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Alternative gemstone colours for your engagement ring

Ethan Ward
Written by Ethan Ward
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Rose gold ring with a large oval green gemstone surrounded by smaller multicoloured gemstones, including purple, blue, pink, and yellow stones, set in an organic textured band on a light neutral background.
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The desire for traditional white diamonds is undeniable, but for those wanting to express their individuality and style, there's a vibrant spectrum of alternatives waiting to be discovered. This blog explores the world of colour that can transform an engagement ring from a classic symbol of love into a unique statement of personal flair. From the deep blues of sapphire to the lush greens of emerald, we'll dive into a variety of hues that add a touch of colour to any proposal.

Black

Close-up of a yellow gold ring featuring a marquise-cut dark grey diamond flanked by two small round white diamonds, resting on a light stone surface.

Telesto by Sarah Hickey Jewellery

Yellow gold ring with an oval dark grey rose-cut diamond in a bezel setting, accented by two small round white diamonds on either side, displayed on a soft pink background.

22ct & 18ct Gold 2.04ct Black Diamond Ring by Ami Blastock Jewellery


Blue

White gold engagement ring with an oval blue sapphire centre stone flanked by two round diamonds, resting on a wooden surface with a dark blurred background.

Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond 3 Stone Ring by Charles Alexander

Silver ring with a pear-shaped pale blue aquamarine centre stone and four small round diamonds, photographed on textured tree bark with a blurred natural background.

Aquamarine Stack by Madeleine Holloway


Brown

Minimalist yellow gold ring with a round cognac diamond in a bezel setting, displayed upright on a soft neutral surface with a light grey background.

Cognac Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring by Natalie Vernazza

Rose gold engagement ring with a cushion-cut champagne diamond surrounded by a halo of small diamonds, with additional diamonds along the band, on a plain white background.

Cognac Diamond Engagement ring by Stapylton-Smith


Green

Yellow gold ring with an oval green gemstone set in a textured square bezel, accented by small round diamonds on either side, resting on a soft white fabric background.

Zia by Kiya Corrales

Textured silver ring with an oval green emerald in a bezel setting, photographed on dark charred wood with a black background.

The Molten Emerald Ring by Luke Brient


Grey

Delicate yellow gold ring with a small geometric grey diamond held by prongs, resting on softly folded terracotta-coloured fabric.

TALIA Engagement Ring by Rebekah Ann Jewellery

Delicate ring with a round moonstone centre and small diamond accents arranged in a star-like cluster, worn on a hand with light pink manicured nails against a neutral background.

Moonstone and diamonds cluster ring by BKBLondon


Multi-colour

Rose gold ring with a large oval green gemstone surrounded by smaller multicoloured gemstones, including purple, blue, pink, and yellow stones, set in an organic textured band on a light neutral background.

Robins Ring by Richard Chown

Organic gold ring with a triangular pale green gemstone centre, surrounded by small pink, yellow, and blue gemstones in an irregular cluster setting on a light neutral background.

Sunset Ring by The Lane Fine Jewellery


Orange

Minimalist yellow gold ring with a triangular champagne diamond in a three-prong setting, displayed on a plain white background.

Petra Ring by Kimjoux

Two minimalist yellow gold rings with hammered bands, each set with a small rough yellow diamond in a prong setting, displayed on a white background.

Raw uncut rough diamond engagement ring by Caroline Brook


Pink

Minimalist silver ring with a round pink gemstone in a bezel setting, worn on a finger.

Pink Sapphire Solitaire by Erin Cox

Yellow gold ring with an oval pink sapphire center stone surrounded by a halo of small round white diamonds, displayed against a soft white fabric background.

Custom Sapphire Halo Ring by Lelya


Purple

Wide silver band ring with a round purple amethyst bezel-set at the centre, displayed on driftwood with a blurred coastal background.

Gemstone Solitaire Silver Coastline Ring by Hannah Louise Lamb

Yellow gold ring with a hexagon-cut pink gemstone in a bezel setting and a rounded beaded band, displayed on a plain white background.

Violet Sapphire Hex Ring by Gemdaia


Red

Textured wide yellow gold band ring with an organic finish, featuring a round cabochon deep red garnet in a bezel setting against a black background.

Garnet Ring by Polly Gasston Jewellery

Yellow gold ring with an oval deep red ruby center stone flanked by two small round white diamonds, displayed among soft white seashell textures.

Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring by Jodie Gearing


Yellow

Yellow gold ring with a radiant-cut yellow diamond center stone flanked by two small white diamonds, displayed on a soft pale background.

Amara Ring by EDXÚ

Yellow gold ring with an elongated emerald-cut yellow gemstone center, flanked by small round white diamonds in geometric side settings, displayed on a plain white background.

Yellow & White Parti Sapphire Ring by Poppy Elder Fine Jewellery


FAQ

What are some alternative stones for engagement rings?

Popular alternative stones for engagement rings include sapphires, rubies, emeralds, opals, and moissanites, each offering unique hues and characteristics.

What is the best colour for an engagement ring?

The best colour for an engagement ring is subjective and depends on personal taste; however, classic white diamonds are popular for their versatility and symbolism of purity, while coloured gemstones are chosen for their personal significance and uniqueness.

What stones should not be used for engagement rings?

Stones like opal, pearl, and turquoise are generally not recommended for engagement rings due to their softer and more delicate nature, which makes them prone to scratches and damage with everyday wear.

What looks like a diamond but is cheaper?

Moissanite is a popular choice that looks like a diamond but is significantly cheaper; it is also brilliant and durable, making it ideal for engagement rings.

What is the cheapest alternative to sapphire?

Topaz and aquamarine are both cheaper alternatives to sapphire, offering similar striking blue hues but at a more affordable price point.

Ethan Ward

About the author

Ethan Ward

Co-founder

Ethan looks after the whole Boutee journey from first click to “yes”, making sure every person is matched with the right independent jeweller and never feels lost along the way. He’s also the champion of our maker community, supporting independent jewellers, building meaningful connections and helping the right connections spark.

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