Your Guide to Center Stones for Engagement Rings

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Natural and Lab-Grown Sapphires for Engagement Rings

With such a wide variety of different types of sapphires, never hesitate to reach out to us with any questions to have--we can help make sense of what you want, from classic blue all the way to the rare Padparadscha.  

Natural Cut Sapphires: Rich hues—blue, teal, green, yellow, and beyond.  

Lab-Grown Sapphires: Same physical makeup at a friendlier price point 

Types of Sapphires→ 

White Sapphires→ 

Natural Gemstones

Sapphire

Ruby

Spinel

Emerald

Alexandrite

Lab-Created Gemstones

Lab Created Sapphires

Lab Created Alexandrite

Lab Created Emeralds

Other Colored Gemstones

Spinel: Brilliant, durable, and rarely seen 

Ruby: Fiery red and rich in symbolism 

Emerald: Lush green with vintage flair (but handle with caution)  

Alexandrite: Mysterious color-shifting and magical 

Which ones are the best types of main stones for your custom design? Read on to discover more or reach out to us and discuss it directly with our expert jewelry designers.  

Need or would like to research further? Check out: Our Gem Search Tool→  

An Important Krikawa Expert Tip:  Not every gem is up for daily wear. Some are “soft stones”. We’ll guide you toward the best match for your lifestyle.  

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Stone Shapes vs. Diamond Cuts:
What’s the Difference?  

Shape is what you can see: oval, pear, round, cushion, etc.  Cut is how it performs: the way the light plays off each facet. 

Popular Shapes

Diamond Shapes Explained→ 

Diamond Cut: The Sparkle Factor

Diamond Cut Explained→

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Center Stone Sizing: What Works & What, Unfortunately, Doesn’t 

It’s tempting to think every stone can be the star of the show, especially if that stone means something to you. However, some simply don’t—or can’t—make the cut. Our designers often see heirloom stones that are simply too small.  

Stones, especially those like melee or accent stones, cost more to set than what the stone is actually worth. Unusual shapes can make securing these precious, tiny heirloom stones more difficult in a setting, and some may appear visually unbalanced in wider bands or halo settings.  

At Krikawa, we want nothing less than our absolute best work for you. We’ll help you scale and style your ring, so the centerpiece truly shines. Safely. We're always ready to help you scale and style your centerpiece ring so the stone you chose truly shines.

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Your Own Stones: What You Need to Know First 

We absolutely do work with family heirlooms and client-supplied stones. We adore honoring your family history. But there are caveats.  

A stone smaller than 3mm? It might not be worth the risk.  

There is a chance the stone is too soft, too included, or too fragile to work with. We will always tell you before you spend a penny. Thinking about getting a complex recutting? It is often far more expensive than starting fresh.  

Many clients assume that reusing old stones will save them money. But between the extra labor, inspection, and setting risk, that’s rarely the case—unless the stone carries immense, deep, sentimental value. Even so, we want your ring to last decades, so it's important to us to be as upfront, honest, and transparent with you.  

Don’t worry, we will always give you an honest assessment and are more than happy to work with you to find creative solutions if needed.  

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A Note About “Soft” Stones: What You Really Need to Know 

Certain gemstones, like emeralds, opals, or moonstones, for example, are softer and more brittle than diamonds and sapphires. That doesn’t mean they can’t be used for a center stone, but they do require extra care. Soft stones may be more prone to scratching, chipping, or breaking, especially if worn daily in rings like engagement rings.  

Krikawa’s design team can help you weigh beauty against practicality. When a stone is below 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale or has structural inclusions, we’ll guide you through custom design options that protect the gem—such as protective bezel settings, lower profiles, or even using the soft stone in an accent or pendant instead.

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Real Custom Design: Never a Catalog 

Every Krikawa ring you see on any of our webpages has started as a blank slate. We’ve created all types of centerpiece rings—from the bold solitaires to intricately detailed halo styles. An idea, a vision, that we crafted with our client’s side-by-side, and hold the stories of love united.  

Here’s how we’ll design yours:  
Share your vision on a Zoom call, face-to-face, to ensure we capture every nuance and idea.  
See hand-drawn sketches and CAD renders 
Explore stone options from an exclusive virtual inventory 

You’ll see only a small sample of the stones online—less than 10% of what we can source for you directly.  

See and learn more here: Design Your Own Ring→ 

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FAQs About Ring Centerpieces:  

Can I bring my own center stone?  

Yes—if it meets size and durability requirements, we’ll make it shine. Just know that small, chipped, or delicate stones may not be suitable for setting, but we’ll always give you a transparent assessment.  

What makes a great engagement ring centerpiece, anyway?  

It all comes down to balance—between durability, personal style, and the design of the ring itself. A great engagement ring centerpiece isn’t just about beauty; it fits your lifestyle, tells your story, and complements the setting it’s paired with. Whether it’s a classic diamond or a vibrant sapphire, we help you choose a stone that looks incredible and lasts for decades. 

Are lab diamonds or sapphires a good choice?  

Yes. Lab-created stones are ethical, eco-friendly, and virtually identical in beauty and durability to their natural counterparts.  

Will that ruby or sapphire hold up to everyday life?  

Most of the time, yes. But it entirely depends on the specific stones. We can help you compare durability, hardness, and how it might wear over time, so you feel confident in your choice.  

What stone shape looks the biggest?  

Oval, marquise, and pear shapes tend to offer the most surface area per carat, giving a larger look without increasing weight or price.  

I have a small heirloom diamond—will using it save me money?  

It entirely depends on the stone. Setting tiny stones often costs more than they are worth unless there is a deep sentimental value to them. We are happy to guide you through whether reuse makes sense for you or not.  

How do I know my center stone is ethically sourced?  

We work with trusted suppliers who meet rigorous sourcing standards. Most of our diamonds are GIA certified, and we’re always willing to guide you through lab vs. natural options.  

I’m still so overwhelmed—where do I start?  

That’s what we’re here for! You can start with our Center Stone Quiz or book your consult—we’d love to chat and help you!  

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Your Perfect Ring Begins with the Right Stone 

Your ring, your center stone, carries so much meaning, and we want to help you choose the one that reflects your tale of love found, love united, not just your budget.  

We will help you.  

Find the rare and meaningful beyond cookie-cutter, big-box options.
Understand what works and why based on your lifestyle and needs.
Collaborate on a design that will still feel perfect decades from now.  
 

With decades of experience, thousands of custom rings created, and an artist-led team that works for you from start to finish, Krikawa gives you so much more than a ring; we create a bespoke heirloom. We sincerely hope we’ve been able to add clarity and guidance in this beautiful moment of designing the ring of your dreams. But if you need any assistance, our experts are here. We can explore types of ring centerpieces that match your story, idea, vision, lifestyle needs, and more.  

If you’re unsure where to start or still nervous about asking questions, we are here to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible. Why not take our quiz to help you build a foundation for an unforgettable, artisan ring?  

Answer a few quick questions to uncover the gemstone that matches your style, values, and love story.

Take The Center Stone Ring Quiz  

Or, Book your Free Jewelry Design Consultation, today!