Yes. You can select any gemstone from the Staghead Mine to create a fully custom engagement ring. Whether you’re designing a one-of-a-kind sapphire engagement ring, an emerald engagement ring, or a unique diamond engagement ring, every piece we make is handcrafted specifically around your chosen center stone. You’ll be able to customize the setting style, metal type, and finishing details to create a ring that reflects your unique vision. Each stone in our mine is carefully hand-selected by our design team with your dream wedding ring in mind.

Every engagement ring we create is handcrafted to order. Because each custom engagement ring is hand-made around your selected gemstone, production typically takes 8–10+ weeks. Custom work requires careful design, stone setting, and finishing to ensure the final engagement ring meets our quality standards and your expectations.

Yes, alternative gemstones can be a beautiful and meaningful choice for an engagement ring, especially if you’re looking for something unique and personal. Stones like sapphire (9 on the Mohs scale of hardness), emerald (7.5–8), and other non-diamond gems can absolutely be worn daily when thoughtfully selected and set. The Mohs scale measures a gemstone’s resistance to scratching, and for engagement rings, we typically recommend stones that rank 7 or higher for long-term wear.

That said, all fine jewelry requires care. We recommend removing your custom engagement ring during manual labor, workouts, heavy lifting, gardening, or any activity that could cause impact or abrasion.

It’s also important to store your alternative gemstone ring separately from diamond jewelry. Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale and can scratch nearly any other gemstone if they come into contact. Keeping your ring in its own soft pouch or lined jewelry box compartment will help preserve its surface and setting over time.

With proper care and a well-designed setting, an alternative gemstone engagement ring can last a lifetime while offering a distinctive look that feels entirely your own.

Choosing the right gemstone for your engagement ring comes down to three main factors: durability, color, and personal meaning.

First, consider durability using the Mohs scale of hardness. For a ring you’ll wear daily, we generally recommend gemstones ranking 7 or higher. Diamonds (including salt and pepper and champagne diamonds) rank 10, sapphires rank 9, and emeralds fall between 7.5–8. The higher the rating, the more resistant the stone is to scratching, though all gemstones should still be treated with care.

Next, think about color and aesthetic. Do you gravitate toward deep, moody tones, earthy warmth, or classic sparkle? Your gemstone sets the emotional tone of the entire ring. Alternative stones can feel romantic, mystical, organic, or bold depending on hue and cut.

Finally, consider lifestyle. If you work with your hands frequently, a harder gemstone and a protective setting (like a bezel or low-profile prongs) may be ideal. We always recommend removing your custom engagement ring during manual labor and storing it separately from other jewelry to preserve both the stone and the setting.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to guide you toward a gemstone that balances beauty, durability, and the story you want your ring to tell.