Are you planning to pop the question to your significant other soon? Then you’re probably on the lookout for a beautiful diamond engagement ring.

The thing is, diamonds can be quite expensive. If budget isn’t an issue, then perhaps you’re looking for something more unique. Sure, they can be pretty, but diamonds are a little too common nowadays, don’t you think? Whichever is your case, we’ve curated a quick list below of some of the best alternatives to a diamond engagement ring.

Sapphire

Did you know that sapphires were actually the gemstones of choice for engagement rings until diamonds took over in the twentieth century? Sapphires are one of the hardest minerals on Earth, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale next only to diamond. When it comes to beauty, sapphires are quite dazzling. They’re known to most people to be bright or deep blue gems, but you can also find sapphire engagement rings in New Zealand that are coloured pink, teal, yellow, or white.

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia, the common name for zirconium dioxide, is perhaps the most common “dupe” for diamonds. Also called “CZ,” cubic zirconia is extremely cheap. You can find a truly gorgeous ring for just $10 or even less. The most popular colour of cubic zirconia is, of course, colourless or white to make it look more like a diamond. However, some people complain that CZ looks a little too clean and perfect that it almost looks, well, fake. If you want, you can choose coloured cubic zirconia like pink, gold, blue, or green.

Moissanite

If you want something that looks like a diamond but doesn’t have the ultra-bright perfection of cubic zirconia, you might want to consider a moissanite engagement ring instead. Discovered in the 1890s by the French scientist Henri Moissan, moissanites were actually first thought to be diamonds. However, upon inspection, the crystals were actually silicon carbide and not pure carbon. Moissanite is at 9.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it yet another long-lasting gemstone for an engagement ring. One way to tell diamonds and moissanites apart is that moissanites are more brilliant but have a slight yellow or grey tinge compared to diamonds. Moissanites are also produced in laboratories, so they are much more earth-friendly.

Emerald

If you’re looking for something more rare, what about emeralds? Emeralds are among the rarest, most highly prized gemstones in the world. In fact, these green stones are considered the gems of royalty and also of love. A fitting trinket for your special someone, don’t you think? In the olden days, emeralds are said to bless the wearer with the ability to see the truth and foretell the future. Some people also wore emeralds to ward off evil spirits and demons.

Ruby

Red has always been symbolic for a fiery, passionate love. If you believe this, then what better gem is there to represent your burning adoration for your beloved than a bright red ruby? What’s great about rubies is that they look great in any setting. Whether the ring itself is a vintage gold or a modern precious metal like platinum or titanium, you’re sure to get a stunning combination that your significant other will love.

A Tattoo

A tattoo is permanent, which makes it a perfect symbol for your commitment. What’s even better is that it costs so much less than a ring. You can also create intricate designs without the “ring” looking tacky or feeling heavy on the finger. Moreover, you simply can’t lose a tattoo, and it won’t get snagged like a ring or even a necklace. If your special someone is always working with their hands (are they perhaps a chef or a mechanic?), a tattoo could be the perfect solution.

No Ring at All

Pay attention to your beloved. Do they like wearing jewellery? If not, they might not wear their engagement ring for very long. There are plenty of practical reasons not to get an engagement ring, chief of which is that you don’t really need a physical proof of your love. Some people are also allergic to metals and, as earlier mentioned, jewellery like rings can get snagged on clothing. Of course, there’s also the fear of losing something precious. If you don’t get a ring, you don’t have to worry about all these things. You can instead divert the money you saved for the wedding or put it in an account you can use for the rainy days.

As you can see, diamonds aren’t your only option when you ask the question. These alternatives are just as good and will surely make your significant other say a resounding yes!