7 Best Diamond Alternatives for Your Engagement Ring

While diamonds are the most popular gemstone set in engagement rings, colored gemstones and diamond alternatives are increasingly sought after.   

Diamonds have been the traditional choice for engagement ring center stones due to their beauty and durability, which symbolize the strength of commitment in marriage. However, there are no rules when it comes to choosing an engagement ring and a diamond center stone might not be the right choice for everyone.   

With a variety of vibrant colors and dazzling cuts, there are alternatives to diamonds that offer an element of distinction. Gemstones like sapphires and emeralds have been prized throughout history and add a touch of allure to engagement rings. For those who love the look of a diamond but may be deterred by factors such as price point, gemstones like moissanite or white sapphire can be substitutes.   

With an array of options available, creating a personalized engagement ring has never been more exciting. Explore our favorite diamond alternatives below to find the perfect gemstone that aligns with your preferences, budget, and values. 

What to Consider Before Choosing a Diamond Alternative

Before choosing a diamond alternative for your engagement ring, consider the following factors:  

• Budget: Determine your budget and explore alternatives that fit within it. Gemstones like moissanite or white sapphire share some visual elements with diamonds while also offering a more affordable price point. 
• Durability: Consider the durability of the gemstone. While diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring mineral on Earth, alternatives like sapphires and morganites are also quite durable and suitable for everyday wear.  
• Color Preference: Decide if you prefer a colorless stone like a diamond, or a colorful gemstone such as an emerald or aquamarine.   
• Ethical Considerations: If ethical sourcing is important to you, research the origin of the gemstone. Look for certifications or choose a lab grown option. 
• Setting Compatibility: Whether a simple solitaire or a more intricate design, consider the type of setting you like best. Metal type is also an important factor when considering a diamond alternative—emeralds look breathtaking in yellow gold while morganites perfectly complement rose gold styles.  
• Long-Term Maintenance: Understand the maintenance requirements of your preferred gemstone. Some may require more frequent cleaning or extra care. 

Best Diamond Alternative

Even though it’s a bit of a misnomer to call lab diamonds “diamond alternatives” (as they have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties), they are generally considered the best alternative to natural diamonds. The only true difference between the two is that lab grown diamonds are manufactured in controlled environments and natural diamonds form deep inside the Earth over millions of years. As natural diamonds are incredibly scarce, lab grown diamonds are offered at a much more accessible price point. 

Most Affordable Diamond Alternative

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. 

7 Popular Diamond Alternatives

1. Lab Diamond

Lab grown diamonds are a compelling natural diamond alternative because they are diamonds, but at a more accessible cost with zero mining. Learn more about lab diamonds in our comprehensive guide.  

2. Moissanite

Moissanite is a great diamond alternative for several reasons. Firstly, it features exceptional brilliance and fire, making it visually similar to diamonds but at a more accessible cost. This allows individuals to choose larger stones without going over their budget. 

Secondly, moissanite is exclusively grown in labs today, making it a mining-free option. 

And lastly, moissanite is incredibly durable, ranking close to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. This durability ensures that moissanites can withstand everyday wear and maintain their brilliance over time, making them a practical choice for engagement rings. Learn more in our moissanite vs. diamond guide.  

3. White Sapphire

White sapphires offer a colorless appearance like diamonds, making them a beautiful and elegant choice for sapphire engagement rings. They are highly durable, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale, ensuring long-lasting quality. Typically more affordable than diamonds, white sapphires also allow for larger or higher-quality stones while staying in budget. Learn more in our sapphire guide.  

4. White Topaz 

White topaz gemstones are excellent diamond alternatives because they exhibit a similar colorless appearance to diamonds and are also relatively affordable in comparison. 

Although they’re not as hard as diamonds, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale, white topaz can withstand everyday wear, making them a practical and cost-effective alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. 

5. Emerald

Emeralds are great diamond alternatives for those seeking a unique and vibrant option. While they differ significantly in appearance from diamonds due to their green hue, emeralds are prized for their stunning color and rich history. They offer a distinctive and elegant look that stands out from traditional colorless diamonds. Learn more about emerald engagement rings in our emerald guide. 

6. Aquamarine

The beautiful blue hue of aquamarines create serene engagement rings. Aquamarines are more affordable than diamonds, making them an attractive option for those seeking a gemstone with significant visual impact at a reasonable price point. 

Additionally, aquamarines are durable gemstones ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This hardness ensures that aquamarine engagement rings can withstand everyday wear.   

7. Morganite

With their soft, delicate pink color, morganites stand out from traditional colorless diamonds and offer a delicate and romantic aesthetic. Morganite engagement rings are only slightly less durable than diamond engagement rings and are more budget-friendly, allowing for larger stones without exceeding budget constraints.  

Ethical Diamond Alternatives

At Brilliant Earth, both our natural and lab diamonds and gemstones undergo rigorous vetting to ensure fair labor conditions and conflict-free origins. Explore our Beyond Conflict Free™ standard and sustainability practices for more information on our commitment to ethics and transparency. 

Pros and Cons of Diamond Alternatives

Pros:  

• Affordability: Diamond alternatives like moissanite, white sapphire, or white topaz are often more budget-friendly than natural, allowing you to get a larger stone for a lesser price.  
• Variety: Gemstone alternatives offer a wide range of colors and aesthetics, allowing for more striking designs compared to traditional colorless diamonds.  
• Ethical Considerations: There are many lab grown or ethically sourced diamond alternative options for a more responsible choice. 

Cons:   

• Durability: No other gemstone is as hard as a diamond. While sapphires and moissanites come close, diamonds are the gemstones best equipped to last a lifetime.  
• Brilliance: If you are most interested in an engagement ring with dazzling sparkle, it’s hard to recreate a diamond’s brilliance with an alternative gemstone. While other gems do sparkle, none of them will have the same glitter and brilliance of a diamond.  

Diamond Alternative FAQs

Is moissanite a good diamond alternative?

Yes, moissanite is a great diamond alternative due to its exceptional brilliance, durability, and affordability, offering a visually similar appearance to diamonds at a lower cost. 

What are diamond alternatives?

Diamond alternatives are simply any gemstone a person might choose instead of a diamond for an engagement ring or other fine jewelry.