At Easy Weddings, we love a sparkling engagement ring of virtually any description! That said, there’s something uniquely special about a design that ventures away from the traditional. Jacinta from Larsen Jewellery shares insights on these colourful trends, popular choices, and factors to consider when selecting a coloured stone engagement ring.
That’s why we’re excited to see coloured stone engagement rings having their moment in the spotlight. From rich blues and radiant reds to unexpected hues like burgundy and smoky grey, the world of gemstones offers limitless possibilities for those looking to add a splash of personality to their rings.
Coloured stones all have their own unique meanings. Here are the meanings of the stones we mention in this blog:
Emerald: Symbolises love, rebirth, and eternal youth. Usually the deeper and more vivid the green of the gemstone, the more value it has. Emeralds commonly have inclusions.
Sapphire: Sapphires symbolise honesty, loyalty, and trust.
Morganite: Part of the Beryl family, morganite symbolises divine love and prosperity. It is a very commonly sought after gemstone, appealing to people of all ages for it’s beautiful soft tones. The overall look is similar to that of a champagne diamond.
Ruby: Rubies represent passion, courage and emotion, and also bestows good fortune on the owner. For centuries, the Ruby has been considered a royal gemstone.
Topaz: Pertains to luxury, opulence, generosity and ultimately, strength.
Garnet: Garnet is known for protection. It is said to ward off nightmares and protect travellers when they are far from home.
A shift in colour preferences
“We’ve recently seen an uptick in people asking about unusual colours and moving away from the traditional white diamond, blue sapphire, red ruby,” Jacinta reveals. The appeal lies in both the aesthetic value and the personal significance that unique hues can bring. Many couples are now exploring gemstone colours that have special meaning to them, looking to craft a piece that feels deeply personal and distinct.
As Jacinta explains, “More people are realising that gemstones come in every colour of the rainbow… The more daring couples will even ask if we have any suggestions of something unusual that wouldn’t be found anywhere else.”
This shift has brought about some delightful surprises, like when one couple discovered a burgundy sapphire. “Burgundy was her favourite colour, and they never once imagined they could ask for her favourite colour!” Jacinta recounts, highlighting how couples are embracing gemstones in ways that truly reflect their individuality.
Top picks for coloured stones
For those venturing into coloured stones, Jacinta notes that preferences vary widely, often split between classic and contemporary styles. Traditional favourites like blue sapphires, red rubies, and green emeralds remain popular for those who love the timeless look. Yet, more adventurous options are also on the rise.
“Creative options include smoky grey and baby pink spinels, green and teal Australian sapphires, and brilliantly coloured diamonds,” Jacinta says.
This balance between classic and creative reflects a growing trend of customisation, allowing each couple to make a statement that resonates with their style and story.
Factors to consider when choosing a coloured engagement ring
While coloured stones are beautiful, Jacinta emphasises the importance of durability, especially for engagement rings intended for daily wear.
“It’s so important to choose coloured stones that are durable and scratch-resistant so they can stand the test of time,” she advises, noting that durable stones like diamond, sapphire, ruby, and spinel can meet these requirements while offering a range of colours.
However, some stones, such as emeralds, require extra care. Although prized for their vivid hue, emeralds are more fragile than other gemstones and may be better suited to those who are prepared to handle them with care. “Emerald stones are very beautiful but need to be chosen very carefully due to their brittle nature,” Jacinta says.
For occasional wear, options like tourmaline, garnet, aquamarine, and morganite can make a beautiful choice, though they may be more prone to scratching or chipping with daily use.
Jacinta advises discussing lifestyle and care considerations with a jeweller: “Your jeweller will discuss your requirements and offer options that will wear beautifully over time to ensure that your precious pieces will become family heirlooms.”
All rings shown here are designed and crafted by the team from Larsen Jewellery. Discover why they’re the industry leaders in ethical, stylish, and sustainable engagement rings here.