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Gemstone Engagement Rings: Things You Need to Know

Torn between diamond vs gemstone engagement rings? We’re breaking down our favorite reasons to take the plunge and invest in a colorful precious gemstone ring for your bride or groom-to-be. 

Gemstone engagement rings

Picking an engagement ring is not a task done lightly. We understand the time and effort that goes into choosing and even creating the perfect ring for your partner. As far as engagement rings go, diamonds are usually the first choice given their sparkle, durability, and brilliance.

On the other hand, Gemstones make for equally stunning center stones on engagement rings of all styles and settings. 

Gemstone engagement rings aren’t a new trend. We’ve seen for centuries the most glamorous royals and celebrities styled in gemstone jewelry. Unlike diamonds, unique gemstone rings come in any color across the spectrum and add something special to the ring.

Gemstone engagement rings can add sentimental value to the ring and also allow you to show your partner how well you know them. Whether it’s gifting them with a center stone gem that is their favorite color or one that holds a certain meaning to them. And trust us, gemstones of all kinds are filled with beautiful symbolism and unique characteristics, just like your future fiancé. 

Take a walk with us as we explore the endless pros of getting a gemstone engagement ring.  

Popular Gemstone Engagement Ring Types 

The four most sought-after precious gemstones are diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. We’ll be taking a deep dive into the last three and explain why each of them have unique and worthwhile features that match the value of a diamond centerpiece. 

Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings

Not sure if you’re into sapphires yet? Let’s count the many ways these precious gemstones will take your engagement ring to the next level.

Sapphires don’t just come in popular blue tones but can occur in nature from pink to violet. In fact, you can find any fancy sapphire and pick your favorite color from the rainbow. Like fancy-shaped diamonds, you’ll also find that your gemstone center stone can be cut to your desired shape. 

These gems are also incredibly tough and durable. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, sapphires score a 9 out of 10. That means that the only material strong enough to scratch them is a diamond. When you aren’t considering how stunning they are, it’s good to know that your gemstone engagement ring also has endless durability.

Yellow Sapphire Engagement Rings

Replacing a diamond center stone for a sapphire could increase the sentimental value of the engagement ring for you and your partner. 

For example, we mentioned gemstone symbolism before, and it so happens that sapphires hold the perfect meaning for the start of a lifelong promise. Truth, peace, prosperity, and faithfulness are just some of the many special feelings this gemstone represents, making it quite fitting as an engagement ring choice. 

Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings

Let’s put a spotlight on one of our favorite romantic gemstones. Sapphires are rare but the rarest of all are pink sapphires, commonly found in Sri Lanka. These gemstones range from a pinkish-orange color to bright pink and can add the perfect touch to your engagement ring.  

Finally, if all the other impressive facts haven’t convinced you, we’ll play our final card. Did you know that sapphires are mystical gemstones that have the ability to change color throughout the day? 

Yes, you heard right. Blue sapphires can take on a more purplish hue under incandescent light at night time, making them all the more alluring and unique, like your love. 

Emerald Engagement Rings

When we think of emerald engagement rings, several A-list celebrities come to mind, from Jackie Kennedy to Halle Berry and the style icon that is Victoria Beckham. 

Their rings are among the most famous gemstone engagement rings and there are plenty of reasons why emerald center stones are unforgettable statement pieces. 

To begin with, high-quality emeralds are rarer than diamonds and have a lower density, making them appear larger than a diamond with the same carat weight. 

While emeralds are softer gemstones, they can still be cut and polished to your preferred shape. No matter what size and shape your emerald is, you can count on it to be vibrant and eye-catching.

Ruby Engagement Rings

Ruby engagement rings come in shades of red, starting from pinkish hues to blood-red colored gemstones. They’re just as strong as sapphires, registering as 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them a resilient choice for center stones. 

Rubies often come flawed, and those that are without imperfections are known as, “Burmese Rubies.” Even though there is no perfect ruby it’s hardly cause for concern, as they are the boldest and most breathtaking gemstones, in our humble opinion. 

These unique gemstones symbolize richness, success, and romance, the perfect representation for an engagement ring. They pair well on three stone ring settings and shine brighter when they have diamonds alongside them. 

Key Takeaways

Gemstone engagement rings are always there as an option and a colorful alternative to a diamond engagement ring. So, talk to your partner if choosing an engagement ring together is an option. 

At James Allen, we love the idea of customizing your glow, so take a peek into our ring studio or customer-inspired engagement ring designs and find out which gemstone engagement ring is the one for you. 

