Cover Blog Should You Get A Gemstone Engagement Ring

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: 

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

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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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!

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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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