8 and aquamarine at 7.5-8 are also decent options if the bride loves blue, especially if they prefer lighter blues over the deep royal tone of sapphire. As a bonus, blue is a marriage good luck charm because it fulfills the “something blue” requirement. Using blue for good luck makes sense because blue is calming and represents peace, tranquility, and trust. These are the qualities a couple truly needs to bring their hearts together in matrimony. R9913WP-BSA, a bold marquise with a dual heart motif and triple-accent sapphire wings, represents these symbolic qualities with its unique design.

Rubies are the second most popular choice for engagement rings. Rubies are bright and bold, representing passion and love, making them a great choice for enthusiastic and confident brides. These fierce gemstones are just as strong as sapphires, with a hardness of 9. Pink tourmaline is another alternative for a bride who favors pink. With a hardness of 7, pink tourmaline is softer than rubies, but its pink is lighter with warm peach tones.

Going down to level 8 hardness, emeralds are a safe and strong choice for engagement rings. These stones are great for nature lovers, but they also represent good health, balance, and security. For those who love history or want to feel empowered by their ring, emeralds were highly regarded by Egyptian royalty, especially Cleopatra, making them the jewel of kings.

Purple amethyst is a royal gem just like emeralds, but purple personifies the luxurious side of royalty. Amethyst is a decent choice for engagement rings, having a hardness of 7 (remember, this is the minimum strength for a reliable gemstone ring).

Citrine, a beautiful yellow-orange gemstone, makes people feel happy and refreshed, just like the citrus fruits. These colors represent adventure, fun, opportunity, and warmth-everything people wish for in a happy marriage. Citrine also has a hardness of 7.

Thinking Outside the Box

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This list might make you feel limited in your options, but it is important to remember that most gems come in many colors beyond their mainstream color representations. So, for example, if you want a golden amber but fear 2.5 is too soft for an engagement ring, instead, get the ring in orange sapphire, giving you a similar rich, fiery color but with a stone nearly 7 levels harder!

There is nothing wrong with breaking the status quo of a diamond engagement ring. This is your forever ring. A ring that defines what it means to love, be loved, and be yourself. So, choose or design a ring as special as you are. Just imagine how beautiful R1052W-BSA would look with a halo of blue or with ruby baguettes instead of sapphire! Let your imagination and personality take flight as you begin the next chapter of your life with the perfect engagement ring.