When it comes to popping the question, more and more couples are looking beyond the traditional diamond solitaire to something a little more them. Enter: gemstone engagement rings and halo engagement rings. These two styles are capturing hearts—and fingers—for their beauty, personality, and sparkle factor.

Whether you're a romantic dreamer, a bold fashionista, or someone who wants to honor a birthstone or favorite color, gemstone rings and halo settings offer something special. In this post, we'll dive into why these styles are so popular, what makes them unique, and how you can choose the perfect ring that feels like it was made just for you.

Gemstone Engagement Rings: Color, Character, and Meaning

Diamonds may be forever, but gemstones add a unique story to your ring. From deep blue sapphires to fiery rubies and lush emeralds, each gemstone tells a different tale. Here's why gemstone engagement rings are trending—and here to stay.

1. A Personal Touch

Gemstone rings are deeply personal. Many couples choose stones based on birth months, zodiac signs, or symbolic meanings. For example:

  • Sapphire (September) symbolizes loyalty and wisdom.

  • Emerald (May) represents love and rebirth.

  • Ruby (July) stands for passion and courage.

  • Aquamarine evokes calm, peace, and clarity.

Choosing a gemstone ring is like writing a love letter in stone—it says something unique about your journey together.

2. A Splash of Color

Not everyone wants a clear, colorless diamond. Gemstones bring rich, vivid hues to your engagement ring that stand out in a sea of traditional styles. Imagine the deep green of an emerald against a rose gold band or the regal blue of a sapphire surrounded by a halo of tiny diamonds. Simply stunning.

3. Budget-Friendly Beauty

Gemstones can also be more affordable than diamonds. That means you can often get a larger or higher-quality center stone without stretching your budget. Of course, rare gems like alexandrite or high-quality rubies can still carry a hefty price tag, but there's usually more flexibility than with diamonds.

Halo Engagement Rings: More Sparkle, More Drama

Now let's talk about halo rings—the ultimate sparkle enhancer. A halo engagement ring features a center stone surrounded by a “halo” of smaller accent diamonds (or other gems). The result? A dazzling, vintage-inspired style that's both timeless and eye-catching.

1. Bigger Brilliance

The halo setting makes the center stone look larger—sometimes up to half a carat larger! It's an optical illusion that's great for maximizing sparkle and impact without upping your budget.

2. Endless Variations

Halo rings come in all shapes and styles. You can pair a round center stone with a classic circular halo or get more adventurous with oval, pear, or cushion-cut centers. There are even double halo designs for maximum glam.

Want something unique? Try a halo with colored gemstones instead of diamonds, or a mix of both for a pop of color.

3. Vintage Vibes

Halo rings were especially popular during the Art Deco era, and their vintage charm still resonates today. If you love old-Hollywood glam or heirloom-inspired jewelry, a halo ring might be your perfect match.

Why Not Both?

Here's the fun part: you don't have to choose just one. Gemstone engagement rings and halo settings pair beautifully. Imagine a sapphire or emerald center stone surrounded by a sparkling diamond halo—romantic, elegant, and unforgettable.

You can also flip the idea: a diamond center stone with a halo of tiny colored gems, like pink sapphires or black diamonds, for a more modern edge.

Tips for Choosing the Right Ring

Whether you're leaning toward gemstones, halos, or a combination of both, here are a few tips to help guide your decision:

✅ Know Your Lifestyle

If you're very active with your hands (hello, gym lovers, nurses, or artists!), you might want a lower-profile setting or harder stones like sapphires and rubies. Some gemstones, like opals and pearls, are beautiful but delicate and not ideal for daily wear.

✅ Match Your Metal

Certain gemstones look better in specific metals. For instance, sapphires and rubies pop against white gold or platinum, while emeralds glow in yellow or rose gold.

✅ Think About the Future

Gemstones are a wonderful way to express your personality, but they might require more care than diamonds. Make sure you're okay with the maintenance, or opt for a harder stone (Mohs hardness of 7.5 or higher) if longevity is key.

Final Thoughts: Love in Every Color

In the end, your engagement ring should reflect who you are as a couple. If you're drawn to color, history, and meaning, a gemstone ring might be calling your name. If you're after maximum sparkle and timeless elegance, a halo ring could be “the one.” Or maybe a dazzling combination of both is exactly your style.

The best part? There are no rules anymore. Today's engagement rings are about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you. So go ahead—mix a ruby with rose gold, or crown a sapphire with a halo of diamonds. After all, love comes in every color.

Ready to shop or design your dream ring? Whether it's a classic halo, a bold gemstone, or something one-of-a-kind, you're sure to find the perfect piece that says forever in your own unique way.