ALTERNATIVE STONES FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING
With a long history as a beautiful object of desire, there is a reason Clear Diamonds are considered a traditional choice for engagement rings. And as one of the hardest substances known to man, diamonds have come to symbolise the forever love and commitment that comes with marriage. However, for all their beauty and durability, not everyone is drawn to Clear Diamonds.
Whether it's aesthetics or you're looking for a more budget friendly option, if you're deciding whether to or not to go down the non-traditional diamond route we’ve put together a guide on the best alternative engagement ring stone options below.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A STONE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING
When personalising your RUUSK engagement ring, it’s important to choose a stone that not only feels meaningful, but will stand the test of time. While every stone has its own unique beauty, not all are suited to the everyday wear an engagement ring often sees.
This comes down to a stone’s hardness—measured on the Mohs scale. Stones with a lower rating (7.5 and under) can be more prone to scratching or chipping, so if you're someone who’s hard-wearing with their hands, we strongly recommend opting for a stronger stone like a Diamond, Sapphire, or Ruby—known not just for their durability, but their enduring beauty.
If you’re drawn to colour, trust that instinct. Choose a tone that truly speaks to you, suits your aesthetic, and feels like a piece of your story. And for partners who are preparing a surprise proposal—unless your partner has shared a love for coloured stones, we would always recommend a timeless, colourless stone as the safest option.
CHAMPAGNE DIAMONDS
Golden-hued and rich with warmth, Champagne Diamonds are a stunning alternative to traditional clear diamonds. Ranging from soft honey tones to deep cognac and mocha shades, these diamonds carry a quiet elegance—reminiscent of the effervescent drink they’re named after.
With the same incredible durability as clear diamonds, rating 10 on the MOHs scale measuring the hardness of a stone, Champagne Diamonds are perfect for those who love the depth of colour in gemstones but seek the enduring strength of a diamond. Their balance of beauty and resilience makes them an ideal choice for lifelong treasures such as engagement rings.
Read more about Champagne Diamonds
SALT & PEPPER DIAMONDS
Like all natural diamonds, these speckled gems were formed below the Earth’s surface billions of years ago. Incorporating a mix of many black and white inclusions, this gemstone can have a mysterious, smokey and raw aesthetic.
No two are ever the same and each Salt & Pepper Diamond is celebrated for their inclusions which make them so unique. Many believe the imperfections found in Salt & Pepper Diamonds provide a sentimental metaphor for marriage; love encompassing all, including your ‘imperfections’.
Read more about Salt & Pepper Diamonds
AUSTRALIAN SAPPHIRE
Often sought after for their vibrancy and individuality, Australian Sapphires are commonly known for their mesmerising tones — from vibrant teals and greens to brilliant blues, warm yellows, and unique parti colourations (which combine multiple colours in a single stone). Since Australian Sapphires tend to contain higher iron content, the variety of colours come in darker, and more distinct hues, making each stone entirely unique and full of character.
Choosing an Australian Sapphire is a beautiful way to connect your piece to home — to celebrate the depth of local craftsmanship and the beauty of what lies beneath our soil.
Read more about Australian Sapphire
CEYLON SAPPHIRE
Ceylon sapphires are treasured for their luminous beauty and distinct origin. Sourced from Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) and sometimes Madagascar, these gemstones are celebrated for their exceptional clarity and the unique quality of their colour—vivid, vibrant blues that often appear lighter and brighter than sapphires from other regions. Their radiant tones seem to hold light within them, offering a softness and brilliance that feels both timeless and full of life.
A fun piece of history: one of the most famous Ceylon sapphire engagement rings belonged to Princess Diana. Her iconic 12-carat oval sapphire, encircled by a halo of diamonds, sparked a global love affair with coloured stones—reviving sapphires as a meaningful and elegant choice for engagement rings, a sentiment that continues to this day.
RUBY
Commanding the highest per-carat price of any coloured stone, Rubies can, in instances, be as expensive as a Clear Diamond. Boasting the same properties as Sapphires, Rubies have a rich history. In ancient cultures, it was believed that Rubies held the power of life due to their similarity to the colour of blood.
Rubies have retained their cultural significance and continue to be a symbol of health, wealth, wisdom and success in love. And as a symbol of passion, Ruby has always been an ideal romantic gift.
Many of our very special pieces can be customised with your choice of stone. Customise your engagement ring here or please contact us to discuss stone options for your unique, modern heirloom. We can't wait to hear from you!
