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Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings

March 5th, 2023

A silhoutte of a man gets down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend during a hike as the sun sets

Engagement rings have long been understood to represent the eternal nature and everlasting commitment of marital love. The ring itself, a hollow circle forged in high quality metal, represents eternity, while a stunning precious center stone is a symbol of the strength and beauty of love. While diamonds are the typical centerpiece of these rings because of their spectacular sparkle and unparalleled hardness, there are a number of additional gems that make for great focal points in bridal jewelry.

A woman wearing a halo diamond engagement ring touches her fiance’s arm

Diamonds

These incredible stones set the standard for the Mohs hardness scale, being the hardest substance on earth. Clear diamonds are by far the most commonly used gem in engagement rings as they are wonderfully versatile, working phenomenally with any ensemble’s color scheme. Their high demand means they do come at a high price. If you are looking for both strength and characteristic color, however, you might even consider colored diamonds.

A woman in a red sweater holds a mug while wearing a white gold moissanite engagement ring

Moissanite

Those in search of a timelessly clear stone that will stand the test of time but is more affordable than a diamond, moissanite is the perfect option. It is phenomenally clear, and scores a whopping 9.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, as well as comes in at a far lower price point than a diamond. They also come in yellow and greenish varieties for a lightly colorful gem.

A man inspects an engagement ring with a sapphire center stone before popping the question to his beloved

Sapphire

Coming in at a 9/10, these widely beloved gems are most often known for their deep blue hue, though there are a number of color variations. Princess Diana’s iconic oval cut halo engagement ring featured a timeless blue gem that took the world by storm. A sapphire is a great option because of its strength and striking beauty.

A woman sporting a sterling silver ruby engagement ring rests her hand on a cotton picnic blanket while she waits for her henna to dry

Ruby

Rubies are the sister stones of sapphires, also scoring a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs while offering a fiery red color that is often said to be symbolic of our most passionate emotions. A ruby engagement ring is certain to make a statement and is perfect for those that love to stand out from the crowd.

A woman wearing a gold engagement ring with a pink topaz center stone sits on her index finger

Topaz

These incredible gems score an 8/10 on the Mohs and are far more affordable than most precious gems like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. They come in a wide variety of hues so you can find a color that suits your unique personality and aesthetic preferences best. The most popular hue is an eye-catching light blue, making it a better alternative for turquoise stones.

A woman wearing an emerald-cut emerald engagement ring on her index finger as she reaches out for her lover’s hand

Emerald

Emeralds are vibrant and enchanting, exhibiting an exciting green hue that resembles the beauty of the natural world. They are fitting for those looking for something out of the ordinary. These stones can often feature inclusions that add to their distinct charm; however, if these inclusions are close to the surface of the gem, they can lead to chipping and damage. Emeralds score a solid 7.5/10 on the Mohs hardness scale.

A newly wed couple takes on a breatht

Shop Engagement Rings and Explore Custom Design Services at Rumanoff’s Fine Jewelry

It would be our pleasure to provide you with the engagement ring that will serve as a symbol of your love story for the rest of your life. Our Hamden jewelry store is stocked with an unparalleled inventory of bridal jewelry that is certain to satisfy any customer. However, if there is a ring you have in mind that we do not carry in store, consider our custom design services that allow you to bring your dream ring to life. Contact us today for more information on our products and services, or stop by to discuss your options in person.