- Emeralds are the most popular alternative gemstone to diamonds, with 38,022 searches for these rings a month
- Sapphires are in second place with 29,810 monthly searches, and moissanite rings are the third favourite, with 22,761 searches a month
- The Faden quartz crystal is the least popular alternative gemstone, seeing just three monthly searches
A new study has revealed Britain’s favourite alternative gemstones to use in engagement, wedding and statement rings, and emeralds have come first.
Experts in customised jewellery at Glamira.co.uk gathered a list of alternative gemstone rings, not including diamonds, and used Google Keyword Planner to analyse their search volume. The gemstones were ranked in order of highest to lowest average monthly searches to reveal the UK’s most popular alternative gemstones for rings.
Emerald rings are at the top of the ranking. On average, the emerald stone for rings is searched for 38,022 times a month. The city of Wakefield loves this gemstone the most, searching for emerald rings 86.09 times a month per 100,000 people. These vivid green gems have a rich history and symbolise royalty, eloquence, beauty and true love.
The second most popular gemstone alternative to diamond rings is sapphire. Britons search for sapphire rings an average of 29,810 times a month. Wakefield also searches the most for sapphire rings – 66.96 times a month per 100,000 residents. Deep blue sapphires have been prized throughout history and are believed to bring joy, prosperity, and protection to wearers of the stone.
Moissanite rings are in third place, gathering an average of 22,761 monthly searches. People in Preston search the most for this gemstone, 64.51 times a month per 100,000 people. Moissanite is like a diamond; it is one of the hardest stones and has a similar appearance. However, they are far more ethically responsible, require no mining, and symbolise strength, passion, devotion, and vibrancy.
In fourth place is the gemstone opal, with 18,962 monthly searches on average. Residents in Rochdale love opals, with 43.35 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Opals have unique and vivid colours like pink, blue, green, and yellow, often called ‘play-of-colour, where opals change and shift shades depending on the light passing through them – a good rival for the traditional diamond. These gemstones represent love, passion, desire, and even eroticism.
Rubies are in fifth place, with an average of 15,744 monthly searches. The city of Mansfield searches for ruby rings 39.23 times a month per 100,000 people. Rubies symbolise passion, protection, and wealth, and their deep, fiery red colour is widely considered to represent powerful feelings and bring prosperity.
The aquamarine gemstone takes sixth place, with an average of 12,816 monthly searches. These oceanic rings are most popular in Lincoln, with 29.22 monthly searches per 100,000 people. This ‘gem of the sea’ is found in shades of blue and is surrounded by myths and legends about water and the ocean. Aquamarine embodies tranquillity, clarity, harmony, and purity and is another outstanding alternative to diamond rings.
Next is coral rings, another breathtaking alternative to the traditional diamond. Coral rings receive 11,379 monthly searches on average. It is the most popular alternative gemstone in Bournemouth, where residents search for coral rings 50 times per month per 100,000 people. Known as ‘precious coral’, this gemstone is usually a vibrant pink, red or orange, meaning joy, humility, and wisdom.
Pearls are in eighth place, with pearl rings being searched for 10,704 times a month on average. Residents in the seaside town of Hove search for pearl rings 31.91 times a month per 100,000 people. This gemstone, like precious coral, is organic matter formed in the ocean – another unique alternative to the diamond. Pearls are symbols of wealth, good luck, loyalty and purity.
In ninth place is the gemstone amethyst, another dazzling diamond alternative. Amethysts for rings are searched for 8,549 times a month and range from pale lilac to deep purple in colour. This gem is believed to aid with spiritual healing and bring calmness, intuition, courage, and connectedness to wearers.
Tanzanite is tenth among the best diamond ring alternatives, accumulating 6,745 monthly searches. This gemstone is believed to transform negative energy into positive energy and can be an electric array of blues, violets, and pinkish purple in different lights. Tanzanite is a romantic stone symbolising transformation, communication, and calmness.
Top 10: Alternative gemstones to diamond rings
| Rank | Gemstone | Average Monthly Searches |
| 1 | Emerald | 38,022 |
| 2 | Sapphire | 29,810 |
| 3 | Moissanite | 22,761 |
| 4 | Opal | 18,962 |
| 5 | Ruby | 15,744 |
| 6 | Aquamarine | 12,816 |
| 7 | Coral | 11,379 |
| 8 | Pearl | 10,704 |
| 9 | Amethyst | 8,549 |
| 10 | Tanzanite | 6,745 |
A spokesperson from Glamira.co.uk has commented on the findings: “Alternative gemstones like amethysts, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are becoming increasingly popular for engagement and statement rings. Each offers unique symbolism and vibrant colours, from a sapphire’s deep blue to an emerald’s rich green.
“Pearl and coral evoke a more delicate, organic aesthetic, while amethyst’s purple hue brings a touch of mystique and spirituality. These gemstones offer a personalised, non-traditional option that stands out from the classic diamond. Many are also more ethically responsible and much more affordable than diamonds.”