In the world of engagement rings, diamonds have long reigned supreme. But for the discerning modern couple, the landscape of possibilities extends far beyond the traditional. At Antonia Guise, we've noticed a fascinating shift: our clients are increasingly drawn to coloured gemstones that tell a more personal story.
"The most meaningful engagement rings often begin with a question beyond 'what's traditional?' to 'what feels authentically us?'" explains Antonia. "When couples free themselves from convention, they discover options that reflect their unique journey together."
For those considering venturing beyond diamonds, we've created this essential guide to alternative gemstones. Each brings its own character, durability, and symbolism to your bespoke piece.
Gemstone Face-Off: The Contenders
Sapphire
Hardness: 9/10
Colour Range: 9/10 Beyond the classic blue, sapphires come in nearly every colour except red
Durability for Daily Wear: 8/10
Investment Value: 7/10
Historical Significance: 9/10
Special Powers: Commitment, faithfulness, wisdom
Sapphires have graced royal fingers for centuries—most famously, Princess Diana's blue sapphire ring now worn by the Princess of Wales. What many don't realise is that sapphires occur in a rainbow of colours: from the coveted cornflower blue to yellow, pink, green, and even colour-changing varieties.
Emerald
Hardness: 7.5-8/10
Colour Range: 5/10 Various greens from mint to deep forest
Durability for Daily Wear: 6/10
Investment Value: 8/10
Historical Significance: 10/10
Special Powers: Truth, fertility, rebirth
Few gemstones can match the lush green depth of a fine emerald. Cleopatra was so enamoured with these gems that she claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign.
Emeralds require special design considerations due to their characteristic inclusions (poetically called "jardins" or gardens). In our workshop, we create protective settings that showcase these natural features while ensuring longevity. A recent bespoke commission featured an emerald-cut emerald flanked by tapered baguette diamonds in a platinum setting designed for a client who wanted to honour her partner's April birthday (diamond) alongside her own May birthstone (emerald).
Ruby
Hardness: 9/10
Colour Range: 6/10 (From raspberry pink to deep crimson)
Durability for Daily Wear: 8/10
Investment Value: 9/10
Historical Significance: 9/10
Special Powers: Passion, protection, prosperity
The fiery ruby has symbolised love and desire throughout history. In Sanskrit, ruby is called "ratnaraj," meaning "king of precious stones."
The finest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar) and exhibit a vivid red colour sometimes described as "pigeon's blood." During our consultation process, we help clients understand the subtle differences in ruby hues and how they appear in different lighting conditions and settings.
Morganite
Hardness: 7.5-8/10
Colour Range: 5/10 Soft pink to peach tones
Durability for Daily Wear: 7/10
Investment Value: 5/10
Historical Significance: 4/10
Special Powers: Compassion, healing, promise
A relative newcomer to the engagement ring scene, morganite has quickly gained popularity for its romantic blush tones and surprisingly accessible price point. This variety of beryl (the same mineral family as emerald) was discovered in 1910 and named after financier J.P. Morgan.
Aquamarine
Hardness: 7.5-8/10
Colour Range: 4/10 Pale to deep blue with green undertones
Durability for Daily Wear: 7/10
Investment Value: 6/10
Historical Significance: 7/10
Special Powers: Courage, clarity, calming
With its tranquil blue hues reminiscent of clear seawater, aquamarine has been a talisman for sailors for centuries. The name itself means "water of the sea," and the stone has long been associated with safe passage and clear communication.
Aquamarines typically have excellent clarity, allowing them to be cut into larger sizes that make a statement while maintaining an understated elegance.
Making Your Selection: Beyond the Numbers
While our gemstone "stats" provide a helpful framework, the perfect stone for your engagement ring extends beyond measurable factors. During our consultation process, we explore:
- Personal connections: Does a particular gemstone connect to a shared memory or trip?
- Aesthetic preferences: How does the colour complement your skin tone and existing jewellery collection?
- Lifestyle considerations: Will your ring need to transition seamlessly from work to weekend activities?
- Long-term vision: Are you hoping to create a collection of complementary pieces over time?
The Practical Partner's Guide
For those taking the practical approach to gemstone selection, here are the key considerations our male clients most frequently ask about during consultations:
Durability Decoded
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness ranges from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). For an engagement ring worn daily, we generally recommend gemstones above 7 on this scale. However, hardness is just one aspect of durability—we also consider:
- Toughness: A stone's resistance to breaking or chipping
- Stability: How the stone reacts to light, heat, and chemicals
- Setting design: How the mounting can provide additional protection
Investment Considerations
When discussing the investment aspect of different gemstones, we consider:
- Rarity: Are supplies diminishing? Is the stone naturally scarce?
- Origin: Does the source location affect value?
- Treatment status: Untreated stones typically command higher prices
- Market trends: How demand patterns are shifting for particular varieties
Begin Your Gemstone Journey
Selecting an alternative gemstone for your engagement ring is an opportunity to create something truly personal that stands apart from tradition. Our consultation process guides you through these considerations, helping translate your unique relationship into a wearable symbol that resonates with meaning.
Ready to explore beyond diamonds? Book your complimentary design consultation this week—limited spots remaining for summer completions. During your session, you'll have the opportunity to examine these extraordinary gemstones in person and discover which speaks most powerfully to your story.
Follow us on Instagram @Antoniaguise for more gemstone insights and to see our latest bespoke creations.