Which gemstone should I choose for my engagement ring?

Choose from the endless choices

Looking for something with that extra special touch? In search of something a little unique, yet still in line with that of a traditional engagement ring? Trying to find a ring with some added ‘wow factor’? Then a gemstone engagement ring is perfect for you. Whilst this may seem like you have narrowed your choices down, it may have broadened them! From captivating emeralds to fiery garnets there are lots to consider when choosing the perfect gemstone.

At Holts, Hatton Garden, we pride ourselves on the vast collection of stunning gemstones we have on offer. All of our gemstones are characterised by their colour, cut, clarity and size- which means we have something especially for you, in line with your budget and overall style of ring you desire.

Every gemstone is symbolised by a wealth of characteristics and significant meanings. Here we break them down for you:

January: Garnet (Moh’s scale of hardness: 6.5 - 7.5)

Garnets are commonly found in a stunning fiery red colourway, however, they are available in a wide range of colours. Demantoid garnets are a wonderful green colour and have a higher dispersion than diamonds. Then we have Tsavorite garnets which are an intense shade of green, at Holts, we even have an incredibly rare colourless Tsavorite! For orange shades of garnets, there are the Mandarine and Spessartine variants which are vibrant and fun gemstones to add to jewellery. There are even garnets that change their colour in different lights - a truly impressive and versatile gemstone, in every colour.

All garnets are believed to signify love and friendship, they also carry a particularly spiritual meaning, as they are said to protect the wearer from bad karma and provide strength.

Due to their softer nature, everyday wear isn't suitable for a garnet, however, they are a wonderful gemstone available in a whole spectrum of colours which makes them a popular choice for occasion jewellery.

February: Amethyst (Moh’s scale of hardness: 7 - 7.5)

Amethysts are a beautiful violet variant of quartz, which are said to inflict a calming influence on its wearer. There are many shades of amethyst, however, the vivid purple variants have been popular amongst royals throughout time as they signify power.

Rating 7 on the scale of hardness, Amethysts are not the best choice for engagement rings that wish to be worn every day, due to their durability. They are a piece suitable for special occasions and casual wear.

March: Aquamarine (Moh’s scale of hardness: 7.5 - 8)

Available in sea-blue hues, aquamarines are a member of the Beryl family. Similar to its ocean-like connotations, aquamarine is thought to symbolise peace and tranquillity. They are a truly radiant gemstone, which have become increasingly popular over time.

Aquamarines are favourable for jewellery, however, for engagement rings, they would have to be used in certain settings to protect the gemstones slightly softer composition.

April: Diamond (Moh’s scale of hardness: 10)

Considered the most precious of stones, diamonds are said to represent purity and enduring love.

Diamonds are a prominent and favourable choice for engagement rings and one which has been traditionally chosen for generations. Their combination of radiant beauty and durability put diamond engagement rings at the forefront of choices.

May: Emerald (Moh’s scale of hardness: 7.5 - 8)

From pale sea-greens to vivid jade colours, the vibrant emerald is a striking gemstone, which is a variety of mineral beryl. They are part of the precious stone family, and carat for carat is considered one of the most precious gemstones. However, they are also one of the softest gemstones making them unsuitable for everyday wear. Symbolic connotations of an emerald are that of wisdom and nature.

Whilst emerald engagement rings are charming and eye-catching, plenty of thought must be considered when choosing your ring setting to ensure the gemstone is protected. Slightly softer than diamonds and sapphires, emeralds can be susceptible to damage if not careful. At Holts, we advise that a bezel setting is the best choice for emerald rings.

June: Alexandrite (Moh’s scale of hardness: 8.5) & Pearl (Moh’s scale of hardness 2.5-4.5)

Alexandrite is the stone of good fortune, it is one of the most interesting gemstones due to its colour changing properties: in daylight the stone appears green and in incandescent light, it turns to a shade of red. Alexandrite is an incredibly rare, and therefore expensive, gemstone - a genuine alexandrite in good quality is hard to come by. In the right setting, an alexandrite gemstone would be a stunning choice for your chosen engagement ring.

On the other hand, pearls are renowned for their iridescent cream colour and are said to symbolise purity and perfection. However, pearls are incredibly soft and whilst pearl jewellery is truly beautiful, they would not be suitable for an engagement ring.

July: Ruby (Moh’s scale of hardness: 9)

Another of the precious stone family, rubies are distinguished by their bold red colouring. Rubies rank just under diamonds in regards to their level of mineral hardness making them an incredibly durable gemstone for an engagement ring, meaning it will always stand the test of time. Famous for their passionate red hues, rubies are said to portray success in love, as well as encourage wealth and good health.

Ruby engagement rings are an incredibly popular and traditional choice for a ring. They are considered precious, beautiful and hard-wearing which makes them the perfect match for your gemstone engagement ring.

August: Peridot (Moh’s scale of hardness: 6.5 - 7)

Peridot is one of few gemstones which are available in a singular colour, you can choose from a stunning selection of olive-green shades for your engagement ring. Peridots are believed to bring good luck and calmness to the wearer, which is reflected in their yellow-green complexion.

Peridots are a prized choice for many items of jewellery, although as an engagement ring they should be considered with caution, again, due to their more delicate nature.

September: Sapphire (Moh’s scale of hardness: 9)

A variant of the conundrum family, sapphires are an incredibly strong gemstone, rating 9 overall, just under diamonds. They come in a range of colours, with the most recognised being a royal shade of blue, however, they are also available in white, yellow, pink, purple, green, and peach tones. Popular amongst royals, sapphires signify wisdom and good fortune and are an incredibly versatile gemstone.

Sapphire engagement rings are an admirable choice for your chosen ring, they are strong, powerful in meaning and luxurious in appearance.

October: Opal (Moh’s scale of hardness: 5.5 - 6.5)

Available in many colours, traditionally you may find opal in a creamy moon-like colour, which reflects light and colours beautifully. Every opal is incredibly unique, more so than any other gem type. The symbolic meaning portrayed by the opal is that of luck and love.

Delicate in nature, opals require special care which can make everyday wear, as an engagement ring, unadvisable. Whilst opal jewellery is beautiful, you may wish to consider another gemstone for your engagement ring.

November: Topaz (Moh’s scale of hardness: 8)

Topaz are naturally available in burnt orange and yellow hues, however topaz is often treated so they are readily available in striking blue shades. The most rare, and therefore expensive are known as imperial topaz, which are identified by their orange colour, with beautiful pink overtones shining through. In all colourways, topaz are popular gemstones that signify love, passion and wealth.

Whilst topaz are exceptional gemstones, their settings would need to be carefully considered, for an engagement ring, due to their complexion.

December: Blue Zircon (Moh’s scale of hardness: 6-7.5)

Available in wonderful vivid blue and turquoise tones, along with many other colours, blue zircon is a captivating gemstone. They are believed to have the ability to clear the wearer's mind and offer guidance.

Zircon is classed as a soft to medium gemstone which unfortunately makes them a less suitable option for a gemstone engagement ring.


Ready to take the next step towards your dream engagement ring?

At Holts, Hatton Garden, we have one of the most unique collections of gemstone engagement rings in the heart of London. With an impressive choice of ready-made pieces alongside our semi-bespoke and bespoke services, anything is possible.