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Gemstone Engagement Rings under $2,500

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Select an engagement ring that perfectly fits you! Our selection of gemstone engagement rings will have you swooning!

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Gemstone engagement rings are becoming the most popular trend for engagement jewelry. It’s so exciting to see many celebrities proudly sporting gorgeous colored stones instead of traditional diamonds. I absolutely love this fun new trend! Colored gemstones are not only stunningly unique, but they are also more affordable than diamonds. This budget-friendly alternative to diamonds allows you to have a one-of-a-kind personalized ring that you won’t see on anyone else.

If you’re looking for a distinctive engagement ring featuring a vibrant gemstone rather than a diamond, semi-precious gemstones can make a wonderful, reasonably priced option instead of a traditional diamond stone for your engagement ring. There are so many online jewelry retailers that specialize in creating customizable dream engagement rings and wedding bands. You and your fiancé can select the perfect center stone, cut, size and color, as well as ideal metal, additional gems and more!

The color gemstone you choose could hold any special meaning you desire. Perhaps it’s your favorite colorful hue, your birthstone, or the stone matching the month you and your beloved partner first met. Gemstones are a popular choice for everyday wear and come in a wide array of lively shades to complement your style and your budget!

We spent some time perusing some of our favorite jeweler sites to highlight some of the most unique, gorgeous, and budget-friendly engagement rings they offer. Talk about some fun online window shopping, amiright? As a result, we rounded up a rainbow of gemstone engagement rings for you to consider for your ring finger! Check out our savvy finds below.


Red Garnet and White Diamond Ring

Red Garnet and White Diamond Women’s Engagement Ring

Amazon

A classic 10K gold band is decorated in silver gems with a red garnet oval sitting pretty atop the band. The total carat weight is 2.62, with the availability for a full refund.


Mini Classic Ring

Toi et Moi Gemstone Mini Classic Ring

AuRate • $130

Made from white topaz, this is a two-stone pearl and oval gemstone ring. Made from 100% sterling silver plated in 14k recycled gold.


Ruby Sapphires Sterling Silver Ring

Ruby Sapphires Sterling Silver Ring

Kay Jewelers • $99.99

Lab-created diamonds are very similar to real diamonds, just more cost-effective! An emerald cut red ruby lab diamond is the focus point to a silver band with white sapphires adding sparkle and shine.


Red Garnet Engagement Gold

Natural Red Garnet Engagement Gold Ring 

Etsy • $743.88

For the bride wanting something simpler, a simple, thin gold band holds together an oval ruby at the center. White gems add sparkle hand in matching gold prongs on either side of the gemstone. Different gold materials are available for purchase.


Charles and Colvard 15 CTW Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Alternating Classic Ring 14K White Gold featuring Created Ruby

Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Alternating Classic Ring 14K White Gold featuring Created Ruby

Charles and Colvard • $749

This classic style 14K recycled white gold ring stylishly staggers 8 top-tier marquise rubies and 9 round Caydia® lab grown diamond accents for an overall elegant look.


Emerald Cut Citrine And Diamond Halo

Emerald Cut Citrine And Diamond Halo Bypass Ring 

James Allen • $850

An abstract engagement ring is fun and unique! Two yellow emerald cut citrine stones sit in the center of prong set diamonds in a halo bypass design with a 4.5 total carat weight.


Oval Orange and White Gold Halo Gem Stone

Oval Orange and White Gold Halo Gem Stone Engagement Ring 

Amazon

A classic silver band comes together, holding a halo gemstone in the center. Circular white gems surround a heat-pressed orange-red Madeira citrine stone.


Emerald-Cut Yellow Quartz & Diamond Accent Ring  

Emerald-Cut Yellow Quartz & Diamond Accent Engagement Ring  

Kay Jewelers • $999.99

Small diamonds complement the 14K yellow gold band for a unique design with four prongs holding together an emerald-cut yellow quartz diamond.


Cocktail Gemstone Ring 

Power Cocktail Gemstone Ring 

Nordstrom • $195

A modern take to the classic engagement ring is a power yellow gold cocktail ring. Recycled 18K gold creates a ring, unlike the rest. A hand-cut stone in vermil complements the band beautifully. 


14kt Gold Yellow Ring 

14kt Gold Yellow Diamond Ring 

Satya Jewelry • $299

A dainty band made from 14kt solid gold with a yellow cushion diamond. A lifetime warranty comes with each purchase for guaranteed satisfaction.


