Choosing the right gemstone for your Engagement Ring
How to Choose the Right Gemstone for Your Engagement Ring
Choosing a gemstone for your engagement ring is a meaningful and exciting part of the journey. While diamonds remain the traditional choice, many couples today are exploring beautiful alternatives that reflect their personal style and values. Whether you’re drawn to classic stones like sapphires and rubies or considering lab-grown diamonds, understanding the durability and characteristics of each option is key.
This guide will help you make an informed decision based on beauty, significance, and long-term wearability.
Durability Matters: Understanding the Mohs Scale
The Mohs scale of hardness ranks gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). A higher score means the stone is more resistant to scratches and better suited for daily wear—an important consideration for engagement rings.
Diamond – The Timeless Classic (Mohs 10)
Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance, rating a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Their exceptional durability makes them the ideal choice for an engagement ring that will last a lifetime. Diamonds also offer unmatched brilliance and are available in a range of shapes and sizes to suit every taste.
Lab-Grown Diamond – Ethical and Equally Brilliant (Mohs 10)
Lab-grown diamonds share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are equally durable, cost-effective, and a more environmentally conscious option. For those seeking value without compromising quality or beauty, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice.
Sapphire – Unique Beauty with an Australian Connection (Mohs 9)
Sapphires are a stunning and durable alternative to diamonds, with a Mohs rating of 9. While best known for their rich blue hues, sapphires come in a rainbow of colours, making them a versatile choice for those who want a distinctive engagement ring.
Many sapphires are sourced directly from Australian soil, giving them a deeper personal significance and a local connection. Each sapphire is unique, offering one-of-a-kind beauty with timeless appeal. Their strength and colour diversity make sapphires one of the most popular non-diamond engagement stones.
Ruby – Symbol of Passion and Strength (Mohs 9)
Rubies are part of the corundum family, just like sapphires, and are prized for their deep red colour and symbolic association with love and vitality. With a hardness of 9, rubies are an excellent option for a lifelong piece of jewellery that combines bold elegance with lasting durability.
Beautiful but Softer: Handle with Care
Some gemstones are naturally softer and less suited to daily wear, but with thoughtful handling and protective settings, they can still make stunning engagement rings.
Tourmaline (Mohs 7–7.5)
Available in a wide spectrum of colours, tourmaline is popular for its uniqueness. However, it requires extra care due to its susceptibility to scratching and chipping.
Garnet (Mohs 6.5–7.5)
Garnets offer rich, earthy tones and are often used in vintage-inspired designs. They should be worn with caution and cleaned gently to preserve their beauty.
Peridot (Mohs 6.5–7)
Known for its vibrant green hue, peridot is a captivating but relatively soft stone. Protective settings and occasional wear are recommended.
Aquamarine (Mohs 7.5–8)
Pale blue aquamarines are associated with calm and clarity. While moderately durable, they may show wear over time with heavy use.
Tanzanite (Mohs 6–7)
Tanzanite’s striking violet-blue colour makes it a standout choice, but its softness makes it best suited for occasional wear or special occasions.
If you choose one of these softer gemstones, consider setting it in a secure style like a bezel and avoid wearing it during strenuous or hands-on activities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right gemstone for your engagement ring is about finding the perfect blend of beauty, meaning, and practicality. Diamonds and sapphires are ideal for everyday wear due to their strength, while other stones can offer distinct colour and character with a little extra care.
At Olivia Ware Jewellery, we specialise in creating handcrafted engagement rings using ethically sourced, high-quality gemstones. Whether you're envisioning a classic diamond, a locally sourced sapphire, or a custom piece featuring a vibrant coloured gem, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to begin your bespoke ring journey?
Book a consultation or fill out our bespoke piece form