Best Gemstone for an Engagement Ring

So you’ve decided it’s time to take the next step in your forever story. Congratulations! This is a big decision, and we’re here to help you get every detail perfect - starting with finding the best gemstone for an engagement ring.

You have no shortage of options at your fingertips, especially when you work with Alexis Russell. As the #1 choice for gemstone engagement rings online we’re going to help you weigh your options and pick the perfect stone for your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Use this chart to narrow it down among the best gemstone engagement rings for you.

Gemstone	Color/Appearance	Durability (Mohs Scale)	Symbolism	Budget Friendliness
Sapphire	Blue, green, peach, teal, and more	9 (very durable)	Wisdom, loyalty, truth	Moderate
Emerald	Rich green, sometimes with visible inclusions	7.5-8 (requires care)	Growth, renewal, love	High
Moonstone	Milky with iridescent flash	6-6.5 (softer stone)	Intuition, femininity, mystery	Very budget-friendly
Opal	Play-of-color, glowing and vibrant	5.5-6.5 (fragile)	Creativity, transformation	Budget-friendly
Morganite	Blush pink, soft peach	7.5-8 (good balance)	Compassion, emotional healing	Moderate
Sunstone	Shimmery copper tones	6-7.2 (fair)	Joy, positivity, self-empowerment	Very affordable
Tanzanite	Violet-blue, rare and rich	6-7 (moderate)	Transformation, spiritual connection	Premium
Tourmaline	Wide variety: pink, green, blue,	7-7.5 (good everyday wear)	Protection, grounding, creativity	Accessible
Tourmaline in Quartz	Clear quartz with black tourmaline inclusions	7 (good)	Balance, clarity, strength	Accessible
Garnet	Deep red, sometimes earthy orange	6.5-7.5 (fair durability)	Passion, grounding, strength	Very budget-friendly
Spinel	Bright red, pink, lavender, black	8 (excellent)	Vitality, rejuvenation	Moderate

OR, start creating the custom engagement ring of your dreams at Alexis Russell now. It’s quick and easy. You can design a ring on your own or get one-on-one support from one of our designers. Take the next step towards the next chapter in your relationship today!

Benefits of Gemstone Engagement Rings

We get asked all the time, does an engagement ring have to be a diamond? Not at all! While we love diamonds for their brilliance, hardness, and traditional symbolism, they’re not always the right fit. Here’s why you may consider gemstones as alternatives to diamond engagement rings:

• Meaningful Variety: You can choose a stone that reflects your personal story. Many couples go with stones associated with birth months, anniversaries, or shared values - like emeralds for renewal, garnets for passion, or sapphires for loyalty.

• Color and Character: Gemstones open the door to color in a way diamonds simply can’t. Whether you love the peachy warmth of morganite or the cosmic shimmer of sunstone, your ring will have a signature look that stands out and sparks conversation.

• Affordability Without Sacrifice: Gemstones can be more budget-friendly than natural diamonds of the same size, so you can prioritize cut, clarity, and carat without overspending - often getting a larger, more visually impactful stone.

• Sustainability and Ethics: Many gemstones are more sustainably sourced than traditional diamonds, especially when you work with jewelers who prioritize traceability and ethical practices - like we do at Alexis Russell.

• Timeless Alternative: They may be unconventional, but gemstone rings have a long-standing place in engagement ring history. Royals and celebrities alike have long chosen colored stones for their visual drama and individuality.

Whether you’re considering sapphire vs emerald engagement rings, the possibilities are endless. What is the best gemstone for an engagement ring, though?

What is the Best Gemstone for an Engagement Ring?

There’s no single “best” gemstone engagement ring. Just the one that fits your story. Every relationship is unique, after all. Your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle play a role as well. Here are the most popular gemstones we work with at Alexis Russell.

Sapphire: The Classic Choice for Beauty and Durability

• Hardness: 9 (second only to diamond)

• Look: Deep blue (most common), green, yellow, peach, white, purple and more

• Meaning: Wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity

Sapphires are timeless for a reason. But why is sapphire good for engagement ring? For a lot of couples, it’s the practical benefits first: durability. They can take a hit without chipping or scratching.

But let’s be honest, the rich color range is really what captivates us. Think beyond the traditional deep blue and consider lighter hues like Montana sapphires, which feel more modern and subtle.