For any and all questions about the ring of your dreams, feel free to contact our non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts who are here for you 24/7. 

Want to know more about gemstone jewelry and engagement rings in general? Read our related articles below: 

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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affordable engagement rings

Affordable Engagement Rings: Our Top Picks

These affordable engagement rings are equally as beautiful as they are budget-friendly!

Affordable engagement rings: pear-cut diamond halo engagement ring

Everybody deserves their dream engagement ring. However, in some cases, high-quality glitter comes with an equally high price tag. If you’re looking for an affordable yet beautiful engagement ring, don’t fret. We’ve compiled a list of our top-selling affordable engagement rings that will have your SO beaming as bright as the rings themselves.

1. Solitaire Engagement Rings

When it comes to affordable engagement rings, a solitaire ring is always a good place to start. Consisting of a single stone and a simple setting, this timeless ring allows your diamond to take center stage. Keep it simple but shiny with these classics.

White Gold Split Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring

Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

2. Elongated Stones

Although classic shapes are the most popular, you’ll find a golden opportunity with elongated fancy shapes. These stones are not only cheaper, but their shapes create the appearance of a larger surface area. Consider these stunning pear, oval and marquise diamond rings and get more bang for your buck.

Pavé Halo & Shank Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Pave Halo And Shank Diamond Engagement Ring

Yellow Gold Navette Leaf Halo Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Navette Leaf Halo Engagement Ring

Rose Gold Beaded Marquise Engagement Ring

14K Rose Gold Beaded Marquise Shape Engagement Ring

3. Pavé The Way

Pavé rings consist of small diamonds encrusted on the band, making the band itself look like it’s made of diamond. This elaborate display of diamonds gives the ring a boost of extra sparkle at an affordable price, without needing to invest more in increasing the center stone’s carat size.

Yellow Gold Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Petite Pave Cathedral Engagement Ring

Rose Gold Pavé Rope Engagement Ring

14K Rose Gold Pave Rope Engagement Ring

4. Well, Halo There

If you’re on a budget and want an affordable yet supersized sparkle, look no further than a halo! We recommend a cushion-cut stone paired with a pavé halo band. Alternatively, choose a clean trellis setting and let the halo do the sparkling.

White Gold Pavé Halo Engagement Ring (Cushion Center)

14K White Gold Pave Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Yellow Gold Trellis Halo Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Trellis Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

5. Colored Gemstones

Gemstones have become an increasingly popular option when shopping for affordable engagement rings. If you’d like to venture away from a traditional all-diamond engagement ring, a gorgeous side-stone ring with marquise-shaped sapphires or a ruby 3 stone ring will do the trick.

White Gold Vintage Diamond & Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Vintage Round Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

Yellow Gold Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring

1.89 Carat Round Natural Ruby Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring With Scroll Undergallery

Found your dream affordable ring? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!

  1. Classic Minimalist Jewelry
  2. How Much To Spend On An Engagement Ring
  3. 11 Gorgeous & Affordable Engagement Rings
  4. How To Budget For An Affordable Engagement Ring

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jarred Maram

Jarred is a writer by day and unofficial office ping pong champion

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Celebrity Engagement Rings: Our New Favorites

A whole heap of our favorite celebs has shown up lately sporting some sick new sparkle. Brace yourself, you’re about to get obsessed with these celebrity engagement rings!

Celebrity engagement rings: Jourdan Dunn, Emma Stone, and Lindsey Vonn

What? Did someone say celebrity engagements? Mmmmmm, yes we did. Because if there’s one thing we love about our famous counterparts, it’s that they’ve got enviable style.

We’re so starry-eyed over their fashion sense that we’ve put together a lineup of celebrity engagement ring lookalikes. Read on to slice off a piece of their celeb shine!

Emma Stone + Dave McCary

Emma Stone and Dave McCary got engaged this past December with one of the most unique engagement rings we’ve seen in years: a pearl and diamond beauty! The two had been dating for nearly two years. Dave McCary, a writer for SNL, popped the question and the Oscar-nominated actress said yes, announcing their engagement in an adorable Instagram post. 

These two were made for each other, just like this gorgeous pearl ring was made for you!

Emma Stone’s
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Emma Stone and Dave McCary showing off her pearl engagement ring.

Pearl & Morganite
Engagement Ring

14K Rose Gold Pink Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Morganite Ring

Adam DeVine + Chloe Bridges

Our favorite melodic “Pitch Perfect” star proposed to his now-fiancée, Chloe Bridges, with an emerald-cut diamond in an elegant solitaire setting. Adam announced their engagement in a sweet Instagram post: “You are my best friend and I’m thrilled you want to get old and wrinkly with me!” Can we all agree that they’re the sweetest?! 

