How Much Should I Pay for the Best Gemstone Engagement Ring?

When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds may be the traditional go-to, but gemstone engagement rings are rising fast in popularity—for their vivid colors, symbolic meanings, and timeless uniqueness. Whether you’re captivated by the royal blue of a sapphire, the deep green of an emerald, or the passionate red of a ruby, gemstone rings bring personality and flair to one of life’s most cherished purchases.

But that leads to an important question: how much should you pay for the best gemstone engagement ring? The answer depends on several factors, from the type of gemstone to its carat weight, cut, and clarity, as well as the ring’s design and metal setting.

Let’s explore all the price influencers with expert insights from Michael Trio, your trusted destination for high-quality custom and gemstone engagement rings.

Factors That Determine Price

The price of a gemstone engagement ring can vary dramatically—from a few hundred dollars to several thousand—depending on the following key factors.

Type of Gemstone (Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, etc.)

Not all gemstones are priced equally. The type of stone you choose will significantly impact the overall cost of your ring.

• Sapphire

One of the most popular alternatives to diamonds, sapphires come in a variety of colors—blue being the most coveted. Prices range from $800 to $2,500 per carat depending on origin, clarity, and saturation. Rare shades like Padparadscha (pink-orange) command even higher prices.

• Emerald

Emeralds are known for their vivid green color and rich symbolism. Due to their natural inclusions (also called “jardin”), they’re often treated to enhance clarity. Expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 per carat for high-quality emeralds.

• Ruby

Rubies are among the most valuable gemstones, particularly the highly prized “pigeon blood red” rubies from Burma. Prices can start at $1,500 per carat and go well beyond $10,000 per carat for exceptional stones.

Other Gemstones

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly yet stunning options, consider:

• Amethyst ($20–$50 per carat)
• Topaz ($30–$100 per carat)
• Garnet ($50–$300 per carat)
• Aquamarine ($100–$500 per carat)

At Michael Trio, we offer a curated selection of ethically sourced gemstones to match your taste and budget. Browse our gemstone ring collection to explore color, meaning, and style.

Carat Weight, Cut, and Clarity

Just like diamonds, the 4Cs—carat, cut, clarity, and color—apply to gemstones, although their grading can vary by type.

Carat Weight

Carat refers to the weight, not size, of the gemstone. A 2-carat ruby will likely be smaller in diameter than a 2-carat sapphire due to density differences.

• A 1-carat sapphire can cost $800–$1,800.
• A 1-carat emerald may range from $1,200–$2,500.
• Amethysts and topaz cost significantly less, making them ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.

Cut

Unlike diamonds, gemstones are often cut to enhance color rather than brilliance. A well-cut gemstone improves sparkle, depth, and symmetry—affecting how it sits in a ring setting.

• Custom cuts and precision faceting will increase the price.
• Cabochon (smooth, dome-shaped) cuts are more affordable but less sparkly.

Clarity

Most colored gemstones contain inclusions. While these may lower the price, they also add character. However, clarity still impacts transparency and overall beauty.

• Eye-clean stones (no visible inclusions) are more valuable.
• Some stones, like emeralds, are almost always included and judged more leniently.

Color

For gemstones, color is king. Hue, saturation, and tone all affect value.

• Pure, saturated colors with minimal zoning (uneven color distribution) fetch top dollar.
• For example, a medium-tone royal blue sapphire is more desirable than one that’s too light or too dark.

Additional Price Factors

Ring Setting and Metal Type

The ring setting also contributes to the total cost:

• 14K white, yellow, or rose gold: Affordable and classic ($400–$800)
• 18K gold: Premium option with richer color ($700–$1,200)
• Platinum: Luxurious and hypoallergenic ($900–$1,500)

Intricate designs with pavé diamonds or halo settings can raise the price by $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the complexity and materials.

Brand and Craftsmanship

Premium jewelers like Michael Trio offer the assurance of:

• Certified gemstones
• Expert craftsmanship
• Customization options
• Lifetime maintenance or warranties

You may pay a bit more, but the peace of mind and quality assurance are worth it.

Popular Gemstone Rings at Michael Trio

Michael Trio, a trusted jeweler in Singapore, offers a wide selection of gemstone engagement rings crafted with premium quality and certified authenticity. Their pieces balance timeless style with modern sensibilities, ideal for those seeking color and individuality.

Here are some of the most sought-after gemstones available:

1. Sapphire Engagement Rings

• Price Range: SGD $1,200 – $5,000+
• Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, and nobility
• Sapphires are second in hardness only to diamonds, making them a durable and elegant choice. Blue sapphires are classic, but pink, yellow, and white sapphires are also available.