Gemstone & Diamond Bar Ring 

Gemstone & Diamond Bar Ring 

Nordstrom • $750

A diamond bar engagement ring is timeless and elegant. Emerald circular gems cover the band in the center for a classy look. 


Emerald and Diamond Ring 

Paige Emerald and Diamond Ring 

Brilliant Earth • $990

A cluster of round diamonds sits next to an emerald diamond held by gold prongs. An asscher-shaped gemstone stands out from the rest, sitting atop an 18K yellow gold band.


Lab-Created Emerald Ring

Lab-Created Emerald Ring

Kay Jewelers • $499.99

A 1.3-carat emerald gemstone is surrounded by white sapphires for a halo effect. The stone setting is prongs for a classy look overall. A vintage-inspired ring is loved by many!


Charles and Colvard 25 CTW Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Graduated Fashion Ring 14K White Gold featuring Created Emerald

Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Graduated 14K White Gold featuring Created Emerald

Charles and Colvard • $739

With a graduated design, the ring’s focal point is its trio of lab grown emeralds. Accompanied by eight Caydia® lab grown diamonds, each stone is secured in a shared prong setting and band crafted from 14K white gold.


Blue Topaz Reverie Ring 

London Blue Topaz Reverie Ring 

Brilliant Earth • $1,240

A silver band holds together a blue topaz gemstone. Holding the gemstone is divided metal for a ribbon-inspired engagement band. Claw prongs are secure in the gemstone. 


CHarles and Colvard 58 CTW Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Seven Stone Halo Ring 14K White Gold featuring Created Sapphire

58 CTW Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Seven Stone Halo Ring 14K White Gold featuring Created Sapphire

Charles and Colvard • $1049

With a silhouette reminiscent of a jeweled crown, this Made, not Mined™ beauty features seven oval lab grown sapphires and 42 Caydia® lab grown diamonds.


The Ava Ring

The Ava Ring 

Taylor Custom Rings • $2,025

An oval center stone made from a mint green chrysoberyl and surrounded by shiny lab-grown diamonds. 14K white gold holds the gemstone together, creating a classy look!


Sterling Silver Band Ring

Sterling Silver Band Ring in Aquamarine 

Kendra Scott • $80

A simply designed ring for a classic bride-to-be. Sterling silver creates the band with an aquamarine gem in the center.


Ballad Swiss Blue Topaz Ring 

Luxe Ballad Swiss Blue Topaz Ring 

Brilliant Earth • $950

A minimalistically designed yellow gold ring. Scalloped pavé Swiss Blue topaz surround the band three-fourths of the way around, leaving room for a sizing bar underneath.


Blue Topaz Two Stone Ring

Blue Topaz Two Stone Ring In 14k White Gold

Blue Nile • $1,200

Two large gemstones stand out on a  white gold band. An oval and pear-shaped diamond complement each other in different shades of blue.


Infinity Twist Ring

Aquamarine and Diamond Infinity Twist Ring

Blue Nile • $1,500

Sterling silver creates a band intertwining covered in white sapphires for an extra shiny look. An aquamarine cushion gemstone complements the overall look. 


Cushion-Cut Amethyst Diamond Halo

Cushion-Cut Amethyst Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 

Blue Nile • $1,140

A rose gold band is decorated in white sapphire gems leading up to the halo around the cushion-cut purple amethyst diamond. 


Rose Gold Vermeil Ring 

Rose Gold Vermeil Ring 

Etsy • $69.99

A uniquely designed engagement ring with differently shaped gemstones. On either side of the center stone are three marquise-shaped gems held by rose gold prongs with an alexandrite gemstone as the centerpiece of the ring.


Large Pink Emerald Stone Ring

Cubic Zirconia Large Pink Emerald Stone Ring 

Macy’s • $60

Pave cubic zirconia and pink emerald-cut stone are the perfect pop of color for a classic engagement ring! 18K gold plated brass is designed with white sapphires for an extra touch of shimmer and shine.


Rose Gold Over Silver Cocktail Ring 

Sapphire 14K Rose Gold Over Silver Cocktail Ring 

JCPenny • $124.98
Stand out among the crowd with a sapphire 14K rose gold band and gemstone, sparkling in every way! A halo effect is created around a cushion-cut rose gold gemstone.


Coral Gemstone Ring

Coral Bell Gemstone Ring 

Clean Origin • $1,470

Accent lab-created diamonds cover a sterling silver band halfway as well as surrounding a ¾-carat oval pink princess lab-created diamond. 


