It’s said diamonds are forever and they are a girl’s best friend. The precious stone has been put on in engagement rings around the world and it has been the first option for years. 

But now the trend is shifting and many to be brides are looking for something different and uncommon. Many celebrities are seen wearing diamond alternatives. There are many reasons for the switch of choice: budget constraints, personal choice, brides wanting to wear their birthstones, or just a change of preferences.

Here is the list of the Best Alternatives for Diamonds-

Sapphire

Sapphire is a favoured option for engagement rings and it’s the second most liked alternative after diamonds. Sapphire is available in a variety of colours and each colour has its own charm. Sapphire is not only blue, but also black, green, pink, orange and yellow. Sapphires have been used traditionally in engagement rings much longer than diamonds and they are comparatively reasonable in comparision to diamonds. Sapphire is commonly used in earrings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces. It’s a great alternative for diamonds with a nine ranking on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Average Price per carat: Rs.100,000 to  Rs.170,000 ($1200 to $2000)

Ruby

‘Ruby’ means red in Latin. Ruby was used in crowns of the royals in the early days, but it’s used in all kinds of jewellery now. Ruby is the best alternative for diamond engagement rings, as it symbolizes courage and passion. Its stunning red colour attracts one and all, and it’s widely used in other jewellery also. It’s extracted in Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe and placed ninth on the Mohs scale of hardness. 

Average Price per carat: Rs.3,90,000/- ($4500)

Emeralds 

Emeralds are precious stones with many hues of green from light green to lavish green. They become costly with darker shades and are dearer than diamonds of the same quality. Emeralds personify immortality and paradise which makes it favourable for engagement rings and other jewellery. Emeralds are charming gemstones that are originate in Zambia, Brazil, and Colombia. Mohs’ ranking for hardness is 7.5 to 8, which makes them good to put on everydy.  

Average Price per carat: Rs.1,60,000/- ($18000)

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Image source- Anjali Diamonds

Lab Grown or man made diamonds have the similar optical and chemical properties as mined diamonds. They cost upto 80 percent less than mined diamonds and also best alternatives to natural diamonds.

They rank 10 on the Mons Scale of hardness which is equally hard to natural diamond but has a bit of resale value. Man made diamonds are utilized in types of jewellery including engagement rings.

Average Price per carat: Rs.45,000 to 170,000 ($500 to $2,000)

Aquamarine

Image source- Justins Jewelers

Aquamarine is a blue beauty that is commonly used as an option to diamonds in engagement and wedding rings. Aquamarine gemstones are regularly used in other jewellery because they are economical when equated to diamonds. Aquamarine is known to treat illness and keep the wearer in good health in the older times. Aquamarine is at hand in many hues of blue that bring  any jewellery to life. It has a 7.5 to 8 ranking on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Average Price per carat: Rs. 85000/- ($1000) 

Tanzanite

Image source- Chordia Jewels

Tanzanite is a latest discovered gemstone found in Tanzania. Tanzanite is reddish brown in its true state and it becomes violet, sapphire blue, or amethyst when heated. Tanzanite is not so tough and is made use in diverse jewellery including engagement rings. The Mohs hardness of tanzanite is 6 to 7 which means it requires care in putting on.

Average price- per carat: Rs. 55000/- to 85000/-  ($600-1000)

Purchasing alternatives to diamonds for engagement rings or other jewellery provides variety to the buyers with colors and attractions. Lab grown diamonds provides ethical choices and are mostly affordable compared to mined diamonds. Ultimately, it’s the choice of the buyer if they want to buy an original diamond or the alternatives.