Elizabeth Hurley, Emma Stone, and Kate Middleton are just a few who broke with tradition and had a non-diamond engagement ring. While the tradition of a diamond engagement ring goes back to the 15th century, it has come in and out of fashion many times. For a few decades after World War I, for example, diamond engagement rings were not the norm. The biggest factor then was the cost, as the world was plunged into The Great Depression. New fashions with art deco designs and intricate metalwork also prevailed.
Today, it’s a matter of choice. Any ring can be an engagement ring, and many couples are choosing to stray into the unexpected. Gemstones like sapphire, emerald, and morganite have been gaining in popularity with celebrities and trendsetters alike.
Here are some of our favorite non-diamond engagement rings.
Sapphire
A sapphire engagement ring is a solid choice (quite literally). Sapphires land a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, a rating used by gemologists to rank a mineral’s ability to withstand scratches. In fact, the only way you can scratch a sapphire is with a diamond. These gems are tough. If you have an active lifestyle or don’t like a lot of maintenance, this is a great choice.
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, which was originally worn by the late Princess Diana, has that traditional deep royal blue color most associate with sapphires. But your color options are actually quite wide. Sapphires can be found in yellow, white, pink, green, teal, peach, and red. White sapphires are a popular choice because they share a bright white brilliance of a traditional diamond, with their own unique chemical and optical look.
Suna Sapphire Ring
A royal blue oval sapphire sits surrounded by a starburst of diamonds. The ring is made of solid platinum and has a total carat weight of 4.43.
Antique-Style and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Taking a page out of the past, new rings are being inspired by vintage settings. In the Victorian era it was common to find sapphires and other colored gemstones as the focal point. As fashions changed at the beginning of the 20th century, the Art Nouveau era ushered in a trend of found dreamy center gems such as moonstone, amethyst, citrine, opal, and pearl. The elegant curves of Art Nouveau would give way to Art Deco’s sharper angles and geometric shapes. As couples are looking for new ways to show their love, these “old” trends are new once again.
1970s Emerald-cut Emerald and Diamond Ring
From circa 1970, this emerald and diamond ring won’t look like the other engagement rings. The emerald cut emerald sits in the center bracketed by 6 diamonds on either side.
Diamond Bands as Engagement Rings
A great option for those who still want a diamond, but without the prominent center gem. Diamond bands have multiple diamond accents, but no large center diamond. You’ll often see these types of bands worn by people who stack their rings, or add rings for special occasions like anniversaries, children, and grandchildren.
Odessa Diamond Eternity Band
A platinum ring set with diamonds completely around.
Non-Diamond Rings with Diamond Accents
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to engagement rings. If you still want a bit of the traditional without diamonds being the star, you can choose something with diamond accents. Having a center gemstone surrounded by a halo of diamonds is a fantastic way to highlight the gem. You can also choose a three stone setting for a timeless look with sparkle.
Platinum Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond 3-Stone Ring
This platinum ring makes the blue sapphire the star. The diamonds are there to accent the stunning look of the center gem.