Nightmare Before Christmas Black Onyx & Diamond Ring 

Disney Treasures Nightmare Before Christmas Black Onyx & Diamond Ring 

Kay Jewelers • $329.99

For all the Disney and Halloween lovers, a ring that complements both beautifully may be the one! A Disney-inspired Nightmare Before Christmas ring is created with a black oval gemstone and spider-web-like detailing on either side. Round dainty diamonds add extra sparkle to the ring. 


Black Diamond Engagement Ring

Black Diamond Engagement Ring

Etsy • $139+

An elegantly shaped ring made of sterling silver with a round black gemstone in the center. Leafy vines are designed to hold the gemstone in place with small sapphires for added shine in the leaves. 


Classic Oval Solitaire Ring 

Classic Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring 

Clean Origin • $550

A classically designed ring without the hefty price tag! An angled band flatters the look with an oval lab-created center diamond for a clean finish. 


Princess Cut Moissanite

Graduated Princess Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring 

Forever Moissanite • $1,180

Princess cut center stone sits atop four silver prongs for an elevated look with accent side stones. Coming in different colors and sizes, a customized ring for an affordable price is available!


Diamond X Ring

Diamond X Ring

AuRate • $1,500

Thirty-seven individual diamonds create a beautiful ring that sparkles and shines! An X-shaped design is unique and classy, made from yellow gold, with no fear of tarnishing.


Pear Side Stone Classic Marquise Cut

Pear Side Stone Classic Marquise Cut Engagement Ring 

Diamond Nexus • $1,665

A rose gold band is home to three stones, creating an elegant engagement ring. Pear-shaped side stones complement the center stone, which is a marquise stone.


For added personalization, you could consider adding a tiny stone inside your wedding bands to tie in your engagement ring gemstone. Would you consider gemstone wedding rings for you and your partner? 

The Meanings and Symbolism Behind Popular Gemstones

Gemstones have fascinated humans for centuries, not just for their beauty but also for their symbolism and meaning. Here are some traditional meanings for common and popular gemstones:

Emeralds: Traditionally associated with fertility, rebirth, and love, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.

Diamonds: The hardest known natural material, symbolize strength, invincibility, and eternal love.

Blue Topaz: A symbol of love and affection believed to aid in one’s sweetness and disposition.

Aquamarine: Symbolizes the calming, soothing energy of the sea, believed to promote harmony, trust, and clarity.

Amethyst: With its rich purple color, represents power and protection, once considered a “Gem of Fire” and as valuable as a Diamond.

Sapphires: Symbolize nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness, considered the gem of gems, a heavenly stone, bringing peace and calm with its vibrant blue hue.

Black Onyx: Known as a powerful warrior stone, symbolizing initiating and controlling one’s own fate.

Coral: Known as the “love charm,” coral is believed to attract passion and love.

Black Diamond: Associated with strength, stability, and clarity of purpose, believed to enhance one’s connection with physical energy and creativity.

Moissanite: Known as the “gemstone born from the stars,” Moissanite is said to bring success, passion, and enlightenment.

Pearl: Considered the “Queen of Gems,” symbolizes purity, innocence, and true love.

These are just a few examples, as there are countless gemstones with various meanings and symbolism. It’s always a good idea to research the meaning and symbolism behind a gemstone before choosing it for yourself or as a gift. Whether you choose a gemstone for its beauty or its meaning, wearing one can add an extra special touch to any piece of jewelry.

Birthstone Engagement Rings

Imagine the personal significance of incorporating your birthstone into your engagement ring. Each month offers its own unique gemstone, representing qualities and characteristics that can further personalize your ring. From January’s garnet to February’s amethyst, and all the way through to November’s topaz, there’s a gemstone for every month to add a touch of individuality and meaning to your engagement ring choice. Explore the vibrant array of birthstone gemstones and find the perfect match for your love story.

Traditional Birthstones by Month

  1. January: Garnet
  2. February: Amethyst
  3. March: Aquamarine
  4. April: Diamond
  5. May: Emerald
  6. June: Pearl, Alexandrite
  7. July: Ruby
  8. August: Peridot
  9. September: Sapphire
  10. October: Opal, Tourmaline
  11. November: Topaz, Citrine
  12. December: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite

Gemstone Engagement Rings: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, gemstone engagement rings offer a vibrant and expressive alternative to the traditional diamond. They allow you to personalize this important piece of jewelry in a way that truly resonates with your personality, beliefs, and values, or those of your partner. Choosing the right gemstone goes beyond selecting a beautiful stone. It’s about embracing the rich history, meaning, and symbolism that each gem carries, making the act of giving and wearing such a ring a profoundly personal and meaningful experience.

Happy Shopping!

 


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