Diamond Alternatives for Engagement Rings: Hardness and Real Rings
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: Start with hardness, because an engagement ring is worn every day. Sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale, spinel 8, tourmaline about 7 to 7.5 and amethyst 7, against 10 for diamond. We have built engagement rings in all four. We don't sell moissanite. And a lab grown diamond, white, champagne or pink, often costs less than people expect.
People ask about alternatives for colour, for meaning, or for budget.
How do the alternatives compare?
| Stone | Mohs hardness | A ring we built |
|---|---|---|
| Lab grown diamond | 10 | Most of our rings; white, champagne or pink |
| Sapphire | 9 | Natural pink and padparadscha sapphires listed from $2,050 to $37,740 CAD |
| Spinel | 8 | A 2.18 carat neon pink spinel with a diamond halo |
| Tourmaline | About 7 to 7.5 | A 2.5 carat green tourmaline beside a pear diamond, toi et moi |
| Amethyst | 7 | A 6.7 carat amethyst, set low with a half bezel |
| Moissanite | About 9.25 | We don't sell it |
Which alternative is closest to a diamond?
For hardness, sapphire, at 9 and second only to diamond. For looks, a white diamond has more fire than any of them, which is why many people looking at alternatives end up comparing price with a lab grown diamond. See sapphire vs diamond.
Are softer stones OK for every day?
Yes, with the right setting. Our amethyst ring sits low with a half bezel protecting its ends, because a low setting gets knocked less. Tourmaline is worth a protective setting and some care too. Spinel, at 8, holds up well. See the pink spinel ring and the amethyst ring.
What about coloured diamonds?
They are still diamonds, at 10. We build with champagne, pink and even green diamonds, like a 3 carat forest green oval with crushed ice faceting. See champagne diamonds and the green diamond ring.
Why don't you sell moissanite?
We set diamonds and natural gemstones, and moissanite is neither. If budget is the reason you are looking at it, ask for a lab grown quote on the same size. How the two compare is in lab grown diamond vs moissanite.
What should I check on a gemstone?
The lab report: it shows whether the stone is treated, like heated or unheated, and its origin where known. And always see it on video, because colour is the whole point and photos rarely get it right.
Want a coloured stone found for you?
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a free estimateFrom our collection
2.37ct Cushion Hot Pink Sapphire
1.05ct Cushion Coral Pink Sapphire
1.73ct Oval Raspberry Pink Sapphire
1.74ct Cushion Blush Pink Sapphire
Questions we get about this
What is the best diamond alternative for an engagement ring?
For durability, sapphire, at 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
Is spinel good for an engagement ring?
Yes. At 8 on the Mohs scale it holds up well, and it comes in very bright pinks.
Is amethyst too soft for an engagement ring?
It is 7 on the Mohs scale, so set it low with protection, like our amethyst ring's half bezel.
Do you sell moissanite?
No. We set lab grown and natural diamonds and natural gemstones.
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