Get your version of Chloe Bridges’ beautiful solitaire with this stunning ring that’ll make you positively hum with lustre.

Chloe Bridges’
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges smooching as Chloe shows off her engagement ring.

Comfort Fit Solitaire
Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold 2mm Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

Lindsey Vonn + Pk Subban

Super athletes skier Lindsey Vonn and football player PK Subban are such a perfect couple that they got engaged TWICE! This past summer, PK proposed to Lindsey. Two months later, Lindsey proposed to PK! She posted on Instagram: “We talk about equality but actions speak louder than words. Men should get engagement rings too and this is what PK deserves.” Their couple dynamic is serious #goals. 

Plus, we are not disappointed to get DOUBLE the celebrity engagement rings! 

Lindsey Vonn’s
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Lindsey Vonn and PK Subban on the red carpet. Lindsey's emerald engagement ring in the foreground.

Emerald Three-Stone
Engagement Ring

14K Emerald Three Stone Pear Shaped Engagement Ring

PK Subban’s
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Lindsey Vonn and PK Subban wearing pajamas in front of their Christmas Tree as PK displays his gold engagement ring.

Flat Comfort Fit
Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold 8mm Flat Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

Freida Pinto + Cory Tran

“Slumdog Millionaire” actress Freida Pinto and photographer Cory Tran announced their engagement with some of the most beautifully-shot engagement photos – EVER. But those pics can’t compare to the stunning engagement ring that took center stage to these two beautiful people.

One reason we love celebrity engagements? We get seriously inspired. So inspire yourself with this vintage engagement ring!

Freida Pinto’s
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Frienda Pinto displaying her vintage engagement ring as she embraces fiancé Cory Tran.

Vintage Halo
Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Regal Frame Diamond Engagement Ring

Alex Honnold + Sanni McCandless

Legendary rock climber and famed subject of the Oscar-winning film “Free Solo” Alex Honnold pulled off the cutest Christmas proposal to his girlfriend Sanni McCandless. According to Sanni, it was characteristically chill: “He said, do you wanna keep doing what we’re doing? And I said, yes 🙂

Her engagement ring is similarly sweet and simple! Grab your own celeb ring lookalike: a yellow gold setting with subtle diamond accents.

Sanni McCandless’
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Sanni McCandless wearing her engagement ring as she kisses Alex Honnold on the cheek.

Diamond Accent
Engagement Ring

Jourdan Dunn + Dion Hamilton

Supermodel Jourdan Dunn said yes to rapper beau Dion Hamilton and YES to a stunning diamond halo and pavé engagement ring. Her oval diamond is impressive (to say the least), clocking in at nearly 2.5 carats and surrounded by a halo of lovely accent diamonds.

Talk about celebrity inspo – ready to design your own dream version of Jordan’s incredible ring?

Jourdan Dunn’s
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Jourdan Dunn wearing her diamond halo engagement ring.

Pavé Halo
Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Pave Halo And Shank Diamond Engagement Ring

Martha Hunt + Jason McDonald

Oh, Martha – how DO you do it? The Victoria’s Secret model and photographer Jason McDonald sealed the deal with one of our favorite celebrity engagement rings. Her sparkler stars a nearly 3.5 carat cushion-cut diamond accented with tapered baguette diamonds. “I have a secret…” she captioned an Instagram post of her shushing the camera with her bedazzled left hand.

Your own tapered baguette ring is just waiting for you to say yes!

Martha Hunt’s
Engagement Ring

Celebrity engagement rings: Martha Hunt showing off her engagement ring by "shushing" the camera.

Baguette Diamond
Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

Seeking out more celebrity engagement rings? This is for you!

Obsessing over one (or more) of the celebrity engagement rings in this post? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or in the comments below!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Sparkle Like A Super Bowl Champion

A super bowl ring is the ultimate goal for every football player. Big bling that represents winning the big game. Tremendous diamonds that highlight the path to glory; that shine a light on the sacrifices, the aches and pains, the plays, and the practices. So what is the story behind these diamonds and gems that make up this championship hardware? And how can you get your own similarly impressive glitz?

Collection of Super Bowl Rings

Champion, this is what every athlete strives to be called, and in football, it’s Super Bowl Champion. Once you win, you are a champion for life. The winning team gets a custom made ring, with diamonds and precious gemstones that highlight the team’s colors. Each ring is specifically designed for each team. 

