Are Gemstone Engagement Rings Tacky?

We’re witnessing more couples stray away from traditional diamond engagement rings in favor of a more modern alternative: our gemstone engagement rings. From unique sapphire engagement rings to opal, emerald, spinel, tanzanite, and more - the possibilities are endless.

But are gemstone engagement rings tacky? This is something we get asked all the time, and we want to make it perfectly clear that the answer is NO. Gemstone engagement rings are anything but too unconventional.

They’re uniquely personal to your relationship, and can have deeper meaning than a diamond. They put out stunning colors that diamonds can’t replicate, and they’re typically more affordable, too - without any compromise in beauty or quality.

Learn more about how to design a tasteful gemstone engagement ring that reflects your love story. We make it easy at Alexis Russell with a custom engagement ring process that’s fun, fast, and straightforward. Get in touch today to take the next step!

Common Gemstones Used in Engagement Rings

Gemstone engagement rings refer to any ring with a non-diamond center stone. There are countless alternatives to diamond wedding rings and engagement rings, each with its own character, meaning, and appearance.

That’s the appeal of opting for a less traditional engagement ring. Gemstones open up an entire spectrum of design possibilities. Some are known for their durability, others for their color, rarity, or symbolism. Here are our favorite gemstones to incorporate into engagement rings:

• Sapphires: Second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. While deep blue sapphires are most recognizable, they come in green, peach, yellow, and even white. Timeless look and exceptional strength.

• Emeralds: Known for their lush green hue and natural inclusions (called “jardin”). A bold and romantic choice. They rank slightly lower on the hardness scale, but with proper care, they can last for generations. They pair beautifully with vintage-inspired settings.

• Rubies: Technically part of the sapphire family (both are corundum), but their rich red tone gives them a distinct identity. Rubies symbolize passion and vitality. Their strength and saturation make them a stunning center stone.

• Opals: One of the most visually unique gemstones with their ethereal play-of-color. No two opals are ever exactly alike. They’re softer and require a bit more care, but they’re beloved for their dreamlike, mystical beauty.

• Spinel: Often mistaken for sapphire or ruby with deep, saturated color - but at a more accessible price point. It also scores well in durability. From moody gray to vibrant pink or lavender, spinel is versatile.

• Tanzanite: Known for its striking violet-blue hue and rarity. Only found in one place on Earth: near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Slightly softer than sapphires or spinel, but truly one-of-a-kind.

 

There are plenty more gemstones worth considering at Alexis Russell if you’ve decided to explore more unique engagement rings. Are gemstone engagement rings too alternative compared to diamonds, though?

Are Gemstone Engagement Rings Too Unconventional, Though?

Short answer: absolutely not! Gemstone engagement rings aren’t tacky. We’d describe them as thoughtful, expressive, and deeply personal. In fact, more couples today are looking for meaningful alternatives to the traditional diamond ring, and gemstones offer all that and more. These rings reflect individuality, creative freedom, and modern love stories that don’t fit into cookie-cutter molds. In short: gemstone engagement rings aren’t a downgrade at all.

Why Gemstone Engagement Rings Are Anything But Too Unconventional

It’s easy to see why gemstone engagement rings are gaining popularity. It’s not necessarily about the modern couple “rejecting tradition,” as much as it is rewriting it to reflect what really matters: individuality, intention, and emotional connection.

They’re Uniquely Personal and Expressive

A diamond says “I’m engaged.”

A gemstone says who you are and what you and your other half stand for.

Gemstones bring character to a ring in a way that diamonds simply can’t. From the soft opalescence of moonstone to the bold fire of spinel, every stone has a story. That’s the fun part: choosing an engagement ring that’s a true reflection of your relationship.

Maybe it’s the birthstone of the month you met. Maybe it’s a color that means something to you both. Or maybe it’s just something you’ve never seen on anyone else. That’s the beauty - gemstone rings are rarely duplicated!

Gemstones Are a Reflection of Modern Values

Let’s be honest. What people used to call “tradition” is often just a narrow idea of what engagement rings should look like. Today, couples are rewriting that script with more inclusive, intentional, and ethical choices.

Gemstones can be sourced in ways that align with values you and your partner might have - sustainability, responsible mining, and small-scale artistry. And unlike the conventional diamond industry, gemstones tend to be a more transparent and story-driven buying experience.

Non-Diamond Doesn’t Mean Non-Luxury

Don’t get us wrong, diamonds are stunning in their own right. We’re not here to steer you away from them - we sell diamond engagement rings, after all! But does an engagement ring have to be a diamond? Not at all - and that doesn’t mean you’re settling.

