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Best Gemstones For Engagement Rings

February 20th, 2023

A bride and groom holding hands and an engagement ring visible

Your engagement ring is likely to be one of immense sentimental value, not to mention a serious monetary investment. As this is a ring you’ll likely be wearing for years to come, if not the rest of your life, it is essential to make an informed decision about the type of gemstone it features. Our experts have put together a guide to some of the most beautiful, strong, and expressive gems that would make phenomenal options for your engagement ring.

Sapphire engagement ring with a diamond halo, displayed on the hand of a woman holding the hand of her significant other

Diamond

These stunning gems are widely beloved for their strength, brilliance, and clarity. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on the planet, setting the standard for the Mohs hardness scale, scoring at 10 out of 10. This makes them ideal for engagement rings, which is why they are by far the most common stones for these and wedding bands alike. Their demand does make them more expensive than most other gems, but their hardness ensures they will retain their value and beauty over time.

Sapphire

Sapphires are some of the hardest colored stones available. While you likely associate this gem’s name with the deep blue variety featured in Princess Diana’s famed oval cut engagement ring, they actually occur in a number of different hues. They score a 9/10 on the Mohs scale, making them a phenomenal choice for those that want a strong gem, but are looking for something colorful and unique.

A brilliant moissanite engagement ring

Moissanite

For a colorless stone that is strong but less expensive than a diamond, consider moissanite. Scoring a 9.5/10, it is the second strongest gemstone available. You can also find moissanite in soft yellow or green varieties for a stone that is fresh and expressive yet subtle.

Ruby

Rubies are in the same family as sapphires, so they also score a 9/10. However, these stones are renowned and widely beloved for their rich, fiery red appearance. They can range in hue from a more orange-forward red to a pinkish color. Fine rubies can sometimes come at an even higher price than diamonds.

A solitaire emerald princess cut stone bezel set in a mixed metal ring

Emerald

These enchanting stones are renowned for their lush, vibrant green hue and are quite rare, making them more expensive than colorless diamonds. They do often feature inclusions, which some find quite charming and show that the stone is one of a kind. However, you may want to avoid gems in which these inclusions occur close to the surface, as this could result in unfortunate chipping. Emeralds score a 7.5/10 on the Mohs scale.

Topaz

Topaz, which scores an 8/10, is naturally colorless, but inclusions, trace elements, impurities, etc. can change the color of the gem entirely. Experts in the gemstone industry have also developed processes by which to bring out a variety of colors in the gem. Topaz is one of the clearer gems, typically containing no inclusions visible to the naked eye.

An engagement ring in a gray box with tassel earrings and leaves on a decorative gold tray

Customize and Shop Engagement Rings at Morgan Jewelers

Find your dream engagement ring from among our immaculate selection here at Morgan Jewelers. While most of our bridal jewelry features pristine diamonds, we also offer top of the line custom design services so you can have your ideal gemstone, whether it be an emerald, topaz, ruby, or something else, set into the setting you feel perfectly encapsulates your unique style and personality. Set a reservation at one of our locations closest to you today for a consultation of crafting the ring that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.