As a society, we have long associated engagement rings with traditional clear diamonds. But times are changing — and more and more couples are looking for alternatives that reflect their personalities, values, and unique love stories. Here are 10 beautiful engagement ring alternatives to the traditional diamond.
Why Consider an Alternative Engagement Ring?
Diamonds have been the go-to choice for decades, but there are compelling reasons to explore other options. Some couples want a more affordable stone; others are drawn to the unique beauty and symbolism of coloured gemstones. And for many, breaking from tradition is the whole point — creating something that is genuinely, completely theirs.
1. Sapphire Engagement Rings
Sapphires are one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds. They come in a wonderful range of colours — from traditional blue to pink, yellow, teal, and orange — and carry a long history of symbolising honesty, loyalty, and trust. They're also extremely durable (hardness 9 on the Mohs scale), making them ideal for everyday wear. Explore our sapphire engagement rings.
2. Ruby Engagement Rings
Rubies are known for their striking red colour and have long been associated with love, passion, and courage. Prized for centuries by royalty and the wealthy, a ruby engagement ring makes a bold and timeless statement. They're also a beautiful choice for July birthdays. Browse our ruby engagement rings.
3. Emerald Engagement Rings
Emeralds carry the rich green of spring and are said to represent growth, renewal, and prosperity. They have been used in jewellery since ancient Egypt and have a lush, romantic quality that is entirely their own. While slightly softer than rubies or sapphires, they make a stunning and distinctive engagement ring choice. Browse our emerald engagement rings.
4. Morganite Engagement Rings
Morganite is a beautiful soft pink gemstone increasingly popular as a diamond alternative. Associated with love and compassion, its warm peachy-pink tones are particularly beautiful in rose gold settings. A great choice for those who want something feminine, romantic, and a little different.
5. Tsavorite Engagement Rings
Tsavorite is a vivid green garnet with an intensity of colour that rivals even the finest emeralds. One of our favourite pairings at Nude Jewellery is tsavorite set in rose gold — the warm metal draws out the rich green of the stone perfectly, creating something that feels both earthy and luxurious. See our Atlantis Paradise collection for inspiration.
6. Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Aquamarine's clear, pale blue evokes calm seas and open skies. Known for its soothing properties, it's a fitting symbol of love and devotion, and its cool colour works beautifully in both white gold and yellow gold settings. Explore our aquamarine engagement rings.
7. Champagne Diamonds
For those who still want a diamond but something less conventional, champagne diamonds offer a warm golden hue that sets them apart entirely from a traditional white stone. They pair beautifully with rose or yellow gold, creating a rich, earthy look that feels both contemporary and timeless. See our champagne diamond engagement rings.
8. Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds — but are significantly more affordable and widely considered the more ethical choice, as they don't involve mining. Choosing a lab grown diamond means you can put the savings into a more intricate setting, a more complex design, or additional stones. Browse our lab grown diamond engagement rings.
9. Pink & Violet Sapphire Engagement Rings
Pink and violet sapphires are a wonderful alternative to traditional blue sapphires — said to represent love, wisdom, and intuition. They have all the durability of their blue counterparts (hardness 9) and bring a romantic, ethereal quality to any ring design. See the Enchanted collection and our full range of pink sapphire engagement rings.
10. And More…
The world of alternative engagement rings doesn't stop there. Other beautiful options include black diamonds, opals, tourmaline, amethyst, and pearl — each with its own unique meaning and personality. What matters most is that your ring reflects your love and commitment in a way that feels completely right for you.