Non-Diamond Engagement Rings: How to Choose Emerald, Tanzanite or Sapphire

Emerald: deep green, with a soft side

Look: A rich green. Emerald is the birthstone for May.

Wear: Emerald is hard, at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. But emeralds often have small natural features inside, and they can chip if struck. A halo or a bezel protects the edges.

At Carati: We have 8 emerald engagement rings, from CAD 3,150. Examples include the Vivid Square Emerald ring, the Gorgeous Green Pear Emerald ring and the Pear Emerald ring on a diamond wavy shank.

Tanzanite: blue-violet, and it needs more care

Look: A blue-violet colour that can shift between blue and purple. Tanzanite is a birthstone for December.

Wear: Tanzanite is softer, at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so it scratches more easily than sapphire or diamond. A bezel setting suits daily wear because the metal rim protects the stone. Take the ring off for heavy work.

At Carati: We have 12 tanzanite engagement rings, from CAD 2,180. Many are bezel rings, such as the round, oval and trillion cuts. Others have a diamond halo.

Sapphire: the hardest coloured choice

Look: Sapphire comes in blue, and also in pink, purple, yellow and green. Blue sapphire is the birthstone for September.

Wear: Sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale. Only diamond is harder. It suits rings you wear every day.

At Carati: Our sapphire engagement rings start at CAD 1,874 with the purple cushion sapphire in a bezel setting. Our Montana sapphire rings, such as the oval Montana sapphire with two-row pavé diamonds, start at CAD 3,180.

Two stones, two colours: Toi et Moi

If you cannot choose one stone, choose two. A Toi et Moi ring sets two stones side by side on one band. Read about our Toi et Moi rings or our guide to the style.

How to care for a coloured gemstone ring

• Take the ring off for heavy work, sport and cleaning.
• Clean it with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Ask us before you use an ultrasonic cleaner. This matters most for emerald and tanzanite.
• Bring the ring in once a year. We offer complimentary annual inspections for all Carati jewelry, and we also clean, polish and resize rings. See our Aftercare page.

Non-diamond engagement ring questions

Is emerald a good choice for an engagement ring?

Yes, if you choose a protective setting. Emerald is hard, but it can chip if struck. A halo or a bezel helps protect the stone. Take the ring off for heavy work.

Is tanzanite a good choice for an engagement ring?

It can be. Tanzanite is softer than sapphire and diamond, so it needs a little more care. A bezel setting suits daily wear. Choose the stone for the way it looks and the way you will wear it.

Is sapphire a good alternative to a diamond?

Yes. Sapphire is the hardest gemstone after diamond, so it suits everyday wear. It also comes in many colours.

Can I choose my own gemstone?

If you do not see the stone you want, we can design a ring with you. A custom design starts with an appointment, in our Montreal atelier or by video call. Book an appointment or browse our engagement rings.