A diamond engagement ring is a time-honored classic, but it’s not the only option. Many couples are choosing alternative gemstones for their engagement rings, whether for their unique beauty, symbolic meaning, or personal preference. From brilliant moissanite to richly colored sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, there are many stunning options that offer the elegance and durability of a diamond while reflecting a couple’s individuality.
At Martin Busch Jewelers, we specialize in helping couples find the perfect gemstone engagement ring—one that balances beauty, durability, and significance. Whether you’re looking for a deep blue sapphire, a striking emerald, or a sparkling moissanite, we’ll guide you through the best diamond alternatives and how to choose the right gemstone and metal pairing for your dream ring.
The Best Alternatives to Diamonds for an Engagement Ring
Choosing a non-diamond center stone allows for greater individuality while still maintaining elegance. Some of the most popular alternatives include:
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Moissanite – A brilliant, durable stone that closely resembles a diamond.
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Sapphire – A regal, vibrant gemstone that comes in a variety of colors.
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Emerald – A lush green gemstone known for its sophistication and history.
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Ruby – A passionate, fiery stone associated with love and strength.
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Birthstones & Custom Gemstones – A personalized choice with deep meaning.
Each of these alternatives offers something unique, from the fire and brilliance of moissanite to the vivid hues of colored gemstones. The key is selecting a stone that matches your style and lifestyle while ensuring durability for everyday wear.
Which Gemstones Are Durable Enough for an Engagement Ring?
Engagement rings are meant to be worn daily, so durability is an essential factor when choosing a non-diamond center stone. The Mohs hardness scale measures a gemstone’s resistance to scratching, with diamonds ranking at 10 (the hardest mineral).
Best Durable Gemstones for Engagement Rings
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Moissanite – 9.25 on the Mohs scale; an excellent alternative to diamonds.
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Sapphire – 9 on the Mohs scale; highly durable and available in many colors.
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Ruby – 9 on the Mohs scale; strong, vibrant, and deeply symbolic.
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Emerald – 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale; durable but requires more care.
Best Choice for Durability: If you want a diamond-like sparkle, moissanite is the closest match. If you prefer a colored gemstone with excellent wearability, sapphires and rubies are top contenders.
Considerations for Softer Gemstones: Emeralds, while stunning, require protective settings (like a bezel or halo) to minimize the risk of chipping.
How Does Moissanite Compare to Diamonds?
Moissanite is one of the most popular diamond alternatives because of its striking similarity in appearance, yet it offers unique qualities that set it apart. Both stones are exceptionally brilliant, durable, and timeless, but there are key differences to consider when deciding between them.
Brilliance & Sparkle
While diamonds are known for their classic white sparkle, moissanite exhibits even more fire, meaning it reflects light with flashes of rainbow-like colors. This extra brilliance can make moissanite appear even more dazzling, especially in sunlight.
Durability & Hardness
Engagement rings are meant for daily wear, so hardness is an important factor. Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest natural material. Moissanite follows closely behind at 9.25, making it highly resistant to scratches and an excellent choice for a ring meant to last a lifetime.
Affordability & Value
One of the biggest advantages of moissanite is its price. A moissanite stone typically costs a fraction of what a diamond of similar size and quality would. This allows couples to choose a larger center stone or invest in custom design details while staying within budget.
Ethical & Lab-Created Origins
Diamonds can be natural or lab-grown, while moissanite is exclusively lab-created. For those looking for an ethically sourced and environmentally responsible option, moissanite provides a conflict-free alternative without sacrificing brilliance or durability.
Choosing Between the Two
For couples who want a traditional and classic look, a diamond remains the preferred choice. However, if you’re looking for maximum sparkle, affordability, and a near-indistinguishable alternative, moissanite is a beautiful option that offers lasting beauty with a modern appeal.
Still unsure? Visit Martin Busch Jewelers to compare moissanite and diamonds side by side to find the perfect stone for your engagement ring.
Sapphire, Emerald, or Ruby: Which Is the Best Choice for an Engagement Ring?
If you’re drawn to colored gemstones, sapphire, emerald, and ruby are among the most timeless and elegant choices. Each has unique properties that make it a compelling alternative to a diamond.
Sapphire: The Classic & Timeless Choice
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Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.
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Colors: While best known for deep blue, sapphires come in pink, yellow, green, and even white.
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Durability: 9 on the Mohs scale—ideal for everyday wear.
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Best For: Those who want a sophisticated, royal-inspired engagement ring with excellent durability.
Emerald: The Romantic & Sophisticated Choice
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Symbolism: Love, renewal, and prosperity.
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Colors: Rich green with a mesmerizing glow.
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Durability: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale—requires more care than sapphires and rubies.
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Best For: Couples who love vintage-inspired, artistic rings with a distinctive, bold look.
Ruby: The Passionate & Bold Choice
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Symbolism: Love, passion, and energy.
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Colors: Vivid red, sometimes with slight pink or purplish undertones.
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Durability: 9 on the Mohs scale—ideal for lifelong wear.
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Best For: Those who want a bold, statement-making engagement ring with a rich, romantic history.
What Metal Looks Best with Different Gemstone Colors?
The choice of metal can enhance the beauty of a gemstone, making it appear warmer, cooler, or even brighter.
Best Metal & Gemstone Pairings
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Sapphires & White Gold/Platinum – The cool tones complement deep blue sapphires beautifully.
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Emeralds & Yellow Gold – The rich green contrasts elegantly with warm gold hues.
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Rubies & Rose Gold – The soft pinkish hue enhances the deep red of a ruby.
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Moissanite & Platinum – Maximizes brilliance and creates a sleek, modern look.
Best Choice: Consider your partner’s skin tone, style, and favorite metal to find the perfect match.
Design Your Dream Engagement Ring at Martin Busch Jewelers
Whether you’re drawn to moissanite, sapphires, emeralds, or rubies, finding the perfect engagement ring is about more than just beauty—it’s about reflecting your love story.
At Martin Busch Jewelers, we offer:
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Expert guidance on alternative gemstones and durability for lifelong wear.
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Custom ring designs to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring.
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Metal and setting recommendations to complement your chosen stone.
Visit our Financial District boutique to explore our collection.
Call us at: (212) 349-2230
Browse gemstone engagement rings online
Find the perfect engagement ring that tells your story—let us help you create something truly unforgettable.