Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gemstone for Your Engagement Ring

Finding the right engagement ring can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Searching for a single piece of jewellery that can convey huge emotions and the promise of commitment is a daunting task, which is why most people turn to experts for advice. At Hatton Garden Diamond, our specialist knowledge can make the process of choosing an engagement ring easy and exciting. 

When it comes to asking that all-important question, most people look to arm themselves with a classic gemstone engagement ring. Beautiful stones give engagement rings an eye-catching centrepiece, and while diamonds may be the most popular choice, that doesn’t mean they’re the only choice. When looking for the best gemstones for engagement rings, there are several options you might want to consider.

What is a gemstone?

A gemstone is formed from polished and cut mineral crystals and other organic materials. A stone’s value is deduced by studying its appearance, looking at qualities such as the cut, clarity, colour and weight. Its weight is also referred to as its carat. Gemstones can be mined, or created artificially in a lab. For engagement rings, the most common type of gemstone is the diamond, however, in recent years, other stones have been growing in popularity. 

What qualities should I look for in an engagement ring gemstone?

As well as choosing something your partner will find beautiful, there are other important factors to consider when choosing the best gemstones for engagement rings.

• Hardness – this refers to how easy it is to chip or scratch the gemstone. For example, pearls are very easily chipped because of how soft they are, so aren’t often seen as engagement rings.
• Shape – the shape or cut of a gemstone can also have an impact over how well it’ll withstand wear and tear. Sharp corners are more likely to sustain damage if not set securely.
• Price – based on all of the factors we’ve mentioned so far, some gemstones are worth more than others. You will have to factor this into your engagement ring plans, such as what band material you choose.

The best gemstones for engagement rings

Let’s break down the common gemstones used for engagement rings and which one may suit you best. 

Diamond

As previously mentioned, diamond engagement rings are the most popular type of gemstone engagement ring on the market. They are extremely durable, boasting impressive hardness – this makes them a long-lasting gemstone that is hard to damage, which is ideal for a piece of jewellery meant to be worn every day. They also possess brilliant shine and reflectivity, making them an eye-catching addition to any hand. Diamonds also come in a variety of colours, which is great for people looking to strike a balance between traditional and unique for their engagement ring.

Sapphire

Considering that sapphire engagement rings have been seen worn by Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Eugenie, it’s no wonder that they exude a sense of royalty and luxury. Not quite as durable as diamonds but still able to hold their own, sapphires are known for the beautiful deep blue colour they are often seen in – though they also come in green, yellow, black, and even purple. 

Ruby

Rubies, sometimes referred to as the sister of sapphires, share second place for the most durable gemstones after diamonds. Ruby red is a classically romantic colour, and these red hues can have undertones ranging from orange to purple. This gemstone has long been considered to represent love and commitment, making it a deeply symbolic choice for an engagement ring. 

Emerald

Beautiful but brittle, emeralds are a popular engagement ring choice despite being more susceptible to breakage than the other stones on this list. They come in a variety of lush greens, making them the perfect choice for someone looking for a pop of colour for their proposal. In mythology, emeralds are associated with Venus, the goddess of love – what could be better for an engagement ring?

The Perfect Gemstone Engagement Ring Awaits at Hatton Garden DiamondHere at Hatton Garden Diamond, you are bound to find the perfect gemstone engagement ring that suits your preferences, whether from one of our collections or a bespoke ring designed to your specifications. Contact us today for more information about our products or for any enquiries.