Top Gemstone Choices for Wedding Rings Under $200
Choosing the perfect stone for a wedding ring is an exciting yet challenging task, especially when working within a $200 budget. While diamonds are often considered the quintessential choice for engagement and wedding rings, there are a variety of beautiful and durable alternatives that are not only more affordable but also unique and eye-catching.
Here, we explore some of the best stones for wedding rings that fall within a $200 budget, ensuring that you can find a stunning ring while staying within your budget.
1. MOISSANITE
Moissanite is a wonderful alternative to diamonds, celebrated for its stunning sparkle and durability. Discovered in a meteor crater, this gem has a unique and fascinating origin. With a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is almost as tough as diamonds, making it ideal for everyday wear. It shines brilliantly, ensuring your ring will attract attention. Plus, moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds, so you can enjoy a beautiful, high-quality stone without spending too much. Whether for an engagement ring or a special gift, moissanite is a perfect, budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on beauty or strength.
Why choose Moissanite?
Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite exhibits remarkable brilliance and fire due to its greater refractive index compared to diamonds.
Durability: Moissanite has a high hardness grade, making it scratch-resistant and appropriate for daily use.
Affordability: Moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds, so you may choose a larger or better-quality stone without going over your budget.
2. SAPPHIRE
Sapphires are a stunning choice for wedding rings. While they are traditionally blue, sapphires can also be found in pink, yellow, and white. These gemstones symbolize fidelity, making them perfect for such a significant piece of jewelry. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Their beautiful range of colors and exceptional durability make sapphires a popular and practical choice for wedding rings.
Why choose Sapphire?
Range of Colors: Sapphires are available in a multitude of hues, enabling customization and a distinctive appearance.
Durability: Sapphires are perfect for daily wear because of their extreme hardness.
Symbolism: Sapphires are a significant option for wedding rings since they are historically linked to faithfulness and honesty.
3. AMETHYST
Amethyst is a gorgeous purple gemstone that is both affordable and stunning. As a type of quartz, it scores a 7 on the Mohs scale, making it reasonably durable for everyday wear. Amethyst rings come in a range of shades, from deep purple to light lavender, offering plenty of options to suit your style. This beautiful and versatile gemstone is a fantastic choice for those seeking a unique and budget-friendly ring.
Why choose amethyst?
Distinctive Color: Amethyst’s vivid purple color makes it stand out from other conventional gemstones.
Affordability: Amethyst is a cost-effective choice that fits larger stones into a $200 budget.
Symbolism: Amethyst is a symbolic option for a wedding ring since it is thought to foster clarity and tranquility.
4. GARNET
Garnet is a versatile gemstone that comes in various colors, but it’s best known for its deep red hue. It ranks between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s durable and can withstand daily wear. Garnet is often linked with themes of love and passion, making it a fitting choice for a wedding ring that carries emotional significance. Whether you prefer the classic red or explore other shades like green or orange, garnet offers both aesthetic appeal and symbolic value as a durable gemstone for your special ring.
Why choose Garnet?
Rich Color: Garnet’s intense red color exudes a unique, bold, and traditional appearance.
Cost-effectiveness: Due to garnet’s low cost, a large stone can be purchased on a tight budget.
Symbolism: Garnet is a significant option for a wedding ring since it is connected to passion and love.
5. TOPAZ
Topaz is a versatile gemstone that comes in various colors, such as blue, yellow, and pink. It’s highly durable, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it ideal for wedding rings that need to withstand daily wear. Blue topaz, in particular, is favored for its stunning color and affordability, making it a popular choice among those looking for both beauty and practicality in their ring choice.
Why choose Topaz?
Range of Colors: Topaz is available in a multitude of hues, enabling the creation of a customized and distinctive ring.
Durability: At an 8 on the hardness scale, topaz is both scratch- and wearer-friendly.
Affordability: Topaz is an affordable choice that provides lovely stones at a lower cost.
6. AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is a stunning light blue gemstone that, like emeralds, is prized for its beauty and durability. It ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable option for a wedding ring. Known for its tranquil and harmonious qualities, aquamarine adds a meaningful touch to its natural beauty. This makes aquamarine a beautiful and significant choice for those seeking a distinctive gemstone for their special ring.
Why choose Aquamarine?
Gorgeous Color: For those who like gentler hues, aquamarine’s pale blue is calming and enthralling.
Durability: Aquamarine has a good hardness rating, making it appropriate for daily wear.
Symbolism: The calming and harmonious qualities of aquamarine make it a significant option for a wedding ring.
7. PERIDOT
Peridot, a striking green gemstone, is known for its affordability and vibrant appeal. With a hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it proves durable enough for everyday wear, including as a choice for wedding rings. Beyond its aesthetic value, peridot is believed to bring good luck and shield against negative energies, adding meaningful symbolism to its natural beauty.
Why choose Peridot?
Vibrant Color: Peridot’s vivid green hue is one of a kind and eye-catching, giving it a youthful appearance.
Affordability: A larger or better-quality stone can be purchased within a budget thanks to peridot’s economical nature.
Symbolism: Peridot is a significant option for a wedding ring since it is connected to protection and good fortune.
8. CITRINE
“Citrine is a yellow to orange gemstone from the quartz family, renowned for its durability with a Mohs hardness score of 7, perfect for everyday wear and ideal as a wedding ring. Symbolizing happiness and positivity, citrine makes a vibrant and meaningful choice for any wedding band.”
Why choose citrine?
Warm Color: Citrine’s yellow to orange tones are hospitable and have a unique appearance.
Cost-effectiveness: Due to citrine’s inexpensive cost, larger stones can be purchased within a tight budget.
Symbolism: Citrine is a meaningful option for a wedding ring since it is linked to happiness and positivity.
9. OPAL
Opal is a unique gemstone known for its play-of-color, displaying a stunning array of colors depending on the light and angle. While opals are softer, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, their unique beauty makes them a popular choice for wedding rings. With proper care, opals can be a beautiful and enchanting choice.
Why choose Opal?
Unique Beauty: Each opal is a one-of-a-kind stone due to the captivating and distinctive color play.
Affordability: Opals are reasonably priced and provide a distinctive and elegant option at a lesser cost.
Symbolism: Opals’ creative and inspirational associations lend a deeper significance to their natural beauty.
10. TURQUOISE
Turquoise is a uniquely beautiful gemstone known for its shades of blue and green and has been treasured throughout history. With a Mohs hardness scale rating of 5 to 6, it benefits from careful handling to avoid scratches and maintain its allure. Despite its need for gentle care, its vivid color and deep cultural significance make turquoise a distinctive and meaningful choice for a wedding ring.
Why choose turquoise?
Unique Color: Turquoise’s vivid blue-green hue is striking and distinctive.
Historical Significance: Turquoise has been prized for generations, giving your ring a hint of the past and deeper meaning.
Affordability: Because turquoise is so reasonably priced, one can afford larger or better-quality stones.