Engagement rings are meant to symbolize something precious and beautiful. Diamonds are undoubtedly gorgeous, but they are not your only option when selecting an engagement ring. Many couples are choosing rings with center gemstones instead of the traditional white diamond.

If you choose to go this route, there are many gemstones that are historically linked with love and similar emotions. A gemstone engagement ring with this kind of symbolism can be a wonderful break from tradition and offers an affordable, unique alternative to traditional rings.

Red Gemstones

Red gemstones are usually associated with love and passion. Rubies are used to symbolize love and enduring friendship, but other red gemstones can be used as the center stone for an engagement ring. Garnets are an affordable alternative to Rubies, and symbolize passionate devotion to your loved ones.

While more pink than red, rose Quartz has long been used to promote love and bring peace to relationships. This gemstone would be an exceptionally unique stone to use in an engagement ring.

Green Gemstones

Symbolically linked to faithfulness, green gemstones are a beautiful alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. Emeralds are the most popular choice and were historically believed to promote love and faithfulness among partners. Green Tourmaline, Jade, or Tsavorite (green Garnets) are also excellent choices.

Blue Gemstones

Blue gemstones have long been linked to purity and spirituality, and are an excellent choice as a center stone for engagement rings. Sapphires are a popular choice because they symbolize reliability, permanence and harmony. Lapis Lazuli, while traditionally more expensive than other gemstones, symbolizes friendship and trust, making it the perfect stone for an engagement ring.

Aquamarine signifies trust, harmony and lasting relationships and can be very attractive as a center stone. Iolite also works well as the center stone because of its amazing durability and beautiful color. Blue Tourmaline, said to represent honesty and tolerance, can also be used.

Pearls

Pearls have long been associated with weddings and would make an exceptionally unique choice when used in an engagement ring. Said to represent purity and innocence, pearls are a gorgeous testament to undying love between a couple. If you choose to use a pearl as the center stone, look for a setting that will complement the stones beauty, such as an antique setting.

If you’d like, you can have small diamonds on each side of the center pearl for a truly unique engagement ring that combines the symbolism of both stones.

Birthstones

Birthstone engagement rings are truly symbolic of a couple’s love for one another. Combine a birthstone ring with small diamonds within the setting, or allow the ring to stand alone as a testament to your love. Whatever you choose, the ring will be a lasting reminder of the one you love and are an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

Gemstone engagement rings are an affordable alternative to traditional diamonds and are a unique way to express true love and passion. Because many gemstones are historically symbolic of love, purity and enduring relationships, choosing a gemstone engagement ring offers a beautiful representation of your love and life together.