With a world of options available in the alternative engagement ring market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help you find something that you love, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites from the Shiels collection.
When you think of engagement rings, we typically imagine large, expensive diamonds. While the diamond engagement ring has long been the obvious choice, choosing other gemstone types is becoming increasingly popular among modern brides-to-be.
An engagement ring is a longstanding tradition that symbolises a couple’s decision to get married, but this doesn’t mean you can’t use the opportunity to express your individuality. We’ve seen ceremonies move out of chapels, receptions move into farm barns and motorbikes in the place of wedding cars. Couples are becoming more and more experimental with their big day and this can be the same with your engagement ring.
If you think outside the solitaire diamond box, the options for alternative engagement rings are endless. There are citrine, emerald, sapphire, amethyst and ruby engagement rings – just to name a few! Rather than picking something that will look just like every other bride’s engagement ring, why not be a little different and express your individuality in the process?
Along with endless styling options, gemstone engagement rings don’t come with an extravagant price tag. This makes alternative engagement rings great for budget reasons and means you can put more towards your honeymoon instead!
Overview:
Alternative Engagement Ring Ideas
Without further ado, let’s get into the best alternative engagement rings.
Rose Gold Engagement Rings
A rose gold engagement ring is a modern option even when you opt for a traditional diamond as the centre stone. However, the beautiful warm tones of rose gold look even more stunning when paired with bold red tones like garnet or ruby. These red gemstones bring out the warmth of rose gold, creating a stunning ruby engagement ring or garnet engagement ring that is hard to look past.
9ct Yellow Gold 4x6mm 1.4ct Oval Garnet + Diamond Ring
$599.00
$1,299.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 10-12 weeks.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 2.85ct Cushion Cut Garnet Ring
$1,999.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 6-8 weeks.… read more
Love pink? The union of morganite and rose gold is also a beautiful option. Both the metal and the stone share a similar blush gold shade that makes for a subtle engagement ring option. We especially love the oval cut morganite engagement ring, which still holds the shape and feel of a traditional engagement ring, only with more experimental colours and stone choice.
9ct Rose Gold 0.8ct Morganite and 0.10 Carat Diamond Halo Ring
$1,999.00
This stunning morganite and diamond ring is chic and on-trend. In stunning blush tones, the 9ct rose gold ring features 14 points of sparkling diamonds. Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be… read more
9ct Rose Gold Morganite 7x5mm 0.65 Carats and Diamonds 0.25 Carats Floral Halo Ring
$499.00
$1,599.00
In a unique halo setting, this stunning morganite and diamond ring is simply luxurious. With a centre morganite stone in an oval shape, the stunning halo is completed with diamonds and a 9ct rose gold band. Please contact us regarding… read more
White Gold Engagement Rings
A white gold ring is not an uncommon choice for an engagement, however, you can make it more alternative by experimenting with bold gemstones. The blue and green shades found in sapphire and aquamarine particularly look stunning against a white gold band.
9ct Charming White Gold Diamond + Natural Sapphire Ring
$1,299.00
A beautiful natural sapphire ring with a twisting white gold band and sparkling diamond pair. This ring's deep blue sapphire is a true delight, and adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any outfit.… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 9ct White Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond 3 Carat Natural Sapphire Ring
$1,499.00
$2,999.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 9ct White Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond 3 Carat Natural Sapphire Ring… read more
With a halo of small diamonds and a radiant sapphire in the middle, the sapphire engagement ring shown above is a great option for anyone who is a fan of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring. We also love the overall contemporary feel of aquamarine engagement rings. They give a slightly softer colour and modern boho feel that is simply stunning.
9ct White Gold Pear Cut 0.65ct Aquamarine 0.20 Carat Diamond Ring
$1,999.00
This stunning aquamarine ring is unique and sure to please. In a halo setting with 1/5 Carat of stunning diamonds, the 9ct white gold ring will be the envy of all of your friends. Please contact us regarding special order… read more
9ct White Gold 0.75ct Aquamarine and 1/10 Carat Diamond Halo Ring
$899.00
$1,999.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 6-8 weeks.… read more
Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Perhaps the most alternative options out of our selection, these gold engagement rings are miles away from the traditional choice, but nonetheless beautiful stand out pieces. It won’t be hard to express your individual style with these unique modern designs. We love the bold colour choice of the topaz engagement ring, amethyst engagement ring, and emerald engagement rings all sharing an abstract boho look. The natural sapphire ring is more detailed and intricate, exuding a vintage vibe, but is still an alternative engagement ring that we adore.