Whether you are an owner, a player, an executive, or just a rabid fan, the Super Bowl ring is one of the most heavily coveted and analyzed pieces of jewelry. How will it look, what will its value be, and what gemstones will be used? No matter how the design turns out, Super Bowl rings are the top sparkles in sports.

Super Bowl Flash

The Super Bowl is not known for its simplicity. From the multi-million dollar, celebrity filled commercials, the coveted half-time show, to the fans themselves, this is THE game. And that is why this big game is marked with big bling.

Super Bowl rings are highly coveted and valued piece of jewelry. They are earned through blood, sweat, and tears. But the big sparkling rings that we know today, did not start out this way.

The very first Super Bowl ring, earned by the Green Bay Packers in 1967, had a single gemstone and was valued at approximately $1,500. The second Super Bowl ring, also earned by the Packers, had a slightly higher value of $1,900. Now we are in the year of Super Bowl LVI, where the bling factor has multiplied to the umpteenth degree!

First Super Bowl Ring

“WINNING is not everything–but making the EFFORT to win is.” Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers

Looking for simple sparkle reminiscent of this historic hardware? Choose a 3 carat solitaire diamond engagement ring

Most Valuable Sparkle

A Super Bowl ring is invaluable to its recipient, but the value of these rings has increased dramatically over the last several decades. Super Bowl rings are now valued between $30 – $50,000, approximately $5,000,000 for a whole team. Although the exact costs are often kept secret.

A ring can increase in value if the recipient is a superstar (think Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and John Elway). The number of diamonds and gemstones also affects the value of a ring. The bling of the ring has increased with every passing year. More diamonds, more gemstones….higher value and more shine!

Tom Brady And His Super Bowl Rings

By 2015, when the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl, their ring was worth approximately $36,000 and featured almost 300 gemstones. When the Philadelphia Eagles won in 2018, their ring had 127 diamonds on the bezel, representing the sum of the jersey numbers of the players who performed the key play that secured their victory.

The entire ring had over 200 diamonds and almost 20 sapphires. In 2019, the New England Patriots’ ring showcased over 400 diamonds and dozens of sapphires.

Three Green Bay Packers And Their Super Bowl Rings

“When you’re GOOD at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re GREAT at something, they’ll tell you.” Walter Payton, Chicago Bears

This Ring Is Hereby Given To….

The rings are not only worn by the players. The owner, executives, and many others in the organization that makes up an NFL team also get a ring. Anywhere from 300 to almost 1,000 rings are made for a winning team.

Less expensive versions, with fewer precious gemstones or less valuable metals, are sometimes made for staff members. But it is the players who rock the version that could blind you with its bling.

Multiple Super Bowl Rings

“A CHAMPION is simply someone who did NOT give up when they wanted to.” Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys

A Super Bowl ring’s sparkle can be seen from across a crowded room. While most of us will never earn a Super Bowl ring, James Allen can help you to get our own Super Bowl size sparkle. Our selection of 3-carat diamond and gemstone rings will have you feeling like you won your own big game!

Super Bowl Inspired Bling

Shine as bright as the Green & Gold

1.63 Carat Cushion Natural Green Emerald Octagon Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Two Ring

Get this bling without the blood, sweat, and tears

1.91 Carat Round Natural Ruby Falling Edge Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Ring

Glimmer more than a Texas belt buckle

1.97 Carat Round Natural Blue Sapphire Three Stone Round And Pavé Set Diamond Engagement Ring
Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Ring

Get twinkle that dances more than a Bronco

14K White Gold Twisted Pavé Halo Engagement Ring
Denver Broncos Super Bowl Ring

Glitz to make the whole Bay go WOW

18K Yellow Gold Framed Trapezoid Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Ring

Brilliant like the lights of New York City

14K White Gold 8mm Comfort-Fit Channel Set Diamond Band
New York Giants Super Bowl Ring

The Super Bowl Championship ring is so much more than diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals. Like many rings, it carries meaning. Hard work, sacrifice, pride: a Super Bowl ring is coveted by every football player.

Luckily, James Allen has many rings that will allow you to rock that Super Bowl glam without all the bruises.

Check out celebrity and athlete engagement rings and looks here:

Sofia VergaraHailey Bieber * 2020 Oscars * Royal Engagements * Pippa Middleton * Miranda Kerr * NBA Inspired * MLB Inspired * Gwen Stefani, Demi Lovato, & More!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Sarah Axelrad

Sarah is a stickler for grammar and prefers to use the Oxford comma. She enjoys her career as a writer since being a professional snowboarder/powerlifter/pastry chef didn’t pan out.

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