10 Of The Best Gemstone Engagement Rings, According To Our Review (2024)

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VettedFashion

Katherine Louie

Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

The best gemstone engagement rings feature vibrant gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies, and typically cost less than diamond rings. Although diamonds are more traditional, gemstone engagement rings have become increasingly popular due to their color, affordability and opportunity for self-expression. Tapping into our extensive experience reviewing jewelry, we gathered the most stunning picks to consider. Our list includes Angara’s Sapphire Ring, which was inspired by Princess Diana’s engagement ring, Blue Nile’s glamorous Sapphire Engagement Ring and James Allen’s Accent Ring that you can customize with 11 dazzling gemstone options.

One thing to keep in mind: Sapphire, ruby, topaz, aquamarine and amethyst are some of the most durable gemstones that hold up well to daily wear and tear. Still, if you’re careful with your jewelry, you can consider softer gemstones, such as opal and pearl. Ahead, you’ll find all the best gemstone engagement rings that we highly recommend.

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Editor’s Picks, At A Glance

Shop All The Best Gemstone Engagement Rings

Best Romantic Gemstone Engagement Ring

MOST POPULAR

Blue Nile Classic Pear Shaped Sapphire Engagement Ring

This stunning engagement ring features two pear-shaped sapphires on the side of a center diamond—which you can customize by choosing the cut (round, princess, cushion) in various sizes, ranging from 0.25 to 8 carats. You can further personalize your design by selecting the metal type (platinum or 18k white gold) and adding a complimentary inscription. Blue Nile works with both natural and lab-grown diamonds and offers alifetime manufacturer warranty on all pieces.

Best Vintage-Inspired Gemstone Engagement Ring

Capucinne Bella Aquamarine Engagement Ring With Diamond Matching Band

Capucinne is an excellent option if you’re looking for a custom engagement ring with vintage-inspired details. The brand started as a popular Etsy shop and has since become a fine jeweler that specializes in custom pieces. (In addition to wedding bands and engagement rings, it has necklaces, bracelets and earrings that you can personalize as well.) The Bella Aquamarine Engagement Ring resembles a crown and has round, white diamonds on both sides of the gemstone. Keep in mind that all pieces are made to order and may take additional time to ship.

Best Classic Gemstone Engagement Ring

David Yurman Petite Chatelaine Pavé Bezel Ring

If you love the look of bezel-set engagement rings and want something truly classic, David Yurman’s Petite Chatelaine Pavé Bezel Ring is our top choice. Part of the Chatelaine collection—which highlights richly colored gemstones in sculptural settings—this ring has a “twisted” or rope-like band that can be engraved for a personal touch. Choose from 13 different gemstones for the center stone, offset by 0.11 carats of pavé diamonds.

Best Unique Gemstone Engagement Ring

Bario Neal Dasha Diamond Oval With Emerald Halo Ring

With styles that run the gamut from a round diamond on a plain band to more elaborate designs with multi-color gemstones, you can find just about anything at Bario Neal. The company was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its jewelry is made in-house, which allows for high quality designs and materials. This ring features a stunning oval diamond with an emerald halo—customizations include metal type, lab or natural diamond, finish and hand engraving.

Best Elegant Gemstone Engagement Ring

Angara Lab-Grown Princess Diana Inspired Blue Sapphire Ring

Inspired by Princess Diana’s striking sapphire ring, which was surrounded by a halo of shimmering diamonds, this option from Angara is both elegant and unique. You can choose the gemstone quality (this ranges from premium to heirloom), cart weight and metal type for the band. If you wish to have the band engraved with a special message, engraving is free and there are two different fonts available.

Best Minimalist Gemstone Engagement Ring

Brilliant Earth Ipanema London Blue Topaz And Diamond Ring

Brilliant Earth has become a popular option for engagement rings thanks to its classic styles, personalized pieces and responsible sourcing. The Ipanema London Blue Topaz ring is a timeless option that’s striking and sophisticated. The center blue topaz gemstone is accentuated with sparkling diamonds on a tapered band, and you can customize the type of metal.

Best Dainty Gemstone Engagement Ring

Anna Sheffield Bea Five Stone Ring

Anna Sheffield creates jewelry meant to be passed down from generation to generation and boasts designs you will not find anywhere else. Made using recycled metals (choose from yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold) and a cluster of brilliant gemstones, the delicate Bea Five Stone Ring ring is understated and chic. Keep in mind that this piece is made to order and takes about four to six weeks.

Best Lab-Grown Gemstone Engagement Ring

Grown Brilliance Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

Grown Brilliance is a female-founded company that exclusively sells lab-grown diamonds and gemstones that have minimal environmental impact. The brand uses 96% recycled gold and its packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials. Beyond its commitment to sustainability, Grown Brilliance offers an impressive array of engagement rings at competitive prices. This design features a stunning 3.5 carat fancy pink diamond in the center with round and half-moon diamonds dotting the side.

