Engagement Ring Guides
Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
A coloured gemstone engagement ring stands apart from the diamond crowd — with rich colour, real meaning and, often, better value. Here is what to know.
Why choose a coloured stone
Colour is personal and distinctive, often carries meaning, and can offer more size and presence than a diamond at the same budget. Royal sapphire engagement rings made the look globally iconic.
Sapphire
Hard-wearing (9 on the Mohs scale) and classically blue — though it comes in many colours. The most popular coloured choice. Browse sapphire engagement rings and our September birthstone guide.
Emerald
Vivid green and full of romance, though softer and best treated with care. See emerald engagement rings and the May birthstone guide.
Ruby
Rich red, durable and symbolic of passion. Browse ruby engagement rings and the July birthstone guide.
Durability & care
Sapphire and ruby are very hard and ideal for daily wear; emerald is softer and needs more care. All antique coloured-stone rings reward gentle handling.
Shop Coloured Gemstone Rings
Antique sapphire, emerald and ruby engagement rings.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — they are distinctive, meaningful and often better value than diamonds. Choose hard-wearing sapphire or ruby for daily wear; treat emerald with more care.
Sapphire and ruby (both corundum, 9 on the Mohs scale) are the most durable coloured stones for everyday wear.
Sapphire, especially blue sapphire, is the most popular coloured engagement stone.