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I love a sparkly diamond as much as the next gal, but I just hate that so many couples feel that engagement ring isn’t an engagement ring unless it’s got a diamond as its centrepiece.

So today, we’re teaming up with our good friends at Joseph Jewelry, who create the most beautiful custom engagement rings, to dispel the myth that only diamonds are forever.

Choosing an alternative gemstone not only adds personality, colour and uniqueness to your ring, but in my mind it can make it even more special too. Stones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies are just as hardy as diamonds, so will indeed last you a lifetime, while stones like tourmaline, garnets and morganite have become increasingly popular in recent years, for stylish, modern engagement rings.

Still think you’re not ready to ditch the idea of a diamond? I’ve rounded up ten gorgeous non-diamond engagement rings to show you just how special a coloured stone can be – and why they’re worthy of a coveted spot on your ring finger!

1. Green Tourmaline

Tourmaline can range from bright pink to vivid green, and this stunning radiant cut green tourmaline shows how beautiful the stone can be, set in white gold and surrounded with diamond accent stones.

At 7.5 on the Mohs scale (diamonds are a 10), tourmaline is a durable stone, and if well looked after, will look just as beautiful on your hand for decades.

As Joseph Jewelry can create bespoke rings, I think this stone would look so gorgeous paired with blue or purple stones in a rose gold setting for something really colourful and unusual.

2. Yellow Sapphire

Sapphires are iconically a blue stone, but they can also come in peach, pink, white, and one of my favourites, yellow.

A more affordable alternative to canary yellow diamonds, yellow sapphires are a particularly clever choice if you’re looking for larger gemstones. This emerald cut three stone ring shows how luxurious this stone can be, adding uniqueness and glamour to a classic setting.

Yellow sapphires do vary in colour, this centrepiece of this ring is a 2.75 carat light yellow set in 14k white gold.

While I do love the diamond flanking, this would be gorgeous with three yellow sapphires too, don’t you think? The joy of designing your own ring!

3. Morganite

Oh I do love Morganite – it might be one of my very favourite stones.

The light peachy pinky hue is so pretty, and it’s such a romantic choice for an engagement ring. In fact, many say morganites bring the wearer assurance and promise – which is pretty fitting!

My favourite morganite combination is rose gold with a white halo or accent stones to really make the pink pop.

This pear shaped stone with pave set diamonds is particularly glamorous, and once again, as morganite is a more affordable stone, it works beautifully for larger stones, like pear and cushion cuts – Joseph Jewelry have some stunners!

4. Blue Sapphire

The blue sapphire is a classic engagement ring stone, it’s precious, it’s hardy, (9 on the Mohs scale), and it’s beautiful.

And if it’s good enough for the engagement rings of Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Elizabeth Taylor herself – then it’s good enough for us!

This beautiful 3.8 carat oval sapphire ring with diamond halo is a take on the Duchess of Cornwall’s own ring, and it’s so timeless.

A vibrant stone, that is still versatile and elegant, the blue sapphire is enjoying a bit of renaissance at the moment, and is fast becoming one of the most popular stones among brides to be.

5. Alexandrite

I’ve only recently discovered Alexandrite, but it’s such a beautiful gemstone, I’m entirely obsessed.

A form of chrysoberyl, also known as the ‘Friday’s Child’ stone, Alexandrite is 8.5 on the Mohs scale meaning is as hard-wearing as it is gorgeous.

A luxurious, vibrant purple hue, I just love how it’s paired in this ring with ombre blue and purple sapphires into white diamonds.

This gemstone is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a ring that’s regal and glamorous, but a little bit whimsical and unique.

6. Ruby

Rubies are another of the go-to precious stones, symbolising vitality and prosperity, the rich red hue makes a truly romantic statement for a proposal.

Another versatile stone, rubies look so beautiful in both contemporary and vintage-inspired settings. Though this antique-style setting with milgrain detailing and a diamond halo is a particularly good fit for an emerald cut ruby.

The dazzle of the diamonds and angular design of the ring really show off this statement stone – but with their made-to-measure custom engagement ring service, Joseph Jewelry can pair your ruby with he perfect setting for your personal style.

7. Aquamarine

Aquamarine is another favourite of mine – I can spot this pale blue stone across a room (and almost always go over to say hello to it, and the wearer!)

Another of those stones that really looks its best as a statement sparkler, this icy stone is pretty perfect with these diamond accents and a white gold criss-cross shank setting.

An aquamarine stone looks just as beautiful in a solitaire as it does in a more elaborate setting. With the symbolism of inner peace and courage, it’s such a beautiful sentiment for an engagement ring.

I might need to drop hints for an aquamarine of my own some day!

8. Amethyst

Amethysts are long-time favourite of many jewellery lovers, but for some reason they are often overlooked for engagement rings. And if you ask me, that should change!

This violet quartz has a depth and sense of luxury to it, it’s versatile, working beautifully with different metals and jewellery styles. This contemporary bushed rose gold ring with sapphire accents shows just how creative you can get with a custom amethyst ring.

Amethysts used to be considered as precious as sapphires or rubies – so while it’s a more affordable than other engagement ring go-tos, it’s still just as special.

9. Garnet

Garnets are beautiful stones in all kinds of colours, but the red garnet is perhaps the most well-known and loved. While it’s often used as an accent stone, it’s deep hue makes it a striking choice for a centre stone too.

While some people love the vividness of a ruby, others prefer the subtly and depth of a garnet. This striking custom engagement ring features a Mozambique garnet set on top of a dazzling halo of pave set diamonds, with a pave white gold band with bespoke filigree.

Symbolising fidelity and loyalty, a garnet ties in perfectly with as grand a gesture as a marriage proposal.

10. Emerald

And as if you needed one more reason to overlook the diamond section when you go engagement ring shopping, we couldn’t possibly talk about coloured gem stones without taking a moment to swoon over the iconic emerald.

Striking, timeless, luxurious, an emerald’s vivid green hue looks beautiful in all kinds of designs, but is particularly suited to a vintage setting.

I love this art deco style round setting, with a black and white diamond surround (check out the link for the hidden amethysts!).

For more information on creating your own bespoke emerald engagement ring, or indeed any other custom coloured stone designs, visit the Joseph Jewelry website.

You can check out more of our favourite picks here – and make sure you take a look at Joseph Jewelry’s dedicated Pinterest board for gorgeous coloured stone rings.