Emerald: Vintage Charm With Deep Meaning

• Hardness: 7.5-8

• Look: Vivid green with natural inclusions (“jardin”)

• Meaning: Growth, love, and rebirth

Emeralds carry an old-world charm that never feels outdated. They feature rich, velvety green tones, and their inclusions are seen as part of their natural beauty. Although they’re a bit softer than other gemstones, you can wear them daily with a protective setting, like a bezel.

Moonstone: Ethereal, Feminine, and Dreamy

• Hardness: 6-6.5

• Look: Translucent with a glowing adularescence (shimmery sheen)

• Meaning: Intuition, new beginnings, feminine energy

Boho brides, or anyone drawn to spiritual symbolism, should consider a moonstone engagement ring. These stones capture a soft, inner glow that feels otherworldly. It’s like wearing the moonlight on your finger, which is where the name comes from.

It’s a little more delicate than any other stone we’ve touched on thus far, so you’ll need to pair it with a protective setting - think carefully when choosing between a bezel vs prong.

Opal: A Kaleidoscope of Color

• Hardness: 5.5-6.5

• Look: Milky white base with rainbow-like play-of-color

• Meaning: Creativity, passion, spontaneity

No two opals are ever the same - just like no two love stories are identical. Their mesmerizing flashes of color shift in the light, giving the stone a personality all its own. Australian opals do require more care due to their softness and moisture content, but in the right setting, they’re unforgettable.

Morganite: Soft Pink Romance

• Hardness: 7.5-8

• Look: Pale peach-pink with subtle sparkle

• Meaning: Compassion, unconditional love, harmony

Morganite is delicate in color but strong in symbolism. Its romantic pink tone flatters every skin tone and offers a softer alternative to traditional gemstones. It has incredible clarity, and it’s more affordable than a lot of other styles. But it doesn’t look “cheap.” Morganite is among the best gemstones for an engagement ring made to feel warm-toned and feminine.

Sunstone: Radiant and Underrated

• Hardness: 6-7.5

• Look: Peach to reddish-orange with metallic flashes

• Meaning: Confidence, joy, positive energy

Some of the most unique engagement rings we’ve ever made here at Alexis Russell are crafted from Oregon sunstone. It features a distinctive coppery flecks and a warm, radiant glow. Perfect for someone who wants something off the beaten path but still grounded in meaning. It shines incredibly bright in a bezel or halo setting that highlights its natural sparkle.

Tanzanite: Rare Beauty With Violet-Blue Allure

• Hardness: 6-7

• Look: Blue-violet, often shifting depending on the light

• Meaning: Transformation, higher consciousness, clarity

Looking for something super rare? Tanzanite could be the best gemstone for an engagement ring in this case. It’s actually rarer than diamonds, found in just one place in the world: Tanzania. A deep, electric hue bridges the gap between blue and purple, making it stand out instantly. Though it’s not the hardest stone, it’s stunning when set low or in protective settings. A great choice for a one-of-a-kind ring.

Tourmaline: Bold Colors, Bold Personality

• Hardness: 7-7.5

• Look: Available in almost every color imaginable

• Meaning: Protection, grounding, creativity

Tourmaline is for those who don’t want to pick just one vibe. From vivid pinks and seafoam greens to deep blues and watermelon blends, tourmaline gives you endless options. It holds up well to daily wear and can be cut in any shape imaginable to bring out its personality.

Garnet: Passionate, Earthy, and Affordable

• Hardness: 6.5-7.5

• Look: Deep red to reddish-brown, sometimes green or orange

• Meaning: Passion, protection, strength

Garnet is rich in color and steeped in history. You might know it most for its deep red hue, but similar to sapphires, there are actually quite a few shades you’ll find it in - including tsavorite (green).

This budget-friendly gemstone features strong emotional symbolism, too - which is an important factor in choosing the best gemstone for an engagement ring. It feels grounding, mature, and bold all at once.

Spinel: Durable and Undeniably Dazzling

• Hardness: 8

• Look: Available in vibrant reds, pinks, purples, and greys

• Meaning: Empowerment, revitalization, perseverance

Spinel is the hidden gem (pun intended) of the engagement ring world. A lot of people mistake it for ruby or sapphire because it puts out equally vibrant colors with excellent durability and affordability. This is an exceptional choice if you want a stone that looks high-end but can withstand daily wear.

