Affordable Gemstone Alternative for Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are a symbolic gesture of your love and devotion for another. Does that mean these unique creations can’t be affordable?

Far from it! Affordable gemstone alternatives are fast becoming a popular choice for jewelry buyers. Gemstone alternatives give you a more affordable pick than the classic diamond. With a gemstone alternative, you have the best of both worlds: you can be budget-conscious but have plenty of wiggle room for design. 

Below are our top picks for affordable gemstone alternatives. We’ll explore details such as pricing, style, and symbolism so you can make the best possible purchase!

What is a Gemstone Alternative?

Gemstones seem almost magical at times. High pressure, high temperatures, and the passage of time regularly combine to create jewels worldwide. 

For example, naturally occurring diamonds need temperatures of 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit to form correctly. The result is one of the most durable materials known to humanity! As such, diamonds are rather expensive and will take a big chunk out of your wallet.

Gemstone alternatives allow you to create a stunning engagement ring with a much smaller price point. You also have plenty of symbolism and style to choose from!

Pick #1: The Delicate Emerald

Are you a fan of lush green tones and subtle teal hues? The emerald is an excellent pick for your next engagement ring. 

Emeralds are pretty hard, wavering between seven and eight on the Mohs scale of hardness. To compare, diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale. This durability means emeralds aren’t quite so easy to scratch or dent. That said, we recommend you choose a ring style that protects the emerald to stay on the safe side.

Emerald symbolism revolves around honesty, love, and growth. These stones are often compared to the richness of the ocean or the blossoming of trees in spring.
Related: What to Know About Renewing & Resetting Your Engagement Ring

Pick #2: The Multifaceted Alexandrite

Is it green? Is it red? With the alexandrite, you get an array of brilliant hues in one glittery package.

When you seek out an alexandrite stone, consider holding it up to fluorescent light or candlelight to see the magic! The alexandrite stone is made out of ‘chromium’, which contributes to its ability to change color. The alexandrite stone is also around 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it’s very resistant to wear and tear. 

This gemstone is associated with June and represents intellect or good fortune. What better way to set the tone of engagement than with this lovely creation?

Pick #3: The Soothing Aquamarine

If you’re a fan of the sky or the sea, the aquamarine is the pick for you. These stones are easily one of the best-known for women’s jewelry due to their bright colors and fond comparisons.

The aquamarine is pretty hard, hovering between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Sadly, it is prone to scratching or chipping if you’re rough. Choose a protective engagement ring style for this stone to keep it twinkling for as long as possible.

The aquamarine is closely associated with peace, harmony, and courage. 

Related: Choosing the Right Anniversary Jewelry Gift For Your Spouse

Genuine materials. Handcrafted expertise. We design our jewelry to bring out your best side without sacrificing durability, personal values, or style.

Pick #4: The Powerful Ruby

Want to make a powerful statement? The ruby is a shoo-in for the top spot. This stunning gemstone is coveted for its depth of color and fiery hues.

Red is the most common color for the ruby, though you can also find purple and blue varieties. The ruby is also incredibly hard, hitting a whopping 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Its sturdy make-up gives you plenty of wiggle room when choosing designs, so have fun!

The ruby represents strength, passion, and energy. Several ancient European and Asian societies associated the ruby with nobility and good fortune. 

Pick #5: The Creative Moissanite 

Do you want to get as close to a diamond as possible? Moissanite is becoming well-known as the ultimate diamond alternative. These lab-grown stones are incredibly similar to their natural counterparts in both hardness and hue.

Moissanite has the added benefit of being much more affordable than a diamond, even when you factor in carat and size. If you want to have extra flexibility with the size and shape of your engagement ring, this stone is for you.

The moissanite has similar symbolism to the diamond, representing durability, strength, and elegance. 

Related: History of the Cluster Ring

Pick #6: Sapphire

Another elegant, timeless gemstone is sapphire. The deep blue hue will make your ring an instant conversation piece. When choosing a sapphire, you’ll want the stone to have a high sparkle factor. The more the sapphire sparkles, the less irradiation is in the stone.

Of the colored gemstones, sapphires are one of the most durable. These stones can be worn every day without the worry of scratching or chipping. They also require less maintenance.

Sapphires symbolize good fortune, wisdom, and virtue. As an engagement ring, a sapphire stone represents sincerity and faithfulness.

Pick #7: Morganite

A morganite stone is trending because of its beautiful pink hue that resembles a pink diamond. It has a very luxurious vibe that feels high fashion. Pair it with a platinum or titanium band to make it feel really modern.

Morganite rates a 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it reasonably durable for everyday wear. But be careful. Larger stones could scratch or chip if you aren’t careful. The lighter hue also makes it more versatile than rubies or sapphires.

Morganite is also a great choice for an engagement ring because it symbolizes romance, love, innocence, and sweetness. Many believe the stone brings compassion, healing, and promise.

What is the Cheapest Stone for a Ring?

If you would rather have a more unconventional engagement ring, the deep violet amethyst gemstone is significantly cheaper than a diamond. By choosing an amethyst, you’ll be able to size up considerably on size.

But keep in mind that the amethyst isn’t as durable. It rates a seven on the Mohs scale. So it will scratch and chip with everyday wear. But if you’re willing to be careful with it, then an amethyst might be the right gem for you.

What Stones Look Like a Diamond But are Cheaper?

If you want some other gemstone alternatives like moissanite that look similar to a diamond but are more affordable, here are some other great picks:

• Lab Diamonds: These gems are made just like a natural diamond but within a lab. So they have the same color, durability, and quality. Their best feature is the price.
• Swarovski Zirconia: Made from Zirconia Rough, a Swarovski Zirconia gem has the same brilliance as a diamond but has a lower hardness than moissanite.
• White Sapphire: This natural diamond alternative has a brilliant blue hue but also comes in other colors like white, pink, and yellow.
• Cubic Zirconia: Another lab-grown gem made from zirconium dioxide. These diamond-like gems are just as brilliant but aren’t as durable, leaving them prone to chips and scratches.

Any of these options will give you that classic diamond appearance for a significantly lower price, allowing you to size up in a carat or indulge in a more intricate setting. The way these stones are made and cut, it’s pretty hard to spot the difference between these gems and a natural diamond.

Love to wear stackable rings? Check out LaCkore’s signature stack rings that will elevate your look.

Related Link: Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural: What is Best?

Final Considerations

Affordable gemstone alternatives for engagement rings are numerous. When it comes to durability and style, today’s gemstones are more than ready to meet you halfway.

Our top picks for affordable gemstone alternatives are:

• Emeralds (brilliant color and decently hard, though you should have a protective ring to keep it safe from damage)
• Alexandrite (visually complex and resistant to wear and tear)
• Aquamarine (popular for its blue hues, but rather delicate)
• Rubies (extremely durable and historically significant)
• Moissanite (the closest similarity to the diamond without the high price point)

Choosing the most suitable jewelry doesn’t have to be difficult. Contact us today to start enjoying handcrafted, customizable rings, bangles, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.