Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but when it comes to picking an engagement ring, there has been a marked shift towards more colourful stones. "There is an increased bravery to try something new and break away from the crowd, whether that’s with the choice of gemstone or ring design," explains independent fine jewellery specialist, Joanna Hardy. "Princess Eugenie’s fiancé, Jack Brooksbank, for example, chose a Padparadscha orangey-pink sapphire for their engagement ring."
Royalty aside, it seems the rest of us want a slice of the vibrant gem trend. Their popularity, in part, ties into the rise of coloured crystals and the healing powers some claim they hold. Millennials not only want their jewellery to look good but to have meaning, whether it's positivity or protection.
And it’s not just rose quartz and sapphire pendants we’re after, but gemstone engagement rings too. The world-leading supplier of precious stones, Gemfields, has seen coloured gemstones become increasingly desired by a younger audience. "They're often placed in modern settings, using a mix of colours and materials to enhance their preciousness or to make them more fun and wearable. That’s the beauty of them, they cater for all taste at all levels; they match each wearer's individuality with their limitless looks, and they have won the battle with the misconception that they should be worn by our grandmothers," adds Elena Basaglia, expert gemologist for Gemfields.
Moreover, with sustainability high up on our agenda, it’s no wonder Gemfields stones are making waves among millennials. With mines located in Zambia and Mozambique, the brand goes above and beyond to ensure its business serves the interest of the local community. It’s a rarity, given the gemstone industry is still so unregulated. Sadly, many gemstones are smuggled illegally and traded without licence, providing no benefit to national economy or indigenous population. Gemfields has worked tirelessly to ensure workers are recruited locally, wages go above national standards and security teams are trained to international humanitarian standards. The mines are life-changing sources of national income and numerous local partnerships have been set up to establish community livelihood, health and education projects. So as consumers, we no longer have to choose between ethics and aesthetics when it comes to proposal time.
Read on to learn about the meanings behind our favourite coloured gemstones and the engagement ring designs that are guaranteed to get you to say 'I do'.
"In early Egyptian and Greek lore, if anyone dreamt of a green gem, he or she would become famous and meet with truth and fidelity," reveals Joanna. While we can’t promise that wearing an emerald sparkler will turn you into the next Beyoncé or Kim Kardashian, there is something to be said about how it can potentially help you and your marriage flourish. Emeralds are believed to help stimulate the heart chakra, bringing about a healing effect on your emotions and enhancing unconditional love, unity and friendship. "Emerald’s inclusions are sometimes referred to as 'jardins' (French for gardens) which can resemble tiny plants and foliage," reveals Elena. Hence their connection with growth, virtue, motherhood and relaxation. It’s no surprise that emeralds have been revered by maharajas, tsars, emperors, empresses, kings and queens, as well as by some of the most iconic and powerful women of the 20th century, like Jackie O and Elizabeth Taylor. Looking to go green-fingered to celebrate your union? These four spectacular designs will have you voyaging to the emerald city.
Like to stand out from the crowd? This U-shaped gold ring is perfect for the 2019 bride. Two captivating emeralds meet perfectly in the middle, symbolising equality in a marriage.
AYA Emerald Chete Ring, £1,020, available at AYA
For traditionalists who don’t want to play it too safe, this oval-cut emerald set on a white gold band is guaranteed to be a hit. Classic in shape, the green hue gives it a modern and starry-eyed finish. Picture-perfect for the hopeless romantic.
Fabergé Emerald White Gold Fluted Ring, £19,200, available at Fabergé
Strong in statement, this Seraphina Emerald Wing ring is best suited to those who aren’t afraid to let their love shine brightly. Emeralds and white diamonds are delicately draped across a yellow gold band, offering an alternative for those who don’t subscribe to the 'bigger is better' motto.
GFG Jewellery by Nilufer Seraphina Emerald Wing Ring, £1,900, available at GFG Jewellery by Nilufer
Falling at the 'blow the budget' end of the price spectrum, this three-part ring creates the perfect opportunity to reveal your romantic journey. A uniquely shaped band sits beautifully between an emerald and a diamond to symbolise either friendship, love and loyalty, or the past, present and future of you and your partner’s love story.
Sophie Bille Brahe Bianca Ring, £44,212, available at Gemfields x Muse
Renowned for their head-turning potential, ruby rings are deemed a daring choice for brave-hearted brides. But there’s a lot more to them than their fiery appearance. Their healing powers are linked to the removal of negative energy and are associated with passion, protection and prosperity. Worn for centuries, their bright red colour has been treasured for its similarity to blood, which is why they were thought to hold the power of life. "Historically, the main source of rubies was Burma, now Myanmar, where local warriors would also put rubies under their skin before battle, and rubies were also buried beneath the foundations of buildings, both practices bringing good fortune. So, wearing a ruby is both a sign of strength and protection," reveals Joanna. "In fact they were so prized for their appearance and value that the king of the region in which they were mined dictated that all rubies over 5 carats in weight immediately belonged to him," she adds. For a wedding ring they couldn’t be more ideal as their bright red hue is said to represent an internal flame that no human could possibly extinguish, which is the name of the game when you marry the love of your life, right? Here are four designs that are perfect for sealing the deal.
If you’re wary about committing to a ruby centre stone, then look no further than this richly hued Matusadona ring. The three red-tinted asymmetric stones come together beautifully, allowing light to play off each ruby and creating a fiery sparkle that represents true passion.
AYA Matusadona Ring, £590, available at AYA
For romantics who aren't drawn to a traditionally feminine ring, this piece works wonders. Rubies and diamonds rev up the romance, while the black rhodium dials down the daintiness.
GFG Jewellery by Nilufer Seraphina Angel Ring, £2,450, available at GFG Jewellery by Nilufer
This ruby-encrusted gold bangle certainly sets the pace for those who want to live in colour. Finished with a single raised red ruby, it’s a feast for the eyes and a must-have for a couple intent on keeping their sparkle alive.
Fabergé Ruby Rose Gold Fluted Ring, £16,320, available at Fabergé
Want a ring that screams 'I’m getting married'? Maximalists raise your left hand. Part of the emotion collection, the Charmeuse ring features a Mozambican ruby stone surrounded by 300 pavé-set rubies. Vivid and intense, with a nod to both Impressionist and Fauvist design, this beautiful band is guaranteed to cause major engagement ring envy – and a rather large dent in the bank account.
Fabergé Emotion Charmeuse Ruby Ring, £27,360, available at Fabergé
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