saving on jewelry for dress-up games

When you think about engagement rings, diamonds probably come to mind. But more and more couples are choosing not to wear diamond engagement rings, and to instead go with an alternative gem. If you want to go against the grain — either because you are not a fan of the diamond industry or do not love the look of these gems — here are a few alternative stones to consider.

Rubies

Red is the color of love, and rubies are red. This makes them a really stunning choice for an engagement ring. Most ruby rings feature one large ruby in the middle because cutting smaller rubies is not easy, but occasionally you will find a jeweler who makes rings with multiple small rubies. A ruby's red color tends to look better with a silver or platinum band than with a gold one.

Sapphire

Sapphires are typically a bold and brilliant blue. This makes them a good choice for anyone who prefers a flashier ring. This gem is said to symbolize faithfulness, which makes it a good choice for an engagement ring. Sapphires are also very, very hard and difficult to chip or damage, making them ideal for anyone who works with their hands or has an active job. They look beautiful with silver bands or when paired with some clear gems, like moissanite.

Emeralds

With their deep green color, emeralds symbolize newness and growth. This makes them a good choice for an engagement, which symbolizes the relative beginning of a relationship that should continue to grow in the years that come. Emeralds look nice with gold settings, making them a good choice for anyone who prefers gold to silver. They are a little on the softer side, however, so they are not always ideal for those who work with their hands or tend to be clumsy.

Cubic Zirconia

What if you like the look of diamonds, but you just can't get behind the mining process or their cost? Cubic zirconia might be for you. It is a lab-made material that is designed to look like a diamond. A jeweler would be able to tell the difference, but most people won't know the gem is not a diamond. Meanwhile, a ring made with this artificial gem will cost hundreds of dollars rather than thousands.

If a diamond engagement ring is simply not right for you, then you have plenty of other options.

For more information, contact a custom engagement ring shop in your area.