Non-Diamond Wedding Rings: Your Guide

More earth-friendly

Diamond mining is inherently disruptive to the Earth, and even with all the advancements in earth-friendly mining and restoration, the most sustainable option is to skip them altogether. Even lab diamonds have a significant carbon footprint, so if a low environmental impact is important to you, opt for an artisanally mined colored gemstone or skip the stones altogether and choose a hand-engraved, curved, or textured gold band.

Options for non-diamond wedding rings

There's so many ways to add interest to your wedding stack - whether it's with the stones, the shape, the texture, the simplicity - the limit really does not exist. See a few of our favorites in each category:

• Colored Gemstone Wedding rings

• Hand-Engraved Wedding Rings

• Curved or Contoured Wedding rings

• Textured Wedding Rings

• Simple Gold Wedding Rings

If you're a Gem Breakfast frequenter, you know we LOVE a unique gemstone wedding ring or treat-yourself ring. We fully embrace the world of color and love to dance upon a rainbow of sapphires and spinels in every hue under the sun.

One caveat for your wear-everyday gemstone wedding ring: make sure you choose from the various gemstones that are durable enough for everyday wear. Our favorites are: sapphires, rubies, spinel, and chrysoberyl.

Sapphire non diamond wedding rings

While most people think royal blue when they hear sapphire, the truth is sapphire comes in a full rainbow of hues - think pink, purple, green, teal, yellow, orange, even white! So whether you're looking for an emerald-esque wicked-worthy wedding band in a rich green hue, a ballerina pink sapphire dream, or a white sapphire band that looks like diamonds (but at a much lower cost), we've got you!

Read our Complete Guide to Sapphires for more on our favorite colored gem!

Ruby non diamond wedding rings

Rubies are actually made of the same mineral as sapphires - corundrum. That means they're just as durable for wear-everyday rings. If you love a dramatic red moment, rubies cannot be matched in their vibrancy, sparkle, and regalness. They're all over the crown jewels for a reason!

Spinel non diamond wedding rings

An incredibly underhyped and lesser-known stone, spinel is one of our favorite colored gemstones. With a hardness of 8, and found in a plethora of prismatic vibrant hues that shift with the light, this rare gemstone is a delight that costs significantly less than its more popular cousins, sapphires and rubies. Read our blog to learn more about spinel.

Keep scrolling to see a full rainbow of our favorite colored gemstone wedding rings! Click here to browse our full collection of one-of-a-kind and made-to-order Gemstone Wedding Bands in every style or Book a Free Consult to chat custom!

From cosmic star and moon wedding rings to nature inspired wedding rings and everything in between, engraving can take a gold band from simple to showstopping and can add a personal and meaningful touch to your wedding ring.

Want to engrave you and your partner's star signs or constellations on your ring? Or maybe your favorite mountain-scape or flower? What about a favorite saying? Most people think of engraving as simply words or letters on the inside of a ring, but we work with a master hand engraver who can immortalize any simple or intricate designs on your ring.

Browse our made-to-order Engraved Rings or book a Free Consult to chat about creating something completely custom!

If you have a low-profile or non-stackable engagement ring, a curved or contour band is the way to go for a seamless stack. If you have a stackable ring with a raised setting, straight bands will sit flush alongside your ring.

Shaped bands can also add some extra height and visual interest to your engagement ring stack. And if you want to combine a curved design with colored gemstones, hand-engraving, AND texture, we've got you there too.

Discover our made-to-order curved wedding bands or book a Free Virtual Consult to create a completely custom made-for-you design. Remember, there's no upcharge to creating custom since all of our bands are crafted by hand.

To add extra detail and dimension to your stack, consider a textured wedding ring. Whether it has milgrain, is braided, carved, hammered, or blessed with other distinctive detailing, a textured ring can take your stack from cute to compliment-inducing.  

Don't underestimate the timeless allure of a simple gold band to add a minimalist golden gleam to your wedding stack. All our wedding bands are available in platinum and 14 karat or 18 karat yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or our signature Peach Gold. Opt for polished for a high-shine surface or try out brushed gold for a modern, matte finish.

Unadorned gold and platinum bands are the the most durable wedding ring option so if you have a high-impact lifestyle and love a modern, minimal look, a simple gold wedding ring may be your match.

Your non-diamond wedding rings answered

What are popular alternatives to diamonds for wedding rings?

The most popular non-diamond gemstones for wedding rings are sapphires, emeralds, rubies, spinel, amethysts, and aquamarines. Make sure to choose a gemstone that's durable enough for everyday wear, taking your lifestyle into account.

How durable are non-diamond gemstones for daily wear?

Every gemstone has a different durability. Rated a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires and rubies are the most durable non-diamond gemstones for fine jewelry.

Are non-diamond engagement rings more affordable?

Generally, non-diamond gemstones are more affordable than diamonds, but prices vary based on factors like rarity, size, and quality. Some colored gemstones, like high-quality emeralds or rare sapphires, can be more valuable than diamonds.

How do I care for a non-diamond gemstone ring?

Care varies by gemstone, but generally we recommend you: remove your ring for any potentially damaging activity, keep it away from harsh chemicals, and clean it regularly with warm water, dishsoap, and a soft bristle toothbrush. Take your ring in for annual professional checkups to check for loose prongs, worn settings, and overall wear and tear - call it ring maintenance!

Read our blog How to Care For Your Fine Jewelry for more!

Are non-diamond rings socially acceptable for engagements and weddings?

Yes! Remember, your engagement and wedding are your own and you should choose whatever you love the most. Non-diamond rings are distinctive and delicious and perfect for those who love them.

Do non-diamond rings hold their value over time?

Non-diamond rings, just like diamond rings, typically depreciate after purchase, with resale value depending on factors like gemstone quality, market demand, and craftsmanship. High-quality stones will retain more value, especially if they're well-maintained.