Coloured gemstone alternatives to diamonds for a non-traditional engagement ring
If you’re looking for a design-led engagement ring, chances are you’ve thought about alternatives to the classic solitaire diamond ring already. There are a myriad of exciting gemstone alternatives out there, if you’re looking to go that route. And it doesn’t have to be a choice of colour vs a more toned-down look - there are many gemstone alternatives that will give you a more neutral palette, if that’s what you’re looking for. And if you’re set on a colourful ring, then there are definitely great choices in the gemstone world.
However, regardless of whether you’re looking for a colourful or more muted look, there’s one key factor to consider: durability. After all, your engagement ring is a daily companion, braving everything from handwashing to gardening (and maybe a little too much hand sanitizer). If you’re looking for a vibrant alternative to diamonds, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs of gemstone durability, with expert tips for finding a stunning, practical choice for everyday wear.
Why Hardness Matters for Daily Wear
The hardness of a gemstone determines how well it resists scratches and wear over time. Measured on the Mohs scale, which rates minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), this factor is crucial for something as exposed as an engagement ring. Diamonds top the scale at 10, making them nearly impervious to everyday scratches. But many gemstones also score high enough to withstand daily wear, provided they’re treated with care.
In contrast, softer gemstones may look stunning but risk becoming scratched, chipped, or dulled over time. Even routine activities like washing dishes or reaching into a pocket can expose a ring to unexpected impacts. So, while looks are important, durability should really be a guardrail for your decision on gemstones for your ring.
Gemstones suitable for daily wear
Neutral-tone gemstones suitable for daily wear
Fortunately, the gemstone world offers a variety of durable options that combine beauty and strength. Even if you're not a fan of the coloured gemstone route, you still have options - here’s a list of tough neutral-tone contenders for engagement rings, along with their hardness ratings and tonality options:
01.Salt & pepper diamond (Hardness rating: 10 on Mohs scale)
Tone: Although technically still a diamond, the salt & pepper variant offers a unique take on the classic diamond, and feature neutral black, white, and gray tones with speckled inclusions. These tones make them versatile enough to pair with any outfit or style.
Why it works: Incredibly durable as they’re still diamonds, these stones offer a chic, understated alternative to the traditional clear diamond. They’re perfect for those who want a timeless gemstone with a bit of personality.
02.White Sapphire (Hardness rating: 9 on Mohs scale)
Tone: A clear, icy white tone that mimics the look of a diamond without the high price tag.
Why it works: With excellent hardness and brilliance, white sapphires are a practical and elegant choice for minimalists seeking a neutral-toned ring.
03.Spinel (Hardness rating: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale)
Tone: While spinels often come in vibrant colours like red, they’re also available in more subdued neutral shades like gray, black, or white.
Why it works: Spinels are not only durable but also offer a contemporary, understated appeal in their neutral shades.
04.Quartz (Hardness rating: 7 on Mohs scale)
Tone: Varieties like smoky quartz offer earthy, neutral tones in shades of brown, gray, or black.
Why it works: Although quartz is less durable than other stones on this list, neutral-toned quartz options are budget-friendly and can work for daily wear if set securely and worn with care.
Colourful gemstones suitable for daily wear
Colourful gemstones have always been a popular alternative to diamonds. Here's a list of some great choices:
01.Sapphire (Hardness rating: 9 on Mohs scale)
Colour spectrum: Sapphires offer a literal rainbow of possibilities, from the classic deep blue to vibrant pinks, yellows, greens, and even fiery orange hues.
Why it works: Sapphires are among the toughest gemstones, making them perfect for daily wear in any colour. Their vibrant hues make a bold statement while standing up to life’s wear and tear.
02.Ruby (Hardness rating: 9 on Mohs scale)
Colour spectrum: Rubies are exclusively red, ranging from light pinkish-red to deep crimson.
Why it works: Rubies share the same hardness and durability as sapphires, making them ideal for daily wear. Their rich, romantic colour adds instant drama to any engagement ring.
03.Alexandrite (Hardness rating: 8.5 on Mohs scale)
Colour spectrum: Known for its dramatic colour-changing ability, alexandrite shifts between green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light.
Why it works: Alexandrite’s colour-changing properties and high hardness make it a unique yet practical choice for daily wear.
04.Emeralds (Hardness rating: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale)
Colour spectrum: Emeralds are prized for their deep green hues, from grassy to dark forest green.
Why it works: Though emeralds can be more prone to internal flaws, a well-set emerald can hold up well for daily wear and offers a timeless, colourful option.
05.Spinel (Hardness rating: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale)
Colour spectrum: From vivid cobalt blue to hot pink, lavender, and bright red, spinels are a colourful yet durable choice.
Why it works: Spinels’ vibrant colours and durability make them a fun and dependable choice for non-traditional engagement rings.
06.Quartz (Hardness rating: 7 on Mohs scale)
Colour spectrum: Quartz comes in an array of colours, including amethyst (purple), rose quartz (pink), and even lemon quartz (yellow-green).
Why it works: While softer than other options, quartz’s vibrant colours make it an appealing choice for those willing to take extra care of their ring.
Gemstones that may not be ideal for daily wear
While there is a myriad of incredibly beautiful gemstones out there, some are more fragile and prone to damage, making them less suited for the rough-and-tumble life of a daily-worn engagement ring. Here are a few examples and the risks they carry:
01.Pearl (Hardness rating: 2.5-4.5 on Mohs scale)
Risks: Pearls are exceptionally soft and prone to scratching, and their luster can degrade over time with exposure to sweat, cosmetics, or cleaning agents.
02.Opal (Hardness rating: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale)
Risks: Opals are relatively soft and porous, making them susceptible to scratches, cracking, and even changes in appearance when exposed to water or oils.
03.Moonstone (Hardness rating: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale)
Risks: While its soft, ethereal glow is enchanting, moonstone is vulnerable to scratches and impact damage.
04.Tanzanite (Hardness rating: 6-7 on Mohs scale)
Risks: This stunning violet-blue gem is prone to chipping and scratching due to its moderate hardness and brittleness.
05.Peridot (Hardness rating: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale)
Risks: This vibrant green gem can chip easily and should be handled with care.
Making it work: softer gemstones and precautions
What if you’ve fallen head over heels for a softer gemstone? It’s not a complete no-go. There are still ways you could wear your dream stone, with a few clever strategies to protect it:
Choose a protective setting: Opt for settings like bezels or halo designs that encase or surround the gemstone. These settings provide extra protection by shielding the edges and surface of the stone from impact.
Consider placement: If you’re worried about durability, a softer gemstone can be used as an accent stone instead of the centerpiece.
Wear it mindfully: If you’re willing to diligently remove your ring during high-risk activities like exercising, cooking, or cleaning, then you could likely get away with a softer gemstone.
Reinforce with a wider band: Some designs include a secondary band or a stronger metal frame to stabilize and protect the gemstone.
Schedule regular maintenance: Regular professional cleanings and inspections can ensure that your ring remains secure and that any minor issues are addressed before they become bigger problems.
