5 Mined Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings

From the 1950s, mined Diamonds have been marketed as the traditional choice for an engagement ring.

However, did you know before this Sapphires, Emeralds and Rubies - known as the big 3 - were coveted as the best precious stones alongside Diamonds? A vast array of gemstones such as Aquamarines, Garnets and our more eco-friendly Solar Diamonds have grown increasingly popular, so we shouldn’t be limiting our choice because of well-known marketing campaigns from the 20th century.

As we break away from many of the traditions set before our time, it’s no surprise that a lot of modern couples are also questioning whether a mined Diamond engagement ring is the right choice to represent their love story.

And quite often, they’re not.

Each of our love stories are completely unique and you deserve something that reflects that.

Plus, opening yourself up to the possibilities of a non-mined Diamond engagement ring will give you a whole host of options within your budget. New styles, size & colours that you may not have considered previously.

So, if you’re interested in exploring options other than a mined Diamond then here are our top picks for alternative engagement rings.

Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphires, generally, are thought to be blue. However, they come in a vast array of colours and shades. From romantic pinks to forest greens, sunshine yellow or vibrant orange and everything in between!

The variety of colours you can get with a Sapphire means your engagement ring will be completely unique to you, even if someone else has a Blue Sapphire ring, no two gemstones are exactly the same.

This is because Sapphires, like most coloured gemstones, are celebrated for their differences. Feathers and inclusions make them unique and hues can vary to suit your preference. So, you could have a deep ocean blue or a light sky blue, it’s completely up to you!

These hard-wearing gems are ranked 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is a great choice for a long-lasting engagement ring. Diamonds are ranked at number 10 as the hardest natural minerals known.

Sapphires are also the official birthstone for September and a traditional gift to celebrate your 5th or 45th wedding anniversary. So, if your soon-to-be fiancé is born in this month or you’re about to celebrate this special milestone, then choosing a Sapphire is a lovely personal touch.

Coloured gemstones also make wonderfully symbolic gifts. Every Sapphire colour is also blessed with certain symbolisms:

• Blue sapphires represent truth, hope and harmony
• Pink sapphires represent femininity, love and pure heart
• Yellow sapphires represent happiness and good fortune
• Purple sapphires represent wisdom and virtue
• Green sapphires represent trust, loyalty and integrity

Here at Fenton, our made-to-order rings are available in Pink, Blue or Yellow Sapphires. However, if you’d like another colour or shade, then we offer a bespoke service that allows you to design a custom ring. Think of unique colour combinations, styles or cuts. Submit your bespoke enquiry form here or get in touch with our expert concierge team.

Ruby Engagement Rings

The fiery Ruby is one of the more well known precious stones. And interestingly enough, gem-quality Rubies are rarer than mined diamonds. In ancient Hindu script, they have been referred to as the ‘King of gemstones’.

This is because the chemicals needed to create Rubies are extremely specific. Any slight addition to the mix can alter the colours into a more pink or orange hue. Which would in turn be a Pink or Orange sapphire.

Sapphires & Rubies belong to the same mineral family called corundum. The colour is decided by whichever element they react with when forming.

Red is, in fact, the most difficult colour to come by in nature, and also the most difficult to find at gem-quality. A good quality Ruby is determined, like other gemstones, by their cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.

For context, Sapphires of this quality are easier to come by, while many Ruby gemstones fall short, which make gem-quality Rubies so rare and desirable.

Symbolically they represent passion and wealth and have been believed to provide protection. Making them a stunning choice of engagement ring to mark the moment between you and your partner.

Rubies are the official birthstone for July.

Emerald Engagement Rings

Throughout history, people have loved the beauty of Emeralds. Next to Rubies and Sapphires, Emeralds are known as one of the ‘big three’ gemstones. Emeralds have a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt from as early as 330BC. With some of the oldest Emeralds believed to be over 2.97 million years old.

The gemstone was highly coveted by Cleopatra who even claimed ownership over the stones during her reign. Luckily, that’s not the case anymore so you’re able to use the luscious green gemstone for your own engagement ring.

Something to keep in mind if you’re interested in an Emerald engagement ring is that they’re a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This is still an acceptable durability score for everyday wear.

However, Emeralds structurally tend to be more brittle than other precious gems, making it a more high maintenance stone versus other gemstones. That being said, there are some precautionary measures you can take to protect your Emerald . You can find out everything you need to know about Emeralds here.

There are different ‘cuts’ which determine the shape of your gemstone. And Emerald’s have their own specific cut simply named the ‘emerald cut’. This cut was created in the 1700s by lapidaries (the official name for a gemstone cutter) to protect the integrity of the stone.

We’d also suggest a bezel set Emerald. This helps to protect the gemstone more than a claw setting that’s quite open, exposing more of the gem to potential damage.

The iconic green of the Emerald can range from a blueish green to a deep, glowing green and has long been said to symbolise successful love, growth, life, and hope.

Aquamarine Engagement Rings

The name Aquamarine is derived from the latin aqua marina meaning ‘sea water’, which reflects this stone's serene blue colouring. Old sailor lore also nicknamed Aquamarine the ‘mermaid stone’ and it was said to ensure safe travels and calm waves.

Aquamarines are a durable stone for everyday wear that rate a 7.5 - 8 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. Their hue can vary from a lovely clear blue through to a more saturated shade of light blue.

They’re also known to be one of the easiest gems to polish to enhance their natural brilliance.

Princess Diana famously wore an emerald cut Aquamarine ring flanked by diamonds on either side set in 24K gold. This trilogy style ring was coveted by the public and still is used as inspiration for many couples to this day.

Solar Diamond Engagement Rings

If you have your heart set on a diamond engagement ring then consider a modern twist on a classic stone, Solar Diamonds.

Setting the new gold standard in fine jewellery Solar Diamonds are an eco-responsible counterpart to mined diamonds. As the name suggests, these diamonds are created using the power of sunlight to form beautifully crafted diamonds.

Not only are Solar Diamonds the best option for an eco-conscious consumer they also come without the hefty price tag mined diamonds bring. Allowing you to pick your dream ring without compromise.

Fenton’s exclusive Solar Diamond collection starts from £1,250. Whereas most traditional jewellers’ would charge almost double the price for 0.75ct mined diamond. So, you’re able to choose everlasting luxury at unrivalled value.

Explore Our Engagement Ring Styles

The Trilogy

The Vintage

The Mayfair

The Trefoil

The Star

The Solitaire

The Halo

The Floral

Ready to start creating your ideal engagement ring? Explore our made-to-order rings in hundreds of combinations here or submit a bespoke jewellery enquiry today.

At Fenton we offer 0% financing options to make payment as seamless as possible. Learn more about our financing options here.

If you have any further questions, get in touch with our concierge team who would be happy to help. Book in for an in-person consultation in the heart of Mayfair, London or book a virtual appointment to guide you through the process from start to finish.