2. Ruby Engagement Rings

• Price Range: SGD $1,800 – $6,000+
• Symbolism: Passion, love, and energy
• Rubies are prized for their deep red color and rarity. A natural, untreated ruby of high quality can command prices equal to or higher than diamonds.

3. Emerald Engagement Rings

• Price Range: SGD $1,500 – $4,000+
• Symbolism: Rebirth, peace, and prosperity
• Emeralds have a vivid green hue and a regal look. While slightly softer than other stones, they make stunning centerpieces when well-protected by the setting.

4. Other Colored Stones

• Morganite (SGD $1,000 – $2,500): Soft pink, romantic, and budget-friendly
• Aquamarine (SGD $800 – $2,000): Cool blue tones, perfect for subtle sparkle
• Spinel & Tourmaline: Unique colors and growing in popularity

Explore Michael Trio’s Gemstone Ring Collection to view all styles and customize your favorite.

Gemstone vs Diamond Engagement Rings

If you’re deciding between a gemstone ring and a traditional diamond, it helps to weigh the differences in cost, durability, and meaning.

1. Cost Comparison

• Diamond Rings: Typically range from SGD $2,500 – $10,000+ depending on carat, cut, clarity, and color.
• Gemstone Rings: Usually range from SGD $1,000 – $5,000, offering similar visual impact at a more accessible price.

Gemstones can offer better value for buyers prioritizing carat size or vibrant color without sacrificing luxury.

2. Durability

• Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale (most durable).
• Sapphires and Rubies rank 9—very durable and ideal for everyday wear.
• Emeralds and other gemstones typically rank between 7 and 8 and may require more protective settings.

3. Visual and Emotional Appeal

Gemstones offer rich symbolism, historical significance, and eye-catching color. They’re ideal for buyers who want something meaningful, unique, and customized.

If you’re looking to design a ring that tells a personal story, gemstone rings from Michael Trio provide endless creative possibilities—many of which you can preview using their ring customization tool.

Budgeting Tips for Singapore Buyers

Knowing how much to spend on an engagement ring in Singapore depends on a few personal and financial factors. Here are key tips to help you budget smartly:

1. Know Your Priorities

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a unique colored stone or a traditional white diamond?
• Is symbolic meaning more important than carat size?
• Am I open to lab-created gemstones or do I prefer natural?

For gemstone rings, you’ll typically get a larger and more vivid center stone at the same price point compared to diamonds.

2. Decide on a Budget Range

In Singapore, most buyers spend between SGD $1,500 and $4,000 on gemstone engagement rings. You can:

• Spend SGD $1,000–$2,000 for a smaller but high-quality sapphire, aquamarine, or morganite ring.
• Invest SGD $3,000–$5,000+ for a larger ruby or untreated emerald in a bespoke setting.

Remember: You don’t need to spend “three months’ salary”—choose what’s meaningful and comfortable for you.

3. Consider Customization

Custom rings let you control the price based on:

• Metal choice (e.g., 18K white gold vs. platinum)
• Gem size and shape
• Accent diamonds or design elements

Michael Trio’s custom ring builder allows you to visualize and fine-tune every element of your ring within your desired budget.

4. Ask About Certification

Gemstone pricing can vary depending on origin, treatment, and rarity. Always request certification and a grading report, especially for rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Michael Trio offers transparency and certified sourcing for all precious stones.

5. Explore Lab-Created Options

For buyers on a tighter budget, lab-grown gemstones provide the same physical and optical qualities at a fraction of the cost. They are also more sustainable and eco-friendlier.

Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Really Pay?

The best gemstone engagement ring is one that matches your style, values, and budget—not just a price tag.

• Entry-level gemstone rings: SGD $800 – $1,500
• Mid-range, natural sapphires or morganites: SGD $2,000 – $3,500
• Premium gemstone rings with rubies or emeralds: SGD $4,000 – $6,000+

With Michael Trio, you can find or design a ring that combines exceptional craftsmanship, authentic materials, and fair pricing—all backed by certified quality and local support in Singapore.

Shop Smart with Michael Trio

Ready to explore the world of colored stones? Whether you’re looking for a classic sapphire, a romantic morganite, or a statement ruby ring, Michael Trio has the experience, tools, and selection to bring your vision to life.

👉 Browse Gemstone Engagement Rings

👉 Create Your Custom Ring

👉 Explore Budget-Friendly Designs

Your perfect engagement ring is just a few clicks away. Make it meaningful. Make it yours—with Michael Trio.