1.4 Carat London Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$1,299.00
1.4 Carat London Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Amethyst Heart with 8 Diamond Ring
$1,299.00
Enrich your days with a burst of colour wearing the 9ct Yellow Gold Amethyst Heart with 8 Diamond Ring—a must-have accessory for when you crave that extra touch of vibrancy. This captivating ring is meticulously crafted with 9ct yellow gold,… read more
Natural Blue Sapphire and 1/4 Carat Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$1,999.00
Natural Blue Sapphire and 1/4 Carat Diamond Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold… read more
And there you have it, all the best alternative engagement rings! While diamonds are definitely a girl’s best friend, gemstones are the perfect way to celebrate your better half’s individuality and uniqueness. Ready to find the perfect ring? Browse Shiels’ extensive collection of engagement rings today.
9ct Yellow Gold Natural Ruby 0.93ct and 1/3 Carat Diamond Wave Ring
$999.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 6-8 weeks.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 0.55 Carat Natural Emerald & Diamonds Ring
$1,299.00
9ct Yellow Gold 0.55 Carat Natural Emerald & Diamonds Ring… read more
Have you joined the VIP Club? Whether you’ve fallen for a sapphire, a morganite or a ruby, there’s an easy way to make your ring go further. Shiels VIP Club members get exclusive offers and first access to our best deals, which means more to spend on the honeymoon. Join the VIP Club today!
More About Engagement Rings:
- How Much To Spend On Engagement Rings
- Affordable Engagement Rings
- How To Save For An Engagement Ring
- Engagement Ring Trends By Decade
- What Is Morganite Engagement Ring
- How To Choose A Diamond Engagement Ring
- What Engagement Ring Style Fits Your Personality?
- The Celebrity Engagement Rings That Stole Our Hearts
FAQs
What is the best alternative to a diamond engagement ring?
Sapphire is one of the best alternatives to a diamond for an engagement ring, because it’s the next hardest gemstone after diamond (9 on the Mohs scale) and comes in blue, pink and other colours. Other popular choices include ruby, emerald, morganite and aquamarine. Explore our full range of gemstone engagement rings.
Which gemstones are durable enough for an engagement ring?
For everyday wear, choose a gemstone that rates 7 or higher on the Mohs hardness scale. These are good options:
- Sapphire and ruby (9): the most durable coloured gemstones.
- Topaz (8): durable enough for daily wear.
- Aquamarine, emerald and morganite (7.5–8): need a little more care.
- Amethyst and citrine (7): need a little more care.
Softer stones like opal and pearl are beautiful, but they suit occasional wear or a protective setting better.
Are alternative engagement rings cheaper than diamond rings?
Usually, yes. Many gemstones cost far less than a diamond of a similar size, so you can choose a bigger stone or a more detailed design for the same budget. Prices depend on the gemstone, its quality, size and the metal it’s set in. For budget tips, see How Much To Spend On An Engagement Ring and How To Save For An Engagement Ring.
Can any ring be used as an engagement ring?
Yes. Any ring can be an engagement ring. What matters is the commitment behind it, not whether it has a diamond. Many couples choose coloured gemstones, vintage-style designs or even plain bands that suit their personality. Find your style in Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring For Your Personality.
What metal is best for a gemstone engagement ring?
Are coloured gemstone engagement rings popular?
Yes. Coloured gemstone engagement rings have grown in popularity as more couples look for rings that feel personal and different. High-profile rings, like the blue sapphire engagement ring worn by the Princess of Wales, have also helped make gemstone rings a timeless choice. See more in our celebrity engagement rings round-up.
Can I use a birthstone as an engagement ring?
Yes. A birthstone engagement ring is a meaningful way to personalise the ring, whether you choose your partner’s birthstone, your own, or the month you met. Popular birthstone engagement rings include sapphire (September), ruby (July), emerald (May), peridot (August) and amethyst (February). Just check the stone is durable enough for everyday wear.
How do I care for a gemstone engagement ring?
Clean it gently with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush, then rinse and pat dry. Remove it for the gym, gardening and cleaning, store it separately so harder stones don’t scratch it, and have the claws checked by a jeweller once a year. Softer stones like opal and pearl should be kept away from water and chemicals.
Shop jewellery cleaners.
Is an engagement ring really necessary?
No. An engagement ring is a tradition, not a requirement. Some couples choose a meaningful necklace, a watch or matching bands instead. That said, many people still love having a ring that represents their commitment, and an alternative engagement ring lets you keep the tradition while making it your own.
