When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds have long been the go-to choice for many couples. But in recent years, coloured gemstone engagement rings have been growing in popularity, offering a striking and meaningful alternative. Whether it’s the rich hues of sapphires, the soft glow of morganites, or the vibrant sparkle of emeralds, coloured gemstones bring a unique beauty and personal touch to this symbol of love.

But how did the engagement ring tradition begin? And why are coloured gemstones becoming such a sought-after choice? Let’s take a look at the history of adding colour to this timeless piece of jewellery.

A Brief History of Engagement Rings

The tradition of engagement rings dates back thousands of years, with the ancient Egyptians believed to be the first to exchange rings as a symbol of eternal love. They used simple bands of braided reeds or leather, often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which was believed to contain the “vein of love,” directly connected to the heart.

However, the engagement ring as we know it today began to take shape during the Roman Empire, where rings symbolised a formal contract of marriage. The Romans also began the tradition of using precious metals like gold and silver. It wasn’t until the 15th century that diamonds were first used in engagement rings. Archduke Maximilian of Austria is credited with commissioning the first documented diamond engagement ring for his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. This set the precedent for the diamond as the gem of choice for engagement rings, a trend solidified by clever 20th-century marketing campaigns.

But while diamonds have dominated the scene, coloured gemstones have always held a special place in the world of jewellery, and many are now rediscovering their allure.

The Charm of Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings

One of the main reasons couples are choosing coloured gemstones is their vibrant beauty. Each stone has its own unique story and character, offering a world of options to reflect personal style and meaning. Here are a few popular choices:

Sapphires: Sapphires come in a range of colours, from the iconic deep blue to soft pinks, yellows, and even green. They are known for their durability, making them a great choice for a lifelong piece of jewellery.

Emeralds: The lush green of emeralds is captivating and represents growth and harmony. Emeralds have a rich history, often associated with royalty and luxury.

Rubies: The intense red hue of rubies symbolizes passion and love, making them an ideal choice for an engagement ring.

Morganites: Known for their soft blush-pink hue, morganites are a romantic and subtle option, perfect for those who prefer a more understated yet still colourful gemstone.

Aquamarines: With their serene blue hue, aquamarines evoke the calmness of the sea, making them perfect for someone who loves nature and tranquillity.

Why Bespoke Jewellery is the Perfect Route for Coloured Gemstones

One of the most exciting things about choosing a coloured gemstone engagement ring is the opportunity to go bespoke. When you choose a bespoke jeweller, you have the creative freedom to design a ring that is truly unique and meaningful to you and your partner.

Infinite Customisation: Going bespoke allows you to incorporate as many gemstones as you like, creating a colourful palette that reflects your personality. Whether you want a single statement gemstone or a combination of several, the possibilities are endless.

Rare and Unique Gemstones: Bespoke jewellery also gives you access to gemstones that are less common, making your engagement ring truly one-of-a-kind. Think of rare gems like alexandrite, which changes colour depending on the light, or tourmaline, which comes in a stunning range of hues. You can even find birthstones or gems that have personal significance, creating a ring full of sentimentality.

A Colourful Story: Each gemstone tells its own story, whether it's through its origin, colour, or the emotions it evokes. A bespoke coloured gemstone engagement ring allows you to tell a unique love story through the design and selection of stones, making it a meaningful piece that will be treasured for years to come.

Add a Splash of Colour to Your Forever Moment

Coloured gemstone engagement rings are more than just a trend – they are a timeless way to express individuality, love, and creativity. Choosing a bespoke ring allows you to play with colour and design, making a truly personal statement. Whether you’re drawn to the deep blues of sapphires, the bold red of rubies, or the enchanting green of emeralds, there’s a world of colour waiting to be explored.

It’s a new year and a new decade, and although trends in the jewellery business aren’t quick to change, at least not at the pace of other fashion industries, there are a couple that have caught our eye at the start of 2020.

Recycling

The first is the trend towards recycling. And no we don’t mean jewellery made from plastic bottles, but we can see how our choice of headline image may have confused you! Recycling isn’t something new to the jewellery industry, we, and many other jewellers, have been recycling in one form or another for decades—using gemstones or precious metals from older or antique jewellery to create new pieces is the most common way we recycle here at Form. But with sustainability and recycling now common place in all of our day-to-day lives, as well as being on the agenda of our favourite brands and in the news most days, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more customers choose to recycle (or upcycle) jewellery they may no longer wear or family heirlooms that need a new lease of life, particularly when there’s little of the environmental impact a new piece of jewellery has.

We’re always happy to do our bit for the environment and love creating new pieces of jewellery from old. We were recently commissioned to make this beautiful, bespoke engagement ring using the customers antique oval cut diamond:

Unusual Stones

We’ve also seen a rise in clients asking for unusual stones in their jewellery, and this seems to be a trend that’s set to continue in 2020. Our customers have an appetite for unique pieces of bespoke jewellery, and unusual stones can really set a piece of jewellery apart from the crowd. Recent commissions have seen us create pendants using Amethysts, Citrine and Tsavorite Garnets gemstones, as well as rings using Peridots and Spessartite Garnets.

So if you have a piece of jewellery that isn’t being worn or needs a new lease of life why not contact us, and if you really want to create a unique piece of jewellery why not think about adding unusual gemstones to it.

The Beauty and Charm of Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings