Center Stones for Engagement Rings
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Find the Perfect Diamond or Gemstone for Your Engagement Ring
Summary: This guide shows how to confidently understand the types of stones for rings, from durability and gemstone variety to choosing based on lifestyle and personal style. It also offers clear answers to common questions about heirloom stones, lab vs. natural gems, and the role of cut and setting in engagement ring designs.
Krikawa Key Points:
- Understand how durability, color, and shape influence your center stone choice.
- Learn why not all favorite stones are practical for everyday wear.
- Know the real impact of using heirloom or custom-cut stones (labor vs. price vs. sentimental value).
- See how design balance and ring type affect the long-term beauty of your centerpiece.
A center stone is a spotlight that absolutely glitters and glows.
It’s the visual focus point of your ring, and the heart of your unique love story. But the choices?
Even we admit, we have a massive inventory, and it can feel overwhelming. At first. There are so many options, colors, and cuts. Which is right? Does it matter? How do you pick, and where do you start?
This guide will help you clear the fog around the types of stones for rings and types of gemstones—from durability and daily wear, to how each option complements your lifestyle and aesthetic needs. You’ll also find answers to our most common client questions, helpful links to Krikawa’s exclusive tools, and what you really need to know about heirloom stones, lab options, and rare cuts.
Every ring at Krikawa? Made from scratch. What you see on our site is only a fraction of the stunning examples of what we can do, and just the beginning.
Finding your perfect center stone is a fascinating journey we love taking with you, and it starts with a conversation. Not a catalog. Let’s get into it!
Why the Center Stone Matters More Than You’d Expect
Choosing a center stone on the surface can seem to be all about the sparkle, but it’s so much more as a jeweler. Your center stone will influence every aspect of your custom-made Krikawa ring:
- Durability- Will it stand up to your everyday life?
- Aesthetics- Does the shape and color speak to you?
- Lifestyle Fit- Is it compatible with how you live, work, and play?
This is your ring, and for some, it is a visual representation of who they are, who they love, and their journey to forever together. Whether you want something classically timeless or wildly original, your center stone sets the entire tone.
Types of Stones for Rings
Mass-produced retailers offer a few tired and predictable options. Krikawa doesn’t just open the door; it kicks it down to reveal a world of exquisite, ethically sourced stones you’ve likely never seen or heard of. This section will explore the many types of gemstone rings, including diamonds, sapphires, and alternatives.
Natural Diamonds & Lab-Grown Diamond Options
Natural GIA Certified Diamonds: Brilliant, iconic, and the hardest stone on earth. For a natural diamond purchase, must be GIA.
Lab Created Diamonds: Visually identical to natural diamonds with eco-friendly benefits.
Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds: Champagne diamonds, black diamonds, pink diamonds, blue diamonds, green, and more.
Learn more about diamonds!→
Notable, Unique & Unusual Diamond Styles
Not all diamonds are cut to perfection, and that’s precisely where their magic lies. Unique and raw diamonds celebrate the beauty of nature’s artistry, with organic shapes, earthy textures, and unexpected flashes of light that make every stone truly one-of-a-kind.
Ethereal, with inky inclusions that feel one-of-a-kind.
Soft and dreamy, like fog trapped in a precious stone.
Antique charm with a low profile
More on Unique & Unusual Diamonds→
Diamond Alternatives for Engagement Rings
When choosing a center stone, a natural or lab-created white diamond may be the tradition—but it’s far from your only option.
From eco-conscious lab-created and affordable Moissanite to naturally occurring white sapphires, a sparkling spectrum of choices is waiting to be discovered.
white sapphire (left), lab diamond (center), Moissanite (right)
Diamond Alternatives Compared: Diamond vs Moissanite vs White Sapphire vs Cubic Zirconia
Moissanite: Brilliant and bold; a stellar diamond stand-in
White Sapphire: Clean and elegant with a subtle sparkle like a playful wink.
More on Diamond Alternatives→
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 you have- we can help make sense of what you want, from classic blue 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.
Learn More About Sapphires→
Other Colored Gemstones
Which colored gemstones and birthstones 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.
Spinel: Brilliant, durable, and rarely seen
Ruby: Fiery red and rich in symbolism
Emerald: Lush green with vintage flair (but handle with caution)
Lab Created Emeralds: More affordable and fracture resistant
Alexandrite: Rare and mysterious, color-shifting and magical
Lab Created Alexandrite: More affordable with excellent color shift
Want 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.
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 Center Stone Shapes
Your stone’s shape sets the tone for its personality and sparkle.
- Round: The go-to for brilliance and symmetry
- Oval, Pear, Marquise: Elongating and flattering
- Princess, Cushion: Edgy or soft, your style defines it
- Emerald, Asscher: Retro glam with modern minimalism
Geometric shapes = your sense of style.
Diamond Shapes Explained→
Diamond Cut: The Sparkle Factor
The only human-controlled element of a diamond’s beauty is its cut — shaping how light dances within.
- Brilliance: White light reflections
- Fire: Flashes of rainbow color
- Scintillation: Sparkling pinpoints of light
Perfect cut = maximum sparkle.
Diamond Cut Explained→
Center Stone Size and 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.
Provide 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.
Provide Your Own Center Stone →
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.
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→
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!
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.
Ready to Continue Your Custom Ring Journey?
←Chapter 2: Ring Metal Types
Chapter 4: Ring Elements →
Take The Center Stone Quiz
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