Other Gemstones Worth Considering

We’ve covered a lot of the best gemstone engagement rings, but there are so many others out there to consider. Here are just a few more options you’ll hear regarded as the best gemstone for an engagement ring:

• Tourmaline in Quartz: A dramatic blend of clear quartz with black tourmaline needles for a raw, earthy look.

• Salt and Pepper Diamonds: Technically still diamonds, but with inclusions that create a smoky, speckled effect for non-traditional brides.

• Aquamarine: Cool-toned, serene, and ideal for March birthdays.

Each of these features its own unique texture, energy, and aesthetic. Some are more suitable for occasional wear, while others stand up well to everyday life. We’re here to help you narrow it down if you’re still feeling uncertain!

Things to Consider When Picking a Gemstone for Your Engagement Ring

Choosing the right gemstone is about more than just looks. This ring is going to represent your love story - and it’s going to live on your hand every day. So while looks matter, here are the other things to account for in choosing the best gemstone for an engagement ring.

Hardness (the Mohs Scale)

Hardness determines how well a gemstone holds up over time. It’s measured by the Mohs scale, which goes from 1-10. Stones like sapphire (9) and spinel (8) are more resistant to daily wear, while softer stones like moonstone (6-6.5) or opal (5.5-6.5) need to be handled with care.

Someone who lives an active lifestyle might need to stick with stronger stones, or leave their ring at home when they do certain things. The right setting can help with protection as well.

Personal Style and Meaning

Your engagement ring should feel like you. Whether you're drawn to sapphire's timeless elegance, garnet’s earthy energy, or moonstone’s dreamy glow, choose a gemstone that reflects your personality.

A lot of our clients here at Alexis Russell choose stones for their metaphysical meaning, birth month, or shared symbolism as a couple. There’s no wrong answer here!

The Cost Side of Things

Budget plays a role, but it doesn’t have to limit your options. Some of the most affordable stones, such as garnet and tourmaline, punch way above their weight class, so to speak. You get rich color and emotional depth without a steep price tag.

Others, like tanzanite or emerald, are more rare and can carry a premium. Our transparent pricing and custom builds help you get the most out of your budget, no matter which direction you go.

Setting and Band Compatibility

Some stones are more flexible when it comes to the ring design, while others require a little extra protection - like we just said above. For instance, you can rock a sapphire in a minimalist prong setting, but a softer stone like an opal needs a bezel setting that protects the edges.

That’s not even accounting for the aesthetic side of things, either. We can help you pair the right gemstone with the right setting and band style so the finished piece looks balanced, beautiful, and built to last. So, get started now at Alexis Russell!

The Best Gemstone Engagement Rings Are Just a Click Away at Alexis Russell!

We’re here to make your moment unforgettable with a ring that feels like it was made just for you - because it was! Every engagement ring is handcrafted to order in our New York studio using ethically sourced gemstones and recycled gold.

You’ll work side-by-side with our designers to choose the stone, setting, and band that fits your love story, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. From custom sketches to final delivery, we make it personal.

From unique sapphire engagement rings to black diamond engagement rings, there’s something for everyone here at Alexis Russell - no matter what you deem to be the best gemstone for an engagement ring. Start designing your forever ring with us today.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best gemstone for an engagement ring for me from a durability perspective?

Diamond is the hardest, but non-traditional gemstones like sapphire and spinel are the next closest, both ranking 8-9 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Are non-diamond gemstone engagement rings more affordable?

Yes, many gemstones cost less per carat than diamonds. This lets you get a larger stone without compromising on quality or visual impact.

How do I confirm my gemstone was ethically sourced?

Work with jewelers like Alexis Russell, who you know prioritize ethical sourcing and offer transparency about gemstone origins and supplier practices.

How does skin tone impact which is the best gemstone for an engagement ring for me?

Cool undertones tend to pair well with blue, purple, or green stones, while warm skin tones complement reds, pinks, and earthy gems like sunstone or garnet. We can help you pick the best gemstone for an engagement ring based on your skin tone.

Can I have more than one gemstone in my ring?

Absolutely. Many of our clients design custom rings that feature accent stones or a multi-stone layout for extra color, meaning, and personalization. Take the next step with Alexis Russell today!