Our Diamond Alternatives list
It’s no secret that millennial and GenZ couples are more focused on sustainability, which often means purchasing engagement and wedding rings created with recycled gold and ethical diamonds.
Though solitaire engagement rings are still the top sellers, trends show that diamonds are becoming less popular. Modern brides are instead choosing to showcase their individuality with exquisite diamond alternatives.
1. Garnets
While most people associate January’s gemstone with deep crimson and orange-red, garnets come in endless shades, from clear to emerald green! They’re one of the few semi-precious stones that have high clarity and transparency without requiring any additional treatment. Plus, their durability means that they hold up to any standard cutting method (ideal for designing a flattering engagement ring setting).
2. Tsavorite
Did you know that tsavorite is actually part of the garnet family? Discovered in 1967, this stone has become a fashionable alternative to pricier emeralds (though it’s even rarer). Tsavorite is beloved for its dazzling depth of color, incredible sparkle, and high wearability. Jewelers often display its brilliance with a facet cut, but whichever shape you choose, it makes for an unbelievable diamond alternative for engagement rings.
3. Amethyst
From the lightest lilac to the deepest violet, it’s impossible not to be captivated by amethyst. A major benefit of this diamond alternative is that it holds up to daily wear and tear – in nearly any cut and setting. Because it’s available (and affordable) in large sizes, amethyst is ideal for designing showstopping engagement rings.
Though February’s birthstone is traditionally paired with platinum and silver, we love it best when it’s set in rose and yellow gold.
4. Citrine
Though once confused for yellow topaz, citrine is prized for its durability, affordability, and extreme beauty. You’ll typically find these gemstones in a wide range of deep ambers and lemon yellows. Best of all, these stones are a fraction of yellow diamond prices – and still pack intense brilliance and fire.
Modern couples have begun to appreciate citrine as an engagement ring diamond alternative. Our team has worked with grooms-to-be, designing stunning pieces (which represent two souls uniting).
5. Tanzanite
Prized for its rich violets, deep greens, and cerulean blues, tanzanite is instantly recognizable to jewelry lovers everywhere. One thousand times rarer than diamonds, you can only find December’s birthstone in one corner of the world near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Because tanzanite is 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it can be cut into endless shapes and sizes. For modern brides, tanzanite engagement rings are an excellent choice that speaks volumes about their personality and individuality.
6. Opal
Mysterious, delicate, and one-of-a-kind, opals have long been associated with magic. You can find opals in just about any color and color variation.
It takes an experienced stone-cutter to handle its delicate nature, and we recommended channel or bezel settings to protect it. Though October’s gemstone may require a bit more care than tanzanite or amethyst, an opal Mokume Gane engagement ring is absolutely worth the maintenance.
7. Sapphire
The deep blue of a natural Ceylon sapphire is one of the most sought-after in the world, especially thanks to Princess Diana’s engagement ring (now Kate Middleton’s). It’s important to remember, however, that sapphires can be found in greens, pinks, yellows, and “padparadscha” (a stunning orange-rose).
Around 99% of the world’s sapphires have been heat-treated to increase their depth of color. While still considered “natural” (as they aren’t laboratory-made), untreated sapphires’ high prices certainly reflect their rarity.
Whether natural or untreated, this gemstone can be cut and fit into nearly any setting, like this jaw-dropping sapphire engagement ring.
Design Your Own Engagement Ring with Jaume Labro
As an ethical jewelry company, we pay as much attention to our designs as we do to sourcing our precious gemstones and metals. From garnets to citrines to sapphires, we’ll turn your inspiration and individuality into a beautiful Mokume Gane engagement ring that lasts a lifetime.
If you have in mind some other diamond alternatives, we definitely can bring them into reality, from ruby, emerald or spinel we can create your dream engagement ring.