Gemstones are luxurious in their own right. They just express it differently. They’re not about showing off status or checking boxes. Instead, gemstones exude taste, design, and meaning. In fact, many gemstones are rarer than diamonds, and just as mesmerizing.

We don’t see gemstones as “alternatives” here at Alexis Russell. They’re centerpieces in their own category of fine jewelry. That’s why we treat them with the same care, craftsmanship, and customization as any traditional diamond.

Price Accessibility With No Compromise on Beauty

We can’t pretend price isn’t part of the conversation, either. One of the best parts about gemstone engagement rings is you can often get a larger stone for less than a traditional diamond, again, without compromising on quality or impact.

This also lets you invest in other things that matter to you: your wedding, a honeymoon, a future home, or adding to your stack (wink wink).

Affordable doesn’t mean cheap by any stretch of the imagination, though. Premium gemstone engagement rings like ours here at Alexis Russell are thoughtfully handcrafted, with ethical sourcing and made-to-order care. You get what you pay for!

How to Make a Gemstone Ring Look Elegant and Elevated

So are gemstone engagement rings too alternative? Clearly not. They can be just as elevated (if not more so) than their diamond counterparts when crafted intentionally and with the help of a trusted jeweler, like Alexis Russell.

The tricky part is striking a balance between bold color, timeless design, and refined details. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here are some quick tips on getting started.

Picking the Perfect Stone For Your Ring

Maybe you’re wondering, is sapphire good for an engagement ring? It certainly can be. But it’s just one of the many stones worth considering as you create the ring of your dreams:

• Sapphires (blue, peach, teal, and beyond) evoke a classic yet modern feel with rich color saturation and durability.

• Emeralds bring vintage glamour and depth but require a bit more care due to their softer nature.

• Spinel and tourmaline are rising stars for their unique hues and high clarity.

• Opals offer a dreamy, ethereal look that feels artistic and soft - perfect for someone drawn to subtle iridescence over sparkle.

Consider cut, too. A well-proportioned emerald, oval, or round cut is a great way to elevate a gemstone’s look. On the other hand, more unusual shapes like kite or shield cuts can feel edgy and modern.

Clarity and color consistency also matter. Stones with minimal inclusions and even coloration often appear more polished and high-end. But, there’s something captivating about stones featuring pockets of inclusions too. There are no right or wrong answers - only what resonates with you.

Choose a Thoughtful Setting That Complements the Stone

Selecting either a bezel vs prong setting can make or break the look and feel of your ring. But the setting also supports the stone physically, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Bezel settings are great for minimalist rings with clean lines and security. Prong settings maximize light exposure, which can create a more delicate or airy appearance.

You could also consider east-west orientations, halos, and side stones- these bring a bit more visual interest without overwhelming the stone.

Metal color plays a key role too. Warm metals like yellow or rose gold bring softness and richness, while white gold or platinum feel modern and crisp. We have a more detailed guide on choosing between 14k vs 18k gold engagement ring if you’re interested.

Most of all, remember that balance is everything. A smaller stone can be made to feel more substantial with a wide band or halo detail. Conversely, a larger center stone might look best with an understated, streamlined setting. A jeweler can help you navigate all these nuances.

Pair Thoughtfully With Wedding Bands

Your wedding band should complement (not compete with) your gemstone ring for a cohesive, elevated look. Common options include:

• Contour bands that nestle around a center stone offer a seamless fit.

• Simple gold bands add timeless contrast to bold or colorful stones.

• Eternity or half-eternity bands can bring in subtle sparkle while letting the gemstone remain the focal point.

A custom-fit band might be your best bet to preserve harmony if your ring has a unique shape or asymmetry. You can learn more about how to choose a wedding band in our blog - or get in touch with the experts at Alexis Russell for one-on-one support every step of the way today!

Why Alexis Russell Is the #1 Choice for Tasteful Gemstone Engagement Rings

Whether you’re drawn to a sapphire vs diamond engagement ring, Alexis Russell can help you create a tasteful work of art you’ll feel confident popping the question with.

Every ring is handcrafted in our New York studio using ethically sourced stones, recycled metals, and one-on-one collaboration with our clients. We specialize in gemstone-forward designs that feel modern, wearable, and deeply personal. You’ll never find anything mass-produced in our collection.

We guide you through every design choice, from selecting the perfect stone to finalizing band width, setting style, and pairing recommendations. The result is a ring that doesn’t just look beautiful - it feels like YOU.

Your love story is far from ordinary, so why should your ring be any different? We’re here to help you create something that’s equal parts meaningful and stunning. Take the next step today!