Morganite Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

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 it 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.

It might be trending at the moment, but morganite certainly isn’t new. It was first discovered on the coast of Madagascar in 1910. “The name ‘morganite’ was first suggested for a variety of pink beryl by George Frederick 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.”

Pros and Cons of Morganite Engagement Rings

Morganite has become a popular choice for brides looking for an alternative to the traditional diamond. Of course, the primary allure of morganite is its pink hue. “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. There are other pros to this precious gemstone. If you are looking for your engagement ring to really sparkle, morganite is great because of how the light radiates off it to create a glimmering effect. Also, if you are looking for a low-cost engagement ring, morganite is a budget-friendly option.

There are also some considerations to take into account if you are thinking about this unique stone for your forever ring. Morganite is between 7.5-8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it much softer than other gemstones. This means the edges of morganite are prone to chipping easily, so it's crucial to have a strong prong setting for the stone.

What to Look for in a Morganite Engagement Ring

• What setting works best for this type of stone? Because morganite is a soft stone, it’s essential that the setting keeps it secure, says Landau. Opting for a four- or six-prong setting is a safe bet for protecting your morganite stone. A bezel or halo setting will also provide the stone with more protection. Whichever setting you choose, remember to check your prongs every six to 12 months to ensure they don't become weak or damaged over time. 
• Which of the 4Cs should you prioritize? Color is very important because the various hues can completely change the style and look of your ring. However, carat is equally as important. The color is often dependent on it. “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.
• How can I tell if the stone is high quality? Morganite should be clean to the eye without any imperfections or marks. The best morganite is pink and eye-clean. Peachy and less saturated (with a hint of gray) morganites are cheaper. Flaws can lessen the quality of morganite and make it less desirable.

How to Care for Your Morganite Engagement 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.