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VettedFashion
Katherine Louie Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
The best gemstone engagement rings feature vibrant gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies, and typically cost less than diamond rings. Although diamonds are more traditional, gemstone engagement rings have become increasingly popular due to their color, affordability and opportunity for self-expression. Tapping into our extensive experience reviewing jewelry, we gathered the most stunning picks to consider. Our list includes Angara’s Sapphire Ring, which was inspired by Princess Diana’s engagement ring, Blue Nile’s glamorous Sapphire Engagement Ring and James Allen’s Accent Ring that you can customize with 11 dazzling gemstone options.
One thing to keep in mind: Sapphire, ruby, topaz, aquamarine and amethyst are some of the most durable gemstones that hold up well to daily wear and tear. Still, if you’re careful with your jewelry, you can consider softer gemstones, such as opal and pearl. Ahead, you’ll find all the best gemstone engagement rings that we highly recommend.
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Editor’s Picks, At A Glance
- Best Romantic Gemstone Engagement Ring: Blue Nile Classic Sapphire Engagement Ring
- Best Vintage-Inspired Gemstone Engagement Ring: Capucinne Bella Aquamarine Engagement Ring
- Best Unique Gemstone Engagement Ring: Bario Neal Dasha Diamond Oval With Emerald Halo Ring
- Best Dainty Gemstone Engagement Ring: Anna Sheffield Bea Five Stone Ring
- Best Affordable Gemstone Engagement Ring: James Allen Accent Birthstone Ring
Shop All The Best Gemstone Engagement Rings
Best Romantic Gemstone Engagement Ring
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This stunning engagement ring features two pear-shaped sapphires on the side of a center diamond—which you can customize by choosing the cut (round, princess, cushion) in various sizes, ranging from 0.25 to 8 carats. You can further personalize your design by selecting the metal type (platinum or 18k white gold) and adding a complimentary inscription. Blue Nile works with both natural and lab-grown diamonds and offers alifetime manufacturer warranty on all pieces.
Best Vintage-Inspired Gemstone Engagement Ring
Capucinne is an excellent option if you’re looking for a custom engagement ring with vintage-inspired details. The brand started as a popular Etsy shop and has since become a fine jeweler that specializes in custom pieces. (In addition to wedding bands and engagement rings, it has necklaces, bracelets and earrings that you can personalize as well.) The Bella Aquamarine Engagement Ring resembles a crown and has round, white diamonds on both sides of the gemstone. Keep in mind that all pieces are made to order and may take additional time to ship.
Best Classic Gemstone Engagement Ring
If you love the look of bezel-set engagement rings and want something truly classic, David Yurman’s Petite Chatelaine Pavé Bezel Ring is our top choice. Part of the Chatelaine collection—which highlights richly colored gemstones in sculptural settings—this ring has a “twisted” or rope-like band that can be engraved for a personal touch. Choose from 13 different gemstones for the center stone, offset by 0.11 carats of pavé diamonds.
Best Unique Gemstone Engagement Ring
With styles that run the gamut from a round diamond on a plain band to more elaborate designs with multi-color gemstones, you can find just about anything at Bario Neal. The company was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its jewelry is made in-house, which allows for high quality designs and materials. This ring features a stunning oval diamond with an emerald halo—customizations include metal type, lab or natural diamond, finish and hand engraving.
Best Elegant Gemstone Engagement Ring
Inspired by Princess Diana’s striking sapphire ring, which was surrounded by a halo of shimmering diamonds, this option from Angara is both elegant and unique. You can choose the gemstone quality (this ranges from premium to heirloom), cart weight and metal type for the band. If you wish to have the band engraved with a special message, engraving is free and there are two different fonts available.
Best Minimalist Gemstone Engagement Ring
Brilliant Earth has become a popular option for engagement rings thanks to its classic styles, personalized pieces and responsible sourcing. The Ipanema London Blue Topaz ring is a timeless option that’s striking and sophisticated. The center blue topaz gemstone is accentuated with sparkling diamonds on a tapered band, and you can customize the type of metal.
Best Dainty Gemstone Engagement Ring
Anna Sheffield creates jewelry meant to be passed down from generation to generation and boasts designs you will not find anywhere else. Made using recycled metals (choose from yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold) and a cluster of brilliant gemstones, the delicate Bea Five Stone Ring ring is understated and chic. Keep in mind that this piece is made to order and takes about four to six weeks.
Best Lab-Grown Gemstone Engagement Ring
Grown Brilliance is a female-founded company that exclusively sells lab-grown diamonds and gemstones that have minimal environmental impact. The brand uses 96% recycled gold and its packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials. Beyond its commitment to sustainability, Grown Brilliance offers an impressive array of engagement rings at competitive prices. This design features a stunning 3.5 carat fancy pink diamond in the center with round and half-moon diamonds dotting the side.
Best Affordable Gemstone Engagement Ring
Even though the total carat weight is on the small side, this ring is extremely well-priced and boasts a lifetime warranty and generous return policy (30 days from the date of purchase). Select the gemstone to match the recipient’s birth month, and choose from a 14k yellow gold or 14k white gold band. You can make this a complete set with the matching birthstone earrings and oval necklace, too.
Best Modern Gemstone Engagement Ring
If you’re searching for something a bit more modern and edgy, Marrow’s Mini Sweet Melissa Black Onyx Ring is the way to go. The pear-shaped black onyx sits on a three-prong setting, and the band has 0.15-carat diamonds for a bit of sparkle. It layers well with other pieces (like this White Diamond Whisper Half Eternity Band) but looks beautiful on its own as well.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we approach all of our product recommendations with transparency and a critical eye. Readers trust us to provide the most accurate information available, so we consider our own experiences in the field and weigh that against testimonials from customers who’ve tried the best gemstone engagement rings themselves.
As a team, we've tried on, evaluated and put a lot of clothing and accessories through the wringer to rate the performance, quality and value for your money. Our passion for high-quality jewelry includes recommendations for the best lab-grown diamonds, as well as other topics, such as the best watch brands and the best jewelry brands for everyday wear.
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