12 Types of Stones For Rings You've Never Considered

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but they are losing popularity in modern times.

There are many other unique stones for rings that would be perfect for your jewelry or engagement ring.

Let’s discover some of the best options!

Types of Stones For Rings (Explained)

GARNET

While most people believe that all garnets come in red, this gemstone comes in all kinds of colors that combine perfectly with any piece of jewelry.

Its significance has changed over the years, but it’s currently the birthstone of January.

Unfortunately, a garnet engagement ring might require a bit more maintenance.

But you just need to polish it every five years, and it should do the trick.

The purer the color, the most valuable it is.

Its value ranges from $500 per carat to $2,000 per carat for brighter, cleaner rocks.

SPINEL

Just like garnet, spinel also comes in several different colors, but the most common stones are red, pink, and purple.

Some people throughout history have even confused them with rubies because they can appear so vibrant in red.

Interestingly, some of the priced rubies in royal jewelry have turned out to be spinels.

Despite its long history, this gemstone is still underrated, especially when it’s so durable that it would complement a ring perfectly.

It might also need to be repolished every decade, but that’s alright for such a beautiful stone.

Its value can vary from $200 per carat to $1,200 per carat, depending on its size.

ALEXANDRITE

As you might imagine, this stone was named after Alexander II of Russia, and it’s a version of the gemstone chrysoberyl.

It appears in hues of green, blue, and even purple.

The downside is that it’s rare to find, which means that it’s valued like most diamonds.

But it would be the perfect choice for any engagement ring.

It’s the birthstone for the month of June, and it’s also associated with any couple’s 55^th anniversary.

Most alexandrites are less than a carat, but a one-carat version can go for $15,000, and even larger ones are pricier.

MOISSANITE

Moissanite is perhaps the most common diamond alternative for jewelry and engagement rings, especially because it resembles the popular gemstones so much, but it’s cheaper.

Furthermore, they are just as durable and vibrant.

Most people can’t tell them apart from any common diamond.

The best part about them is that they are lab-grown gemstones, which means that you won’t have to worry about ethics and sustainability.

Its price can change depending on size, clarity, shape, and more, but a one-carat version can vary between $400 and $1,000.

MORGANITE

This gemstone looks rather similar to pink-hued diamonds, and that’s what makes it one of the best alternatives for rings.

It’s similar to aquamarine, meaning that it’s perfect for everyday use.

However, it requires more care than a regular diamond.

Interestingly, it was named after finance mogul J.P. Morgan.

While the great-quality morganites are rare, the more common are affordable.

Its color determines the price, and it can go up to $300 per carat, which is so much more accessible than any regular diamond.

OPAL

Ancient Romans called it the “Quee of Gems”, and it’s one of the most beautiful gemstones on this list.

Unfortunately, it’s not as durable as some of the other stones or diamonds as it can get scratched and lose coloring over time.

Regardless, it symbolizes purity and hope, making it a great present for anyone.

Its color and pattern determine its price, and opals happen to be popular among gemstone collectors because of their delicate nature.

Quality opals can go for $1,000 per carat, but it’s more common to find cheaper versions going for $600 per carat.

CITRINE

If you want something truly creative, then look no further than citrine.

Its name comes from the French word for “lemon,” and people thought it could protect you from snake venom and evilness.

However, it’s more commonly known as the stone of success because it brings wealth to anyone who wears it.

Citrine can appear in bright yellow or dark orange and brown colors.

It comes in many shapes and sizes, and it’ll make any piece of metal jewelry stand out.

Additionally, you might be surprised by its affordability because the highest quality citrine ever discovered was $30 per carat.

LAPIS LAZULI

This gemstone was discovered in the Sar-e-Sang deposits of Afghanistan, and some of the oldest versions ever found date back 7,000 years.

It contains lazurite, which gives it an intense blue color.

The pigment has interestingly been used for paintings, men’s jewelry, makeup, etc. throughout history.

The best quality lapis lazuli has a fine smattering of gold due to the presence of pyrite.

Similar to other rocks on this list, their value is determined by their color.

The finest quality can range between $100 and $150 per carat.

But most discovered versions are even cheaper.

PARAIBA

You have probably never even heard of Paraiba, as the gemstone was only discovered in the 1980s by Heitor Dimas Barbosa in Paraiba, Brazil.

Paraiba is the most valuable type of Tourmaline that shines brighter than any other version.

While it comes in several hues, the priciest versions are bluish-green.

Similar to other gemstones on this list, their color determines their price.

However, it’s rare to find, and it has become popular over these past decades, so great quality stones can go for $10,000 per carat.

TOURMALINE

Now that we’ve discovered Paraiba, let’s take a look at other tourmalines in general.

Most people prefer this stone in hues of green, and those are normally the priciest versions.

It’s a durable stone, but more opaque than emerald, and it won’t scratch easily.

This gemstone looks best in bohemian or baroque jewelry, so you have to choose thoughtfully, but it will look great with white or rose gold.

The best quality versions can range between $300 and $600 per carat, but other versions in different colors can be cheaper.

You have many options when it comes to this stone.

QUARTZ

If you want to buy something for someone spiritual, look no further.

Quartz has started to rise in popularity for engagement rings thanks to several new designers.

You can find them in all kinds of colors, but the most beautiful come in hues of pink and white. It’s a durable stone that won’t need a lot of maintenance.

Furthermore, it won’t break the bank. Its price can range between $1 and $7 per carat.

The most expensive version of quartz is amethyst, which can go for $15 per carat.

The clearer and more vibrant, the pricier it’ll be.

PEARL

This might be the oddest option on this list, but hear us out.

Pearls are the most timeless gemstone, which is why it’s known as “the Queen of gems.”

Since it was rare to find them in nature, people invented the process of cultured pearls, where they intentionally place a bead or tissue into the mollusk.

The most popular versions come in white and cream, but they can appear in pink and even hues.

Furthermore, it’s the birthstone of June, and its price ranges from $35 to thousands of dollars. It’s definitely worth considering.

As you can see, you don’t have to pick a diamond ring for your engagement or gift.

It’s time to get more creative with your presents, and these gemstones are sure to please everyone.