A growing trend in bridal jewelry is the “birthstone engagement ring”. Many couples are looking for color, or are looking for a stone other than diamond. The birthstone engagement ring can be a logical, affordable, and attractive choice for these couples.

If you were born in April, this idea might not work because diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. In that case consider a colored diamond. Natural yellow, black, and brown diamonds are very affordable. If you can’t afford a natural diamond in other colors, lab-grown diamonds can be purchased in almost any color at a savings below the cost of a white diamond of similar color and clarity.

The birthstone can be the main stone of the ring, or multiple birthstones can be mounted beside or around the diamond. You can personalize your engagement ring to the month of your birth and in your own unique style.

Ruby (July), sapphire (September), aquamarine (March), alexandrite (June), and spinel (August), are durable enough to serve as an engagement ring gem. They have a Mohs hardness of 7.5 or higher, which means that they will rarely come in contact with an object that will abrade them. Placed in a mounting that provides proper protection, these birthstones should be able to withstand decades of wear.