Gemstone Engagement Rings: Meaning, Rarity, and How to Choose the Right One

If you're looking for something truly unique—something with meaning, color, and personality—gemstone engagement rings might be exactly what you need.

Whether you're drawn to the symbolism of sapphires, the rarity of rubies, or the vintage elegance of garnets, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover which gemstones are best (and worst) for daily wear, how to spot quality, and what your gemstone says about your love story.

New to engagement ring design? Start with our beginner’s guide to creating a custom engagement ring.

Plus, we’ll feature some of our favorite one-of-a-kind creations throughout. Let’s get started.

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Why Choose a Gemstone Engagement Ring?

Diamonds are classic—but gemstones tell stories. A gemstone engagement ring is about more than sparkle; it’s about color, emotion, and individuality. Many of our clients choose them because they want something truly handmade, symbolic, and one of a kind.

Explore our full unique engagement rings collection for women to see what’s possible when creativity meets craftsmanship.

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⚠️ Gemstone Durability & Caution

What gemstones should not be used for engagement rings?

Not all gemstones are built for daily wear. Engagement rings are exposed to hands-on activity, so durability matters.

Stones to avoid for everyday wear:

• Opal – Soft, porous, and sensitive to temperature or chemicals

• Pearl – Easily scratched and can lose luster over time

• Moonstone – Beautiful but fragile; better for occasional wear

If you're drawn to softer stones, consider a protective setting or reserve them for cocktail rings and heirloom pieces.

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Top Gemstone Options for Engagement Rings

When selecting a gemstone for your engagement ring, look for a balance of durability, symbolism, and personal style. The best choices offer timeless meaning and everyday strength.

Sapphire

Mohs 9 | Symbol: Loyalty, Protection
Hard, brilliant, and classic—sapphires are among the most durable gemstones. Beyond royal blue, sapphires are also found in pink, yellow, green, and Parti Sapphire, a rare multi-colored variety.

See our pear-shaped sapphire ring accented with natural diamonds

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Emerald

Mohs 7.5–8 | Symbol: Growth, Renewal, Rebirth
Treasured for their deep green hue and vintage character, emeralds are timeless. They’re slightly softer but still suitable for daily wear with the right care.

View our emerald and diamond halo ring for bold elegance.

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Ruby

Mohs 9 | Symbol: Passion, Courage, Commitment
Rubies stand out for their vivid red tones and resilience. As one of the hardest gemstones, they're made to last.

Explore our lab-created ruby ring with a diamond cluster setting.

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Garnet

Mohs 6.5–7.5 | Symbol: Vitality, Devotion, Protection
Garnets range in color and depth, offering a vintage look that blends charm with symbolism.

Discover our Asscher cut garnet ring for a structured, geometric feel.

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Spinel & Tourmaline

Spinel is often mistaken for ruby—thanks to its brilliance—but stands on its own in durability. Tourmaline, while slightly softer, offers stunning hues like pink, green, and teal.

See our vintage-style red spinel ring with old-world character.

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Morganite

Mohs 7.5 | Symbol: Compassion, Unconditional Love
Popular for its soft blush tone, morganite pairs beautifully with rose gold. Romantic and modern, it’s ideal for a feminine aesthetic.

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Aquamarine

Mohs 7.5–8 | Symbol: Clarity, Peace, Communication
With its light blue tone and calming energy, aquamarine feels fresh, modern, and serene. A wonderful alternative to traditional blue sapphires.

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Tanzanite

Mohs 6–7 | Symbol: Transformation, Spiritual Growth
Deep blue-violet and highly rare, tanzanite is an eye-catching option for non-traditional brides. Best for those willing to handle with care.

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Most Popular & Most Rare

What is the most popular engagement gemstone?

The top 3:

• Sapphire – Durable, meaningful, and available in many colors

• Ruby – Deep red and bold, perfect for standout designs

• Emerald – Elegant and vibrant with a vintage soul

Looking for something unexpected? Parti Sapphire—a multi-colored sapphire—is growing fast in popularity.

Explore our kite-shaped Parti Sapphire ring styled with a crown-like setting.

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What is the rarest gemstone engagement ring?

One of the rarest is Alexandrite, a color-change stone that shifts from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Extremely scarce and prized for its uniqueness.

Other rare options:

• Spinel – Misidentified for centuries as ruby, now gaining appreciation

• Padparadscha Sapphire – A rare pink-orange sapphire with a sunset hue

At Treasured & Co., we offer one-of-a-kind pieces like our lab ruby cluster ring and red spinel vintage ring—but we’ll always educate you on options beyond our current stock.

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Gemstone Quality: How to Identify the Best Stones

Are sapphires good for an engagement ring?

Absolutely. Sapphires are strong (Mohs 9), and resistant to scratching or fading.
Signs of quality:

• Rich, even color

• Minimal but natural inclusions

• Clean, brilliant cut

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Is emerald good for an engagement ring?

Yes, if properly cared for.
Light vs. Dark Emeralds:

• Light = airy, ethereal

• Dark = luxurious, bold

Quality checklist:

• Vivid green with minimal gray

• Slight “jardin” (inclusions) are normal

• Colombian origin is considered top tier

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Is ruby good for an engagement ring?

Yes—one of the hardest and most meaningful colored gemstones.
What to look for:

• Vivid red with depth

• Clean sparkle

• Lab-created options for beauty + value

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❤️ Which Gemstone Fits You Best?

Choosing a gemstone isn’t just about color—it’s about connection.

• Love timeless elegance? Consider emerald or sapphire

• Want something bold and rare? Try ruby or spinel

• Obsessed with pinks and halo sparkle? This pink tourmaline ring combines ruby, diamond, and vintage glam

No matter what gemstone you choose, your ring should reflect you.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Gemstone engagement rings are more than just a trend—they’re personal, meaningful, and completely one of a kind.

Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to create something custom, we're here to help guide you every step of the way.

Explore our full Unique Engagement Rings for Women or contact us here to begin a custom design consultation.

We also welcome you to visit our showroom in Astoria, New York, where you can see our gemstone rings in person and explore custom designs with us. We’d love to help you find your perfect one-of-a-kind engagement ring.