Coloured Gemstones for Engagement Rings

When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds have long been the traditional choice. However, more and more couples are now embracing the bold beauty and personal significance of coloured gemstones for engagement rings. At Polished Diamonds, we believe that your engagement ring should be as unique as your love story. Using coloured gemstones for engagement rings is the perfect way to add a personal, meaningful touch.
The Rise of Coloured Gemstones in Engagement Rings
Gone are the days when diamonds were the only option for engagement rings. From royalty to celebrities and modern brides alike, coloured gemstones have become a popular alternative to the classic solitaire. Not only do they offer a vibrant pop of colour, but they also allow couples to express individuality and style in a way that traditional diamonds often can’t. Coloured gemstones also pair beautifully with diamonds. Try adding vibrant accent stones to a Trilogy-style ring, incorporating subtle pops of colour in a hidden halo setting, or setting smaller gems along the band for a unique touch.
Popular Coloured Gemstones for Engagement Rings
At Polished Diamonds, we offer an extensive selection of precious and semi-precious gemstones. Our expert team will work with you to design a bespoke engagement ring that perfectly captures your individual style.
Here are some of the most popular coloured gemstones our clients love:
- Sapphires: Sapphires are known for symbolising truth, loyalty, and lasting commitment, making them a meaningful choice for engagement rings. While most people are familiar with the classic blue sapphire, particularly the vibrant Ceylon blue or the deeper Australian variety, sapphires also come in a stunning array of colours, including pink, yellow, green, and even white.
- Emeralds: With their vibrant green colour, emeralds are a fresh, bold choice that symbolises growth, harmony, and new beginnings, making them a fitting tribute to a lifelong commitment. Their distinctive colour makes them stand out in vintage-inspired designs, especially in striking Art Deco settings.
- Rubies: Rubies have long been associated with passion and protection, making them a powerful symbol of love and strength. Their vibrant red hue adds a romantic touch to any engagement ring, creating a timeless statement piece. Whether set as a centre stone or used as vibrant accents, rubies bring a sense of elegance to your design.
- Morganite: With its soft blush-pink hue, morganite symbolises compassion and love, making it a romantic and thoughtful choice for an engagement ring. Often set in rose gold, it creates a feminine, modern look that’s elegant yet unique, perfect for those seeking a fresh take on tradition.
- Aquamarine: Known for its serene pale blue colour, aquamarine symbolises tranquillity, clarity, and calm, which beautifully reflect the foundation of a lasting relationship. Its cool, refreshing tone makes it a perfect choice for those who want a modern look with a touch of softness. Aquamarine is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary engagement rings and maintains timeless elegance.
Why Choose Coloured Gemstones for Engagement Rings?
- Unique Style
Coloured gemstones offer a wide spectrum of shades, enabling you to design a truly one-of-a-kind ring. Whether you want something bold and vibrant or soft and subtle, there’s a gemstone to match every style. - Personal Meaning
Many gemstones carry symbolic meanings or are associated with birth months and anniversaries. Choosing a coloured gemstone can add a layer of personal significance to your ring. - Excellent Value
Coloured gemstones often offer greater size and visual impact for your budget compared to white diamonds. This allows you to create a more impressive ring without compromising on quality or design. - Timeless Appeal
While trends may come and go, many coloured gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies, have graced royal and heirloom jewellery for centuries. Their enduring beauty ensures your ring will never go out of style.

Custom Design at Polished Diamonds
At Polished Diamonds, we specialise in custom-designed engagement rings. Our experienced designers use CAD (computer-aided design) to create a 3D model of your dream ring, incorporating the coloured gemstone of your choice. You’ll be able to visualise every detail before it’s brought to life. Whether you’re after a timeless design with a modern edge or something unique, our team will support you every step of the way, from choosing the perfect gemstone to the final finishing touches.
Care and Maintenance
When choosing a coloured gemstone for your engagement ring, it’s important to consider not just beauty, but durability as well. Some gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies, rank high on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them excellent choices for everyday wear. These stones are highly scratch-resistant and built to handle everyday wear without losing their lustre. Other gemstones, like emeralds, opals, and morganite, are slightly softer and more delicate. While equally stunning, these stones may require extra attention to avoid damage. For more delicate stones, we may suggest protective settings that offer added security without compromising the design.
To ensure your gemstone ring remains as radiant as the day you received it, we provide tailored advice on proper care. At Polished Diamonds, we believe that a beautiful ring should last a lifetime. That’s why we’re committed to helping you care for your gemstone properly, so it continues to shine brilliantly through all of life’s milestones.
Make It Meaningful
Choosing a coloured gemstone for your engagement ring is a beautiful way to express individuality, embrace meaningful symbolism, and stand out from the crowd. At Polished Diamonds, we’re passionate about helping you create a ring that reflects your love story, vibrant, enduring, and uniquely yours!
Ready to design your dream ring?
Get in touch with our team at Polished Diamonds today to explore our collection of stunning coloured gemstones and start your custom engagement ring journey. Our trained staff are experts in both customer care and jewellery knowledge, ensuring that every customer receives the best possible service. When you visit one of our design studios, in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, you’ll experience a pleasant and efficient shopping experience. Our team is here to provide friendly and helpful advice!