Elizabeth Hurley, Emma Stone, and Kate Middleton are just a few who broke with tradition and had a non-diamond engagement ring. While the tradition of a diamond engagement ring goes back to the 15th century, it has come in and out of fashion many times. For a few decades after World War I, for example, diamond engagement rings were not the norm. The biggest factor then was the cost, as the world was plunged into The Great Depression. New fashions with art deco designs and intricate metalwork also prevailed.
Today, it’s a matter of choice. Any ring can be an engagement ring, and many couples are choosing to stray into the unexpected. Gemstones like sapphire, emerald, and morganite have been gaining in popularity with celebrities and trendsetters alike.
Here are some of our favorite non-diamond engagement rings.
Sapphire
A sapphire engagement ring is a solid choice (quite literally). Sapphires land a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, a rating used by gemologists to rank a mineral’s ability to withstand scratches. In fact, the only way you can scratch a sapphire is with a diamond. These gems are tough. If you have an active lifestyle or don’t like a lot of maintenance, this is a great choice.
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, which was originally worn by the late Princess Diana, has that traditional deep royal blue color most associate with sapphires. But your color options are actually quite wide. Sapphires can be found in yellow, white, pink, green, teal, peach, and red. White sapphires are a popular choice because they share a bright white brilliance of a traditional diamond, with their own unique chemical and optical look.
14K White Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring
A halo of diamonds surrounds this dramatic oval shaped blue sapphire. A beautiful row of diamonds also runs along the side of the ring set in 14k white gold.
Antique-Style and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Taking a page out of the past, new rings are being inspired by vintage settings. In the Victorian era it was common to find sapphires and other colored gemstones as the focal point. As fashions changed at the beginning of the 20th century, the Art Nouveau era ushered in a trend of found dreamy center gems such as moonstone, amethyst, citrine, opal, and pearl. The elegant curves of Art Nouveau would give way to Art Deco’s sharper angles and geometric shapes. As couples are looking for new ways to show their love, these “old” trends are new once again.
Pastel Citrine, Ruby and Diamond Ring
A pastel citrine is the center of this engagement ring that also includes a ruby and dozens of diamonds. The metal is a fusion of both 18k white and 18k yellow gold.
Diamond Bands as Engagement Rings
A great option for those who still want a diamond, but without the prominent center gem. Diamond bands have multiple diamond accents, but no large center diamond. You’ll often see these types of bands worn by people who stack their rings, or add rings for special occasions like anniversaries, children, and grandchildren.
14K White Gold Round Diamond Wedding Band
This subtle ring still packs a lot of impact with 10 diamonds in a row set in 14k white gold.
Non-Diamond Rings with Diamond Accents
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to engagement rings. If you still want a bit of the traditional without diamonds being the star, you can choose something with diamond accents. Having a center gemstone surrounded by a halo of diamonds is a fantastic way to highlight the gem. You can also choose a three stone setting for a timeless look with sparkle.
18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond 3 Stone Ring
For a more classic look, consider this 18k yellow gold ring with a blue sapphire in the center, held up prominently by two spectacular diamonds. This one comes in at a total carat weight of 2.65.
The Benefit of Affordability
Aside from the uniqueness, non-diamond engagement rings come with the added benefit of being an excellent value. But the money you save won’t impact the dazzling beauty at all. We have great options that will make a big splash for any proposal.
You have more choices than you know when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. The traditional diamond is always a classic look, but non-diamond rings are becoming more popular by the day. From Kate Middleton’s royal sapphire, Olivia Wilde’s Art Deco emerald stunner, Jessica Simpsons’ three stone ruby ring, and Zoe Saldana’s pear cut emerald…non-diamond engagement rings are a brilliant choice.
Stop by any of our stores in Charlottesville, Richmond, or Midlothian and see our outstanding options!