Drop The Diamond For Another Gemstone

Consider Diamond Alternatives

Other Gemstones
An engagement ring does not have to have a diamond as its center pieces. There are other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, besides diamonds that are used for engagement rings. However, if you decide to go with a non-traditional engagement ring and use another gemstone instead of a diamond, make sure the other gemstone hard enough to hold up to being worn everyday.

A gemstone’s hardness is graded on the Mohs scale. When choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring that will be worn everyday, anything lower than an 8.0 on the Mohs scale is unsuitable. Softer and less durable gemstones like pearls and opals are poor choices for an engagement ring.


Man-Made Diamonds
Man-made diamonds, also called synthetic, lab-created, manufactured, lab-grown, or cultured, are true diamonds. Although not formed by nature, man-made diamonds share the chemical, physical and optical qualities of mined diamonds and are less expensive. Like a real diamond, a man-made diamond is carbon crystallized at extremely high temperatures and pressures. Man-made diamonds have been around since the 1950s and have been used mainly in industrial purposes. But in recently years, advances in the process of glowing diamonds have produced gem quality diamonds.

Most of the lab-grown diamonds produced today are still one carat or smaller. Colored diamonds are more common among synthetic diamonds and colorless stones are rare. The prices of man-made diamonds are expected to decline as production increases. Two companies that make synthetic diamonds are Apollo and Gemesis.

Diamond Simulates
Not to be confused with man-made or laboratory-grown diamonds, simulates or imitations diamonds are not diamonds at all. Diamond simulates are made of other materials such as zirconium oxide (cubic zirconia) or silicon carbide (moissanite). The best example is cubic zirconia (CZ) which has been around since since 1976. Moissanite is a newer creation coming onto the market in the late 1990s. Currently, only on company makes moissanite.

CZ and other imitation diamonds do not have the same properties as natural diamonds and are usually very cheap compared to natural or man-made diamonds. A cubic zirconia of the same size as a natural diamond is heavier. The CZ will weigh about 1.6 times more than the diamond because the zirconium oxide is denser than the crystallized carbon of a diamond. A CZ is softer than diamonds, scoring an 8.3 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite comes closer to a real diamond. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale but it cannot quite compete with a diamond’s colorless quality.

The similarities of CZ to a real diamond are so remarkable that even a jeweler or gemologist can’t always tell the difference when viewed with the naked eye. One difference between a CZ and a real diamond is that cubic zirconias are excellent insulators of heat, where as diamonds are good conductors of heat. Tests with the right equipment will be able to pick out a CZ from real diamonds.

Irish Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring and custom believe to have originated in the 17th century outside the Irish city of Galway in the fishing village of Claddagh. The ring is given in as a symbol of promise and engagement but also has the added meaning of friendship.

Claddaghs are still worn today, primarily by those of Irish heritage, as both a cultural symbol and as engagement and wedding rings. However, the Claddagh ring has become popular with many non-Irish couples due to the tradition and meaning behind it.

Simple Gold Band
Consider a nicely carved band in gold can usually be found for under $200.

Other Tips to Save Money Buying An Engagement Ring: Engagement Ring On The Cheap,   Engagement Ring For Less,  Save Money When Buying The Diamond,  Drop The Diamond For Another Gemstone

Irish Claddagh Ring

Consider an Irish Claddagh Ring for your Engagement Ring

The Claddagh ring, or Celtic engagement ring, is a traditional Irish ring given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located outside of the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design are much older.

Claddaghs continue to be worn, primarily by those of Irish heritage, as both a cultural symbol and as engagement and wedding ring. However, the ring is also popular with many non-Irish couples due to the meaning behind it.


Unlike other engagement rings the Celtic Irish promise rings do not have expensive diamonds or expensive gemstones as the central feature of the ring. Instead the Claddagh ring’s distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surrounded by a crown.

The Claddagh ring is the first step in the beginning of an Irish wedding. The Celtic engagement ring brings with it a special promise that goes far beyond attraction and infatuation. The Irish Claddagh ring is a symbol of promise and engagement but also has the added meaning of friendship.

With the second promise ring meaning symbolizing friendship, the Claddagh ring also makes a great gift to a special friend. The ring can be fashioned out of yellow or white gold and symbolize a promise for future marriage or a promise to always remain close friends – or even better, it can represent both at the same time.

Other Non-Traditional Engagement Ring Ideas