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Courtesy of Point No Point Studio
When looking for a more unconventional engagement ring, many brides-to-be have their eyes on morganite. The sparkling pink gemstone is an on-trend alternative to the traditional diamond and boasts its fair share of advantages over your typical engagement ring. Rest assured, this beautiful and feminine stone will make just as much of a statement as any glittering diamond.
What Is Morganite?
Morganite is a pink semi-precious stone in the beryl family, related to popular stones like emerald and aquamarine. The hue can range from orange to coral to salmon to a subtle pink, although you’ll notice that a light peachy-pink is the most common.
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The History of Morganite Gemstones
It might be trending at the moment, but morganite certainly isn’t new. It was first discovered on the coast of Madagascar in 1910. That same year, it was named after well-known banker J.P. Morgan.
“In 1910, the name ‘morganite’ was first suggested for a variety of pink beryl by George Fredrick Kunz, in honor of the financier J.P. Morgan,” explains certified diamontologist Kim Kanary. “This was due to his love of gemstones and in appreciation of his important gem gifts to various museums around the world.”
Meet the Expert
Kim Kanary is a certified diamontologist and vice president of community development and engagement at JTV.
Morganite Gemstones vs. Diamonds
Diamond engagement rings are the traditional symbol of everlasting love—so what would make someone choose morganite instead? The price tag on a morganite engagement ring is one of the biggest advantages, as morganite is much more cost-effective than diamonds.
Looks play a big part here too. Not everyone wants a diamond on their finger, and morganite is an aesthetically pleasing option. “If you’re attracted to color gemstones, it comes as a refreshing alternative to a colorless diamond or a beautiful and affordable alternative to a pink diamond,” says Kanary. “It’s also a Type 1 stone, which is a clarity grading that indicates a stone is typically eye-clean. This means that you should be able to find a beautiful stone with no visible inclusions to the naked eye.”
As far as gemstones go, morganite is a pretty durable choice. “Morganite is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which is a measure of a gemstone’s hardness,” says Kanary. “This is a relatively durable gemstone, meaning it is suitable for everyday wear, making it a good choice for an engagement ring.
Of course, it’s not as durable as a diamond. “It’s important to note that morganite is a softer stone than a diamond, and is, therefore, more susceptible to becoming scratched or damaged over time,” warns diamond expert Olivia Landau.
Meet the Expert
Olivia Landau is a diamond expert, GIA graduate gemologist, 4th generation jeweler, and founder of The Clear Cut.
Another difference is that morganite is never going to sparkle like a diamond will because diamonds have a higher refractive index. “Diamonds have a higher luster than morganite, meaning they show off their sparkle a little more,” says Landau. “At the end of the day, it really all depends on what you want to prioritize!”
What to Look for in a Morganite Ring
If a morganite ring feels right up your alley, decide which hue you like the most. Since the color of the stone varies so much, you need to decide exactly what you want to look for and go from there.
The color is often dependent on the size of the stone. “You should know that morganites typically have deeper color saturation in larger sizes, so you may want to increase your carat weight requirements to achieve the color you desire,” says Kanary.
Keep a close eye on the setting as well. Landau warns that because it’s a soft stone, it’s essential that the setting keeps it secure. Remember: This isn’t going to be as strong or as durable as a diamond, so it could be knocked out of the setting more easily.
How to Care for Your Morganite Ring
You should clean your morganite ring on a fairly regular basis, but you’ll want to be gentle with it. “The simplest way to clean it at home is to fill a bowl with warm water and a squeeze of dish soap, then soak your jewelry in there and scrub with a clean toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies,” says Landau. “Then rinse in a bowl of warm water (without soap) and set to dry on a clean paper towel.”
Kanary recommends cleaning it about once every six months or so. She adds that you should also check the prongs to make sure it’s securely set whenever you clean it.
Ahead, we've rounded up the prettiest morganite engagement rings.
Natalie Marie Rose Morganite Ring
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Courtesy of Natalie Marie Jewellery
Morganite is the perfect stone to go in this fresh, trendy style. This ring features a pear-cut light pink morganite stone that sits underneath a half-crown of white diamonds.
SHOP NOW: Natalie Marie Jewellery, $1,224
Helzberg Diamonds Shades of Love Morganite Ring
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Courtesy of Helzberg Diamonds
A morganite stone perfectly takes the place of a diamond in this otherwise traditional-looking ring. A baguette diamond flanks each side of the center stone, which sits on an intricate band.
SHOP NOW: Helzberg Diamonds, $1,399
J.R. Dunn Rose Gold Morganite Scalloped Halo Ring
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Courtesy of J.R. Dunn
Full of sparkle, this 18K rose gold ring features a morganite center stone sitting in a diamond halo. Round diamonds and a series of pavé diamonds create a unique scalloped edge that really makes this piece stand out.
