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 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.

The History of Morganite Gemstones

It might be trending at the moment, but morganite certainly isn’t new. It was first discovered on the coast of Madagascar in 1910. That same year, it was named after well-known banker J.P. Morgan.

“In 1910, the name ‘morganite’ was first suggested for a variety of pink beryl by George Fredrick 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.”

Morganite Gemstones vs. Diamonds

Diamond engagement rings are the traditional symbol of everlasting love—so what would make someone choose morganite instead? The price tag on a morganite engagement ring is one of the biggest advantages, as morganite is much more cost-effective than diamonds.

Looks play a big part here too. Not everyone wants a diamond on their finger, and morganite is an aesthetically pleasing option. “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. “It’s also a Type 1 stone, which is a clarity grading that indicates a stone is typically eye-clean. This means that you should be able to find a beautiful stone with no visible inclusions to the naked eye.”

As far as gemstones go, morganite is a pretty durable choice. “Morganite is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which is a measure of a gemstone’s hardness,” says Kanary. “This is a relatively durable gemstone, meaning it is suitable for everyday wear, making it a good choice for an engagement ring.

Of course, it’s not as durable as a diamond. “It’s important to note that morganite is a softer stone than a diamond, and is, therefore, more susceptible to becoming scratched or damaged over time,” warns diamond expert Olivia Landau.

Another difference is that morganite is never going to sparkle like a diamond will because diamonds have a higher refractive index. “Diamonds have a higher luster than morganite, meaning they show off their sparkle a little more,” says Landau. “At the end of the day, it really all depends on what you want to prioritize!”

What to Look for in a Morganite Ring

If a morganite ring feels right up your alley, decide which hue you like the most. Since the color of the stone varies so much, you need to decide exactly what you want to look for and go from there.

The color is often dependent on the size of the stone. “You should know that 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.

Keep a close eye on the setting as well. Landau warns that because it’s a soft stone, it’s essential that the setting keeps it secure. Remember: This isn’t going to be as strong or as durable as a diamond, so it could be knocked out of the setting more easily.

How to Care for Your Morganite 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.

This article was originally published on Brides.