Who ever said an engagement ring needed to be a diamond? Actually, De Beers did, in 1947, with the slogan of, “A Diamond is Forever,” — and convinced generations to come that diamonds equal romance and an engagement ring should be a diamond. Why? Because they have a monopoly on the diamond mines, and sought to propel the idea that diamonds are rare, thus expensive… Clever, they are! Prior to 1930, most engagement rings in the Victorian and Edwardian era featured colored gemstones, such as sapphires, aquamarine stones, emeralds, and even opals. While we’re all for a glistening diamond, we’ve been hearing from our readers lately that they want something unique, something not as traditional, and possibly even less expensive than a diamond engagement ring. So that’s what today is all about: alternative engagement rings that feature a colored stone!

If you are in the market for something that resembles a diamond, but at a lower price point, moissanite, white sapphires, or white topaz make great alternatives and are close in hardness on the Mohs scale (moissanite ~9.25; white sapphire is a 9; white topaz is 8). 

Now let’s take a look at all the vibrant gems!

clockwise, starting from top left: Cushion Padparadscha Sapphire in 14K Rose Gold Ring // Oval Cut Morganite 14K White Gold Ring // Marquise Ruby Ring // Bea Three Stone Ring in Peach Morganite // Halo Morganite Victorian-Inspired 14K White Gold Ring //  Cushion Padparadscha Sapphire Halo Ring in 14K Rose Gold // Ruby Hexagon Ring // Pavlova Pink Sapphire Ring // Light Pink Brisbane Morganite Ring 

clockwise, starting from top left: Clare’s Dream Sapphire Ring // Sophisticated Sapphire Ring in Indigo Blue // Sapphire YS Ring // Wisteria Ring // Ceylon Sapphire Dew Ring // Bea Three Stone Ring with Center Sapphire in Yellow Gold  // Cushion Cut Amethyst Halo Rose Gold Ring

clockwise, starting from top left: Emerald Lexie Ring // Green Sapphire Arch Ring // Green Amethyst Ring in Vintage Floral Scalloped Band // Equinox Ring //  1940s Green Uranium Glass Marquise Ring // Pear Rosette Ring with Emerald & Rose Gold // Green Moissanite Diamond Victorian-Inspired 14K White Gold Ring

clockwise, starting from top left: Bea Three Stone Ring Rose Gold & Rainbow Moonstone // 14K Rose Gold Onyx Ring // Round Moonstone Ring in Gold // Oval Bea Moonstone Ring // Marquise Bea Ring Rose Gold & Black Diamond // White Cliffs Vintage-Inspired Opal Ring // Onyx Black Aura Ring with Halo // Penny Oval Moonstone Ring 

Some major beauties, right?! So, which colorful ring is your favorite? Are you more of an aquamarine gal, or do you fancy the ruby reds? Perhaps the green hues are calling to you, or maybe you want something bold and edgy, like onyx… We’re curious to know what style + color suits you best, let us know in the comments below!!