SHOP NOW: J.R. Dunn, $9,400
Brilliant Earth Morganite Reverie Ring
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Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
A clean band is a perfect complement to a blush-colored morganite stone. This ring is simple, yet elegant.
SHOP NOW: Brilliant Earth, $1,740
Blue Nile Morganite Ring with Baguette Diamond Halo
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Courtesy of Blue Nile
Go completely non-traditional with this starburst ring. The center morganite stone is surrounded by round and baguette diamonds and the feminine look is completed by the rose gold band.
SHOP NOW: Blue Nile, $1,980
DeBebians Emerald-Cut Morganite Ring
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Courtesy of DeBebians
While many morganite rings feature a round or cushion cut, the emerald cut is a gorgeous choice. Flanked by two baguette diamonds, this option is classic and elegant.
SHOP NOW: DeBebians, $1,475
Natalie Marie Stevie Ring
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Courtesy of Natalie Marie Jewellery
This ring has a decidedly feminine twist with stones set in a shape that resembles a flower. An oval-cut morganite stone sits between two pear cut diamonds for a more unique style.
SHOP NOW: Natalie Marie Jewellery, $3,831
Anna Sheffield Theda Ring
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
This sparkling ring proves that three morganite stones are better than one. A center oval morganite stone is surrounded by smaller morganite stones set in a yellow gold band.
SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield, $4,200
David Yurman Morganite Ring
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Courtesy of Farfetch
A lot of morganite engagement rings are delicate-looking, but something larger and bolder is available in this David Yurman option. A cushion-cut morganite stone is set in a pavé diamond halo with a rope-style band to complete the look.
SHOP NOW: Farfetch, $4,300
Effy Blush 14K Rose Gold Morganite and Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Effy
This glittering pear-shaped morganite center stone sits in a diamond halo setting. The pavé diamond band makes it sparkle even more.
SHOP NOW: Effy, $1,995
Natalie Marie Mandala Solitaire
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Courtesy of Natalie Marie Jewellery
A light peach solitaire morganite stone almost has an orange tint to it with a yellow gold band. The simplicity of this ring is what makes it so beautiful.
SHOP NOW: Natalie Marie Jewellery, $1,591
Blue Nile Morganite and Diamond Milgrain Halo Ring
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Courtesy of Blue Nile
This round morganite center stone sits in a halo of alternating morganite and diamond stones. It has a slightly vintage edge to it with its pretty embellishments.
SHOP NOW: Blue Nile, $1,050
DeBebians Rose Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of DeBebians
An emerald cut morganite stone looks sleek and classic in a pave diamond halo. The split shank band gives it a little bit more of an edge.
SHOP NOW: DeBebians, $1,990
Anna Sheffield Bea Arrow Ring
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
A light peach morganite stone has more of an orange tint to it when surrounded by small champagne diamonds. The unexpected shape looks a bit like two arrows.
SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield, $1,950
J.R. Dunn White Gold Morganite and Diamond Halo Ring
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Courtesy of J.R. Dunn
A warm pink cushion cut morganite stone is set in a diamond halo with a diamond band. The effect is a glittering ring that is sure to catch anyone’s eye.
SHOP NOW: J.R. Dunn, $9,850
Effy Blush Morganite Ring
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Courtesy of Effy
If one simple band is not what you want, then this Effy ring is perfect. An oval morganite stone stands out against three pavé diamond-encrusted bands, the largest center band featuring a row of tiny baguette diamonds.
SHOP NOW: Effy, $3,955
No. 3 Tavi Ring
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Courtesy of No. 3
For something completely unique, opt for a mixed stone ring like this one. It features a shimmering morganite stone in the middle of two bright green sapphires with a tapered band.
SHOP NOW: No. 3 $3,100
Lauren Wolf Morganite Octagon Ring
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Courtesy of Lauren Wolf Jewelry
Go for a very unique shape with this round morganite stone that sits in an octagon-shaped halo. The rose gold band completes the look.
SHOP NOW: Lauren Wolf Jewelry, $430
Meadowlark Hex Engagement Ring Set
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Courtesy of Meadowlark Jewelry
This ring features another unique shape: a round morganite stone is set in a more modern halo. The set includes an eternity band that makes for the perfect match.
SHOP NOW: Meadowlark Jewelry, $4,489
Point No Point Morganite Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Point No Point Studio
Who needs a classic style engagement ring when there’s something like this available? This ring features a natural kite-shaped morganite stone with a crown of diamonds topped with a marquise-shaped morganite stone.
SHOP NOW: Point No Point Studio, $2,663