Pearl Engagement Rings

Yes. Pearl engagement rings have a long history and are chosen today by couples who want something softer and less expected than a diamond. The honest trade-off is durability: a pearl is far softer than a diamond or sapphire, so it suits someone who will take the ring off for workouts, cleaning and gardening, or who plans to wear a separate band day to day.

A pearl rates about 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared with 10 for diamond, and its surface can be scratched by grit, dulled by acids and damaged by heat. Protective settings help: a diamond halo such as the Diamond Halo Pearl Ring or the Beaded Halo Pearl Ring shields the pearl's edge from knocks. With sensible care a pearl ring stays beautiful for decades.

Akoya pearls are the classic round, bright pearl with a sharp luster; freshwater pearls are a little softer in luster and gentler in price. Most rings here use cultured freshwater pearls of 3.5 to 10 mm, up to the 9.5 to 10 mm pearl in the Cathedral Pavé Halo Pearl Engagement Ring. The three-stone akoya rings, the akoya cluster, opal and rope band rings use akoya pearls, and the black akoya pearl is color-treated to its deep gray. Every pearl is cultured, and each product page names the type and size.

Yes. The accent diamonds on these pearl engagement rings are natural diamonds, from a few tiny accents up to about 3/8 ct total on the halo, cathedral and crossover styles, including trillion-cut side diamonds on one three-stone design. The opal style adds natural white opal accents around the pearl.

Put it on last, after lotion, perfume and hairspray, and take it off first. Wipe the pearl with a soft damp cloth after wearing, and never use an ultrasonic cleaner, steam or harsh chemicals. Store it apart from harder jewelry so diamonds and gold cannot scratch the pearl, and have the setting checked once a year.

Yellow gold warms a white pearl and gives the most vintage look; white gold and platinum keep the look cool and bright; rose gold flatters pearls with a pink overtone. Most styles here are offered in 14K yellow, white or rose gold, and many also in platinum; a few are made in a single metal, shown on the product page.

Every ring we sell is made or sized to order, so all rings are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. Check the ring size with our sizing guide before you order; each product page lists the sizes available.

A slim diamond or plain gold band in the same metal keeps the pearl the focus. Bypass and crossover settings sit best next to a thin, straight band. See our women's wedding bands and diamond anniversary bands.

Each ring is made to order, and the product page shows its timing before you buy. Every order ships free and fully insured, and orders of $500 or more go by UPS Express with a signature on delivery.

Our pearl rings collection adds everyday stacking and rope-band pearl rings. For a gemstone with more hardness, see gemstone engagement rings.