Top 10 Gemstones for Engagement Rings

At Philippe Harold, located in the heart of Antwerp’s Diamond District since 1937, we understand the profound significance of selecting the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring. Our legacy in crafting exquisite diamond engagement rings and other fine jewellery is built on a passion for quality, craftsmanship, and personalized service. Here, we explore the top 10 gemstones for engagement rings, offering insights into their unique qualities and histories, helping you find the stone that perfectly reflects your love story.

1. Diamond: The Eternal Classic

Diamonds are the epitome of elegance and endurance, making them the most popular choice for engagement rings. Their unmatched brilliance and incredible hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) ensure they remain a symbol of eternal love. Our Antwerp diamond rings are crafted with precision, ensuring every diamond shines with the brilliance of over a billion years of natural history.

Colors: Diamonds are available in various shades, including colorless, yellow, pink, blue, green, and more.

Origins: Major diamond sources include Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia.

Rarity: While sought-after, diamonds are relatively rare, particularly those with exceptional clarity and color.

History: Admired since ancient times, diamonds were once believed to possess divine powers, and they continue to be a cherished symbol of love and commitment.

2. Sapphire: The Regal Gemstone

Sapphires, long associated with royalty and wisdom, are a stunning alternative to diamonds. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, they offer exceptional durability, making them a favorite for custom engagement rings.

Colors: Sapphires are available in a range of colors, with blue being the most iconic.

Origins: Sapphires are primarily sourced from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Myanmar.

Rarity: While blue sapphires are common, rare colors like padparadscha are highly prized.

History: Sapphires have been revered for centuries, symbolizing truth, loyalty, and nobility.

3. Ruby: The Stone of Passion

Rubies are celebrated for their vibrant red hue, symbolizing passion and courage. Their hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes them an enduring choice for engagement rings.

Colors: Ranging from pinkish-red to deep red.

Origins: Myanmar, Thailand, and Madagascar are key sources of rubies.

Rarity: High-quality rubies with rich color are rare and highly valued.

History: Known as the "King of Precious Stones," rubies have been treasured for centuries.

4. Emerald: The Gem of Everlasting Love

Emeralds, with their captivating green hue, symbolize growth and renewal. Though they require extra care due to their hardness of 7.5-8, they make a stunning choice for engagement rings.

Colors: Emeralds are known for their vibrant green color.

Origins: Colombia and Zambia are renowned for producing top-quality emeralds.

Rarity: Fine emeralds with deep color and clarity are exceptionally rare.

History: Cleopatra famously adored emeralds, cementing their place in history.

5. White Sapphire: The Diamond Substitute

White sapphires offer the brilliance of diamonds at a more accessible engagement ring price, making them a popular ethical choice.

Colors: Colorless, resembling diamonds.

Origins: Sourced from regions like Sri Lanka and Madagascar.

Rarity: More abundant than diamonds, offering a budget-friendly option.

History: Valued for centuries, white sapphires symbolize purity and wisdom.

6. Morganite: The Gem of Tender Love

Morganite, with its soft pink to peach tones, has become a fashionable choice for engagement rings, symbolizing compassion and tenderness.

Colors: Ranges from pale pink to peach.

Origins: Brazil and Madagascar are primary sources.

Rarity: While not extremely rare, high-quality morganite with intense color is more scarce.

History: Discovered in the early 20th century and named after J.P. Morgan, a famous financier.

7. Aquamarine: The Tranquil Ocean Stone

Aquamarine, reminiscent of the ocean’s calm, symbolizes fidelity and harmony. With a hardness of 7.5-8, it is a durable choice for engagement rings.

Colors: Light blue to deeper oceanic hues.

Origins: Brazil is a significant source of aquamarine.

Rarity: While relatively common, high-quality specimens are valued.

History: Mariners once believed aquamarine could calm the seas and keep them safe.

8. Garnet: The Multifaceted and Symbolic Stone

Garnets, available in a spectrum of colors, symbolize commitment and strength. Their versatility makes them a unique choice for engagement rings.

Colors: Deep red, green (tsavorite), orange (spessartite), and more.

Origins: Tanzania and Kenya are key sources.

Rarity: While common, certain varieties like tsavorite are rarer.

History: Garnets have been used since ancient times, admired by Egyptians and Romans alike.

9. Amethyst: The Mystical and Protective Gem

Amethyst, with its regal purple hue, symbolizes spiritual growth and protection. It’s a beautiful and meaningful choice for an engagement ring.

Colors: Shades of purple, from pale lilac to deep violet.

Origins: Brazil is a major source of amethyst.

Rarity: While abundant, top-quality amethyst with rich color is more valuable.

History: Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent intoxication.

10. Topaz: The Gem of Love and Devotion

Topaz, known for its range of colors, symbolizes love and affection. With a hardness of 8, it’s a durable option for daily wear.

Colors: Blue, pink, yellow, and more.

Origins: Brazil is a leading producer of topaz.

Rarity: Certain colors, like imperial topaz, are rarer and more valuable.

History: Topaz has been valued for centuries for its beauty and symbolism.

At Philippe Harold, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect gemstone to celebrate your love. With our expert team of gemologists, designers, and crafters, we offer personalized service and craftsmanship that reflects our rich legacy in Antwerp jewellery. Whether you’re seeking a diamond engagement ring, a custom engagement ring, or exploring other gemstone options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Explore the beauty of Antwerp engagement rings with us, and let your love story shine through every facet of our expertly crafted jewellery.