Diamond rings are the standard in the wedding world, but more and more people are looking for ways to be more unique with their ring designs. One way to embrace your individuality is to choose a different stone setting that has special meaning to you. 


The gemstone world is broader than you might imagine, and nearly any precious stone will look gorgeous in a well-designed ring. Here are some alternatives to diamonds you might consider. 



Citrine

Citrine is a rare gemstone in nature. It's a type of quartz that gets a yellow color from iron present in the rock. The color of citrine can vary depending on the concentration of iron. You can find stones that are dark amber in color all the way up to the faintest yellow. 



Citrine looks stunning in a white gold or platinum set, but it can also look nice in a traditional gold setting, especially if paired with white or clear stones, such as diamonds, to bring out the yellow color. Because natural citrine is so rare, the stone in your ring can remind you of how unique and special your relationship is. 



If you are interested in its spiritual associations, citrine has a positive meaning, as it is meant to convey happiness.



Opal

Opals have an ancient history, and for people who love color and light, opal is a great choice. Opal symbolized love and hope for the Romans, and it can symbolize the same for your upcoming marriage. Opals present a myriad of colors at once, reflecting greens, yellows, blues, and reds simultaneously — and with fiery clarity. 



Some people think that opals look like a gemstone rainbow. Others might compare it to the glitter of stars in a galaxy or the reflection of lights on the water. Opals have a high silica content, which traps water in its structure, so they actually do have water as an essential part of their chemical makeup. Water is a symbol of flexibility and healing, which makes the opal a powerful symbol to guide your lifelong relationship together. 



Consider placing a cut opal in a simple golden setting to highlight the constant reflection of colors. To make the opal appear even warmer, you might choose rose gold to really make the ring a bright spot on your hand. 



Morganite

You might not have heard of morganite, but it's a stone that appears blush pink in color, and it has plenty to offer the feminine bride who wants just a touch of glamor. 



Morganite is pink beryl and a cousin of more popular beryls (emeralds and aquamarine gems are also different colors of beryl). Morganite is becoming more popular because it looks beautiful in any color of setting, works well with traditional bridal traditions, and is sturdy enough to hold up to years of wear; however, it's still less expensive than a diamond.



It's fairly easy to find large morganite stones in nature that still keep their clarity, which means larger stones don't gain cost in the way larger diamonds, rubies, or emeralds might and allows you more flexibility with your budget. 



Morganite is a recent discovery (the first stone was found in the early 20th century), so it doesn't have the ancient lore that other stones might have. When you choose it for your ring, however, it will have a beautiful role in your own personal history. 



Sunstone

Sunstone is truly unique. It has a coral or orange hue, but don't let that scare you off. The stone can be clear like many popular cut gems, but it can also have flecks that make it look more dimensional, giving the feeling that it has facets that keep on reflecting light deeper and deeper into the stone itself.



Sunstone is a variety of feldspar, and it comes from a few locations in the US, including New York and Oregon. People who are getting married in these locations or who met there might want to have this stone as a reminder.



To fully embrace the sunstone's warmth, use a gold setting. You can frame the sunstone with diamonds on a halo style or get more colorful by contrasting the sunstone's orange color with light aquamarine.



For more information, contact us at Staples Jewelry.