Best Affordable Gemstone Engagement Ring

James Allen Oval Garnet And Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring

Even though the total carat weight is on the small side, this ring is extremely well-priced and boasts a lifetime warranty and generous return policy (30 days from the date of purchase). Select the gemstone to match the recipient’s birth month, and choose from a 14k yellow gold or 14k white gold band. You can make this a complete set with the matching birthstone earrings and oval necklace, too.

Best Modern Gemstone Engagement Ring

Marrow Mini Sweet Melissa Black Onyx Ring

If you’re searching for something a bit more modern and edgy, Marrow’s Mini Sweet Melissa Black Onyx Ring is the way to go. The pear-shaped black onyx sits on a three-prong setting, and the band has 0.15-carat diamonds for a bit of sparkle. It layers well with other pieces (like this White Diamond Whisper Half Eternity Band) but looks beautiful on its own as well.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Here at Forbes Vetted, we approach all of our product recommendations with transparency and a critical eye. Readers trust us to provide the most accurate information available, so we consider our own experiences in the field and weigh that against testimonials from customers who’ve tried the best gemstone engagement rings themselves.

As a team, we've tried on, evaluated and put a lot of clothing and accessories through the wringer to rate the performance, quality and value for your money. Our passion for high-quality jewelry includes recommendations for the best lab-grown diamonds, as well as other topics, such as the best watch brands and the best jewelry brands for everyday wear.

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10 Of The Best Gemstone Engagement Rings, According To Our Review (2024)

FAQs

Which stone is perfect for an impressive engagement ring? ›

Because of its superior hardness and vast array of colours, a sapphire/ruby is a great choice for a gemstone engagement ring. Many royal engagements have featured rings crafted with these stones.

What is the most meaningful stone for an engagement ring? ›

Sapphires have long been associated with royalty, wisdom, and loyalty, making them a meaningful choice for engagement rings. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are an exceptionally durable option that can withstand daily wear.

What is the most desired engagement ring? ›

Solitaire Engagement Rings

By far the most popular engagement ring style is the classic and elegant solitaire, notably the round diamond solitaire ring. As the name 'solitaire' would suggest, this ring type features a single diamond held above the band.

What expensive gemstone are usually in engagement rings? ›

Common gemstone choices include Sapphire, Emerald, and Ruby. Aquamarine engagement rings, Morganite engagement rings, Tanzanite engagement rings, Opal engagement rings, and Amethyst engagement rings are gaining popularity too. However, some of these stones will not stand up to daily wear.

What is the strongest gemstone for rings? ›

Diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale, this means they're the hardest gemstone (they're even used in drill bits!), and will weather a lot of wear and tear.

Which stone ring is for money? ›

Peridot's green color is a popular symbol for money, thus giving this gemstone the nickname, “money stone.” Peridot is traditionally known to bring financial success and help with decision-making involving money. This stone can help increase willpower and luck in wealth.

What Stone is Kate Middleton engagement ring? ›

Kate Middleton's engagement ring features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire centre stone surrounded by 14 round-cut solitaire diamonds. The sapphire and diamonds on the ring are set on a pristine 18-carat white gold band, making it a unique and one-of-a-kind sapphire engagement band.

What stone looks like a diamond but cheaper? ›

Moissanite is the most affordable diamond alternative for those who are looking for a diamond-like appearance and don't want to lose out on radiance. Because moissanite has a higher refractive index than a diamond, it will exhibit a fierier, rainbow brilliance at a lower cost.

What is considered a classy engagement ring? ›

An oval solitaire is somehow not simply a classic, but also a statement piece no matter what setting you choose. Classic white oval diamonds elegantly stand out on their own, so a simple yellow gold band is a great choice for setting.

What is the most used engagement ring? ›

The Most Popular Engagement Ring Shape: Round. The Most Popular Engagement Ring Metal: White Gold. The Most Popular Engagement Ring Center Stone: Diamond. The Most Popular Engagement Ring Setting: Prong Setting.

Is $30,000 a lot for an engagement ring? ›

Diamond cut, weight, and quality are the biggest factors in an engagement ring's final cost. With a $30000 budget, you can easily find a ring with an impressive diamond of high color and clarity grades. However, the wide range of options available for this price may be overwhelming.

What is the best size gem for an engagement ring? ›

Popularity fluctuates depending on region, with European countries preferring a smaller average size of 0.5 carats and American's preferring an engagement ring size between one and two carats.

What gem is more valuable than a diamond? ›

While diamonds are undeniably beautiful and valuable, they are not always the most expensive gemstone on the market. The rarity and unique properties of emeralds, sapphires and rubies often make these precious stones more expensive than diamonds.

What type of engagement ring looks biggest? ›

Best Diamond Shapes for a Big Look

Diamond shapes that carry more of their mass toward the table, or top, of the diamond will look much larger per carat when compared with other shapes that have the mass more evenly distributed. The ones that carry mass at the top are marquise, pear, and oval cut diamonds.

What is the ideal diamond for engagement ring? ›

Half-carat diamonds are the golden mean of engagement rings. They don't look too hefty on fingers and modestly reflect lady's charm. One-carat diamonds are the most sought-after products, and their prices start at $4,500. You can stretch your dollar by selecting a fancy shape.At 1.50 CT, diamonds certainly stand out.

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