Unusual Engagement Rings - Designers Go Blue For Winter

When it comes to unusual engagement rings, designers everywhere are touting coloured gemstones as this season’s hot choice. With vintage styles coming back in a big way, the door has been left open for these gemstones to waltz right in alongside them! 2014 has been a big year for celebrities flaunting coloured gemstone rings, and in particular many are enjoying the sapphire for its beautiful depth of blue.

However it would be a shame for other blue gemstones to go unnoticed, so here are some current favourites.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is fast becoming one the most popular gemstones. Known as one of December’s birthstones, its distinctive violet hue is highly sought after and makes the stone a big hit with both blue and purple gemstone fans. It only reaches a six to seven on Mohs scale of hardness, so although it’s still hard enough to be made into jewellery, wearers should take care when doing anything too strenuous whilst wearing their ring. Found in only one place in the world, tanzanite is extremely rare. You certainly won’t find many other people wearing it, making it a perfect choice for unusual engagement rings. Designers particularly love the combination of the blue-violet stone with a platinum band.

Topaz

Blue topaz is extremely popular as it is considered very affordable – in fact it is one of the most affordable stones on the market today. Blue topaz is usually split into three different categories of shades: sky-blue, the lightest blue of the shades; swiss-blue, which is a deeper blue; and London-blue topaz, which is the richest blue and is the most popular choice. In terms of popularity, blue topaz comes second after sapphire. It rates an eight on the Mohs scale, which makes it very durable and hard to scratch. Naturally occurring blue topaz is rare, mined as a by-product of sapphire in Sri Lanka. Most blue topaz is created chemically from a clear version of the stone, so a ring containing natural blue topaz is certainly regarded highly when it comes to unusual engagement rings. Designers enjoy working with topaz, as the gem can stand alone as a stunning centre stone but also works well with different types of accents and coloured metals.

Agate

Agate is a type of layered quartz. It appeals to jewellers who create unusual engagement rings as no two agate stones are the same. This is highly appealing for those looking for individuality in their ring, as agate’s translucent, banded form creates interesting patterns in the stone. It is generally quite inexpensive as it is mined extensively, making it a unique but cheaper option for couples on a budget. It is cut into cabochons, which are small, polished, dome shapes and is a very hard and durable gemstone. Many people love agate for its eye catching originality; it may not be sparkly but the patterns are so gorgeous that it doesn’t matter.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. If you're looking for unusual engagement rings and advice on precious metals and coloured stones, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.