The 30 Best Pearl Engagement Rings That Give Diamonds a Run for Their Money

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. We can’t argue that. But you know what’s equally breathtaking? Pearls. Hear us out: These elegant stones may not be your first thought when it comes to engagement rings, but pearl jewelry is trending for a reason: it’s beautiful! Below are the 30 best engagement rings that give diamonds a run for their money (at a fraction of the price…).

When you think of pearls, maybe they’re as something you clutch when something salacious happens. But, according to jeweler, Ritani, pearls also represent loyalty, integrity, generosity and purity—qualities that are key to any union. Engagement Ring History also reports that in medieval Europe, pearls were dubbed “the stone of sincerity” and were a popular choice for engagement rings up until diamonds permeated the zeitgeist in the 19th century.

Natural pearls are rare, therefore expensive. But because there’s a demand for the little suckers, people are able to make cultured pearls which are considered just as real, but don’t grow without human interference. Unless your jewelry says otherwise, assume that any type of pearl you purchase is cultured, the pros at Gem Society state. There are five types of pearls you may encounter:

1. Freshwater Pearls: Historically, freshwater pearls could be found all over the world, says Gem Society. However, today they are mass produced in China and are on the affordable end of the spectrum for those who looking for a great deal. Freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors—white, cream, yellow, orange, pink and purple—but not black. Any black freshwater pearl you encounter has been dyed.

2. Saltwater pearls: These pearls are produced by oysters in the sea. Generally, only one saltwater pearl is found per shell, making them rare and, naturally, more desirable. Saltwater pearls have a superior luster and glossier appearance than freshwater pearls.

3. Akoya pearls: When you visualize a standard pearl necklace, odds are that what’s in your mind’s eye is a string of Akoya pearls. These types of saltwater pearls are mostly grown in the cooler waters around Japan and China, and they have the highest luster among all others. Their incomparable roundness and mirror-like shine make them highly appealing. Akoya pearls are known to have white, cream, yellow, pink or blue body colors with pink, silver, or green overtones, says Gem Society.

4. Tahitian Pearls: As you may have guessed, Tahitian pearls are commonly found in Tahiti, as well as other French Polynesian islands. Also a type of saltwater pearls, they’re the only kind that naturally occur in black but can also sprout in gray, brown, blue, green and purple hues.

5. South Sea Pearls: With the largest range in size, south sea pearls are the most expensive type of pearls. These saltwater pearls are cultivated in the warmer waters off the coast of Australia and the Philippines and come in white, cream, silver, yellow and orangey-yellow variations. Pricey as they may be, south seas pearls have a less brilliant luster than their counterparts. Their appearance has more of a satin look compared to the mirror-like shine of Akoya pearls, for instance.