As jewelers who love funky and unique engagement rings, it’s no surprise that we get requests for gemstones all over the color spectrum. For center stones and everyday wear, most will assume that diamonds are the only option for them out there, but here are wonderful examples of gemstones in every hue to withstand time, and their colorful counterparts.
Red - Often associated with love and romance, a red gemstone is a wonderful way to capstone an engagement. Additionally in some cultures red hues are associated with one's life blood and vitality setting the stage for an everlasting love!
- Ruby & Spinel - Up until recent history, these two deeply vibrant red stones were often mistaken for one another. The Black Prince’s Ruby, a part of the British royal family's jewels, is actually a spinel. With a 9 on the hardness scale for ruby, and an 8 for spinel, they both make for great engagement staples.
- Garnet - Coming in a plethora of colors garnet is most well known under its name almandine. This color of gem was first found in Asia, and has been used in jewelry for centuries. With a 7 on the hardness scale this stone is perfect casual wear or as accents in earrings or necklaces
Orange- A symbol of happiness, creativity, and energy, orange is quickly gaining popularity in the world of engagement jewelry. From the soft hue of an orange creamsicle to the rich, timeless shades of autumn leaves, the variety of orange tones offers endless possibilities.
- Orange Sapphire – With a hardness of 9, sapphire's rainbow of colors will appear frequently on this list. Ranging from pale creamsicle hues to deep terracotta shades, orange sapphire is a stunning choice for daily wear.
- Fire Opal – Perfect for neon lovers, fire opal offers a bright and vibrant way to showcase your love for orange. While fire opal may lack the play-of-color seen in other opals, it more than makes up for it with its striking neon orange to cherry red hues.
- Madeira Citrine – For those seeking a more muted and subtle orange, Madeira citrine provides a beautiful option. This unique shade is named after the wine of the same color and offers a warm, understated glow.
Yellow - Bringing joy and sunshine, yellow gemstones are a way to add happiness into your love story!
- Yellow Diamond - The king of all gemstones, diamond is the perfect choice with a 10 on the hardness scale. Yet what some may not know is that they have a spectrum of yellow under their belt all the way from pastels to bright canary yellow.
- Sphene - For a unique shade of yellow, sphene, only a 5 on the Mohs hardness scale features a striking fire that sparkles brilliantly with green, red, and eye catching orange in the stone. Perfect in a pair of earrings.
Green - Tranquility, renewal, and growth—these are the beautiful sentiments that green gemstones embody. Whether for an engagement ring or everyday wear, it's no wonder they are among our most popular requests.
- Emerald - Rated between 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale, emeralds are often the pinnacle of green gemstones. Known for their deep green hue, they command attention, but caution is needed. While their hardness offers protection against scratches, emeralds are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Green Tourmaline - A fantastic alternative, tourmaline comes in shades ranging from seafoam to olive to deep emerald green. This richly colored stone is slightly softer but is a perfect choice for those who appreciate its gentle beauty.
- Peridot: For those born in August, this distinctive green gemstone is ideal for casual wear. Fun fact: Mahana Beach in Hawaii is filled with the mineral olivine, which, when of gem quality, is known as peridot.
Blue - While sapphires are often celebrated for their deep royal blue, the realm of cerulean offers so much more. Associated with wisdom, insight, and peace, these gemstones are a brilliant choice for any occasion. Below is a collection of medium-high hardness stones that make for stunning alternatives.
- Blue Zircon - Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, a made-made diamond simulant, zircon is a natural gemstone formed by the Earth. With a strong brilliance and multi-colored fire this gemstone was mistaken as diamond throughout history. With the color coming from traces of uranium-238, and it can be very slightly radioactive at levels that pose no health risk when used in jewelry. This one unique shade of blue.
- Aquamarine - A sister stone to the emerald, this March birthstone has inspired a whole new hue named after it. Aquamarine's pale blue shade evokes the tranquility of a clear spring sky.
- Blue Topaz - Coming in with an 8 on the Moh's hardness scale, blue topaz offers a stunning range of blue hues, from sky to Swiss to London. It’s a brilliant choice for any occasion
Violet - Luxury and mysticism define the allure of violet hues. Although it’s one of the less common choices for engagement rings at Baraka Gems, we believe this color deserves far more admiration.
- Purple Sapphire - From the regal richness of deep violet to the cottagecore charm of lilacs and periwinkles, purple sapphires offer a wide range of options for the wearer. This gemstone is not only beautiful but also strong and durable.
- Tanzanite - A true favorite at Baraka Gems, tanzanite is a mesmerizing stone that exhibits trichroism, revealing shades of green, blue, and purple. While all variations are adored, the most sought-after are the deep, rich purple tones.
- Amethyst - As a softer gemstone in the quartz family, February’s birthstone is perfect for adding a touch of purple to your casual wear. Its large, abundant crystals make for stunning statement pieces.
Pink - While red symbolizes passion, romance, and vitality, its softer counterpart—pink—embodies a quieter, unconditional love filled with affection. It’s no surprise that pink is another popular choice for engagement rings. Surely, with a little help from its iconic friend, Barbie!
- Pink Sapphire: From vibrant hot pinks to soft pastels and the rare, coveted Padparadscha hue, pink sapphires beautifully complete the sapphire spectrum. As the second hardest gemstone after diamond, this peachy gem ensures your love will shine brightly for the decades to come.
- Morganite: The third sister in the emerald and aquamarine trio, morganite is a delicate baby pink. Rarer than aquamarine, its crystal structure allows for large, stunning cuts, making it a perfect choice for those seeking elegance and charm.
There’s a whole world of colorful gemstones beyond diamonds, each with its own story and charm. Whether you're drawn to vibrant reds, serene blues, or playful pinks, there's a perfect gem waiting to tell your unique love story.
