Diamonds are the long-standing favorite stone for engaged couples for a reason. As the hardest stone on the Mohs Hardness Scape, they stand up to the wear and tear of life.

But the classic white diamond look isn’t the only path towards a beautiful and resilient piece. Some diamonds are filled with tiny inclusions that give them unique sparkle and depth. Champagne diamonds shine in a range of warm tones, while sapphires can be nearly any color. At Sarah O. we have a wide range of stunning gemstones to fit your personal taste and lifestyle.

These non-diamond engagement ring stones can also be more affordable than traditional diamonds, making them a savvy and stylish option for cost-conscious couples. Keep reading for our top picks and considerations to keep in mind when shopping for an alternative engagement ring center stone.

Fall head over heels with the Nova 1.09 ct Marquise Blue Sapphire Ring.

Sapphires

If you’ve been dreaming of an engagement ring with a colorful center stone, sapphire might be the perfect choice. Sapphires are known for their brilliant blue hues, but they are also naturally found in other colors such as yellow, orange, purple, green, or white. 

Sapphires are a 9 on the Mohs scale, making them the next best option for durable stones after diamonds. They’ll stand up to the demands of everyday life and make a timeless piece that can be passed down for generations. Sapphires are also the September birthstone, making them an extra sentimental and stunning choice for September birthdays. 

Explore our range of stunning sapphire engagement rings and other jewelry pieces in the Voyage Collection.

Go full glam with the Billie 1.80 ct Emerald Cut Champagne Diamond Ring.

Champagne Diamonds

Pop the bubbly, because this is a stone worth celebrating. Champagne diamonds are known for their warm coloring and can range from subtle yellows to deep browns.

Champagne diamonds tinted stones have their own color grading scale, from C1 (light champagne) all the way to C8 (cognac). The lightest champagne diamonds start at K on the regular diamond color scale. In contrast, white diamonds fall between D-J, in the colorless or near colorless category. You can learn more about color grading and the 4 C’s of diamonds in our Diamond Guide.

Explore timeless colored stones in our Champagne Engagement Rings Collection.

Stargaze all day with the Lennox 2.48 ct Pear Galaxy Diamond Signet Style Ring.

Galaxy Diamonds

Celebrate your star-crossed love with a celestial stone. Galaxy diamonds are named for their inclusions: tiny black and white speckles that create an appearance like the starry night sky. The inclusions give every stone a unique look, for a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring.

One drawback of galaxy diamonds is durability. The inclusions compromise the structure of the diamond, so the stones may chip if they take a hard hit. But if you plan on wearing your ring more for special occasions, galaxy diamonds are a showstopping choice.

Got stars in your eyes? Explore galaxy diamond engagement rings in the Cosmos Collection.  

Diamond accents frame a gorgeous natural stone in the Denali 1.35 ct Pear Rustic Diamond Ring.

Rustic Diamonds

Every facet of a rustic diamond shows off the beauty of nature at its finest. Similarly to galaxy diamonds, they’re named for the inclusions that give them a raw, untouched look even after polishing. They range in shade from dove grey to rich brown—perfect for earth tone lovers.

Similarly to galaxy diamonds, the inclusions in rustic diamonds can make them a less durable choice than traditional diamonds. 

If natural beauty is calling your name, explore our Alpine Collection. Each unique rustic diamond engagement ring is inspired by the mountains of Colorado.

How to choose your non-traditional stone

With so many gorgeous gemstones available, choosing the right stone to represent your unique love story can feel overwhelming. At Sarah O., we’re here to make that decision as easy as possible. Read on for factors to consider when shopping for non-traditional wedding ring stones.

Budget

Many modern couples choose these unique stones for their pricing, which tend to be more affordable than white diamonds. Here’s what you need to know about pricing non-traditional stones.

Champagne diamonds and included styles, such as Rustic or Galaxy diamonds, are prized for their character and uniqueness rather than their traditional value. Though they tend to have a lower price point than high-quality white diamonds, that doesn’t mean they’re “less than”. Their warm tones, visible inclusions, and natural individuality make these stones beloved in artistic or non-traditional settings.

Sapphires are primarily priced based on carat weight. The bigger the stone, the harder it is to find rough material of that size, making the finished ring more expensive. A top-quality 1- to 2-carat stone might retail between $800 to $1,200 per carat. The carat price tag doubles with larger 2- to 3-carat stones, around $1,600 to $2,000 per carat. However, it’s important to know that sapphire costs do not follow a linear formula, and prices may change over time.

Lifestyle 

When choosing your non-traditional center stone, it’s important to balance personal taste with lifestyle habits.

Champagne diamonds are just as hard as white diamonds, making them a stylish and practical choice that will stand up to bumps and scrapes. At a 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are also a durable alternative to diamonds. These stones are perfect for an active lifestyle. However, keep in mind that you should always remove your rings while showering, swimming, and the gym.

If your dream ring features a stunning included diamond, you may need to take off your ring for hands-on activities. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a ring that shows your unique style—just know that it may need extra care.

If (like us) you’re in love with non-traditional stones, see even more unique designs in our Storied Stones Collection. To learn more about diamonds and gemstones, and get more wedding planning and engagement tips, check out the Sarah O. blog.