Best Stones for Engagement Rings: A Complete Guide from Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

Choosing an engagement ring is one of life’s most meaningful decisions. The gemstone you select becomes a daily companion. It also serves as a reflection of your love story, your taste, and your hopes for the future.

For generations, diamonds have been the classic choice, but today more couples are exploring different gems for engagement rings, from vivid sapphires to rare alexandrites. The key is finding a stone that balances beauty, durability, and personal significance. As Chicagoland’s largest diamond importer and a family-owned jeweler carrying many designer and luxury brands, Albert’s is here to help you discover the perfect match.

How to Choose the Best Gemstone for Your Engagement Ring

A great engagement ring stone should stay stunning through a lifetime of wear. When you’re deciding which gem suits you best, consider four essentials:

Durability matters most. 

The Mohs hardness scale rates minerals from 1 to 10; diamonds top the chart at 10. For everyday wear, stones rated 7 or higher (like diamonds, moissanite, or sapphires) handle the knocks of daily life with grace.

Think about your style. 

Do you love the brilliance of a colorless stone, or are you drawn to vibrant hues? Whether you’re a minimalist or a romantic, your gemstone should mirror your personality.

Set a clear budget. 

Decide what’s most important between color, size, clarity, or rarity. Lab-created gems can offer identical properties to natural stones at lower prices, and protective settings for softer stones may affect overall cost.

Match the stone and setting. 

Prong settings maximize sparkle in hard stones; bezels or halos cushion softer ones. Metal choice also shapes the look of your ring. White metals intensify cool tones, while yellow or rose gold enhances warmth.

The Top Gemstones for Engagement Rings

Here’s an in-depth look at the most popular and best stones for engagement rings, with guidance on care, style, and value.

Diamond: Timeless Brilliance

A diamond’s sparkle is legendary for good reason. Scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, it’s the hardest natural material, capable of withstanding decades of daily wear. Its brilliance and fire come from expert cutting. Whether you prefer round, oval, cushion, or fancy shapes, diamonds deliver a clean, dazzling light.

At Albert’s, our selection is unmatched thanks to our role as Chicagoland’s largest diamond importer. We offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds in every size and style, from classic solitaires to designer halos, ensuring you’ll find the one that speaks to you.

Moissanite: Brilliance with Value

Moissanite shines with extraordinary fire and clarity, often rivaling a diamond’s sparkle. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it’s almost as hard, making it an excellent choice for couples who want enduring brilliance without the same investment. Its eco-friendly origins add appeal, and it looks beautiful in everything from sleek solitaires to vintage-inspired designs.

Sapphire: Regal and Versatile

Sapphires have captivated royalty and romantics for centuries. Known for their deep, velvety blue, they also come in pink, yellow, green, and the rare padparadscha blend of peach and pink. With a Mohs hardness of 9, sapphires stand up to daily life while bringing rich color to any setting. A sapphire center stone, framed by diamonds or set in white gold, makes for an unforgettable ring.

Ruby: The Gem of Passion

Rubies radiate warmth and vitality, their hues ranging from cherry red to the coveted “pigeon blood.” Also, a 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are durable enough for everyday wear and shine brightly in platinum, yellow, or rose gold. Whether you choose a classic solitaire or a bold three-stone design, a ruby engagement ring makes a powerful, romantic statement.

Emerald: Lush Green Sophistication

Emeralds are treasured for their vivid, garden-green color. With a hardness of 7.5–8, emeralds require a little extra care and often benefit from protective halo or bezel settings. Their natural inclusions, called jardin, only enhance their organic charm. Properly set and maintained, an emerald ring offers timeless elegance with vintage flair.

Alexandrite: Rare and Enchanting

Few stones feel as magical as alexandrite. This remarkable gem shifts from green in daylight to red or purplish tones under evening light, earning its nickname as the “emerald by day, ruby by night.” At 8.5 on the Mohs scale, it’s durable enough for everyday wear, and its rarity makes it an exceptional choice for couples who want something truly unique.

Aquamarine: Tranquil and Cool

With colors that echo the ocean, aquamarine brings calm sophistication to an engagement ring. Ranking 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, it’s sturdy with a thoughtful setting, especially in halos or bezels that protect its edges. Aquamarine’s airy charm is perfect for modern brides who want a subtle, refreshing alternative to diamonds.

Morganite: Blush-Toned Romance

Morganite’s soft peach and pink tones lend warmth and femininity to an engagement ring. With hardness around 7.5–8, it benefits from protective settings but rewards you with a glow that complements rose gold or yellow gold beautifully. Its affordability, coupled with a romantic hue, makes morganite a favorite for couples seeking something graceful and meaningful.

Stones That Need Special Care

Opals, pearls, and other delicate gems may tempt with their luster, but they rank low on the Mohs scale (5.5 or below). Daily wear can easily scratch or chip them. If you adore their beauty, we recommend protective designs or saving them for jewelry meant for special occasions rather than a ring you’ll wear every day.

Caring for Your Gemstone Engagement Ring

A little maintenance goes a long way. Clean your ring gently with warm water and mild soap, and schedule periodic checkups at Albert’s to ensure settings stay secure. Store rings separately to protect surfaces from scratches. With professional care, your ring will keep its glow through anniversaries, celebrations, and everyday moments.

Explore Different Gems for Engagement Rings at Albert’s

Whether your heart leans toward a traditional diamond or one of the many good gems for engagement rings, Albert’s Diamond Jewelers is your trusted partner.

With many designer and luxury brands and the largest Pandora collection in the Midwest outside an actual Pandora store, Albert’s offers expertise and variety you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our engagement rings online, then visit our showroom to see them sparkle in person.