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The Best Gemstone Options for Engagement Rings

February 20th, 2023

A man putting an engagement ring on a woman’s finger after getting down on one knee and proposing

An engagement ring is no small purchase, as is it both monetarily and sentimentally valuable. As it is a ring that you or your partner will likely be wearing for the rest of your life, you’ll want to be certain that the ring you choose will retain its beauty and brilliance over a lifetime. Our experts here at Wilson & Son Jewelers have put together a guide to some of the most dependable and stunning gemstones ideal for featuring in your engagement ring.

A diamond and moissanite ring on a woman’s hand resting on the elbow of her partner wearing a tan suede jacket

Diamonds

For decades, diamonds have been the overwhelmingly popular choice for engagement rings as they are the hardest natural substance on the planet. They set the standard for the Mohs scale by which gemstones’ hardness is measured. Clear diamonds are the most universal option for bridal jewelry, but you can also find diamonds in a variety of colors like pink, yellow, blue, and more. Rest assured that your gem will remain stunning and exceptional for the rest of your life when you choose a brilliant diamond.

Moissanite

For those that are seeking out a gem that is still colorless and strong, but comes at a more affordable cost than diamonds, consider moissanite. It is the second hardest mineral found on earth, scoring a 9.5/10 on the Mohs scale. They also come in soft yellow and green varieties for those seeking a bit of subtle and delicate color.

A sapphire and halo engagement ring on the hand of a woman holding the hand of her love

Sapphire

Sapphires score a 9/10 and are thus quite strong and resistant to damage. These gems are ideal for those looking for a colorful alternative to the typical diamond. While blue sapphires are most common in the world of jewelry, sapphires can also be found in yellow, black, green, and pink. They are vibrant and dependable and make incredible center stones for engagement rings.

Ruby

As rubies are in the same family as sapphires, they also score a 9/10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Ranging in color from fiery red to softer, pinkish varieties, a ruby engagement ring is certain to attract attention. Rubies also make fitting engagement ring choices because they are said to symbolize love and passion.

A solitaire princess cut emerald bezel set in a multi-metal band

Topaz

Topaz comes in at an 8/10, and, while it is naturally clear, inclusions and other contaminants create a great variety of colors from light blues to grassy greens to peachy oranges and more. They also occur in large crystals, so it is much easier to find them in larger cuts for a big, eye-catching stone.

Emerald

Scoring a 7.5/10 on the Mohs scale, emeralds offer a fresh, exciting green hue that ranges in color from yellow green to blue green. Emeralds often feature inclusions that many find charming, showing off their uniqueness. However, avoid emeralds that have inclusions close to the surface, as this could cause unfortunate chipping.

A close up of a side view of a halo engagement ring that a woman is holding between her fingers

Shop Engagement Rings at Wilson & Son Jewelers

It would be our supreme pleasure to play a part in your unique love story by providing you with the engagement ring of your dreams. We’ve stocked our Scarsdale jewelry store with an immaculate select of designer engagement rings that reflect our commitment to excellence and passion for creativity. Book an appointment for a personalized consultation with one of our experienced team members so that we can learn what exactly you’re looking for in this important piece and help find a match.