An Overview of Coloured Engagement Rings

In the early days of engagement rings, there was not much a couple could choose from in terms of colours. Most stones and rings available on the market would have been of either plain or naturally occurring colours, with the smaller variety of stones and metals on offer also conditioning the choice. As such, many buyers would end up with similarly structured and coloured rings – the paradigm for what is perceived as a typical wedding ring nowadays.

As decades and centuries progressed, however, the betrothal ring market slowly began to change. New types of stones were introduced and became popular alternatives to diamonds, and new metals were discovered which also vied with the traditional gold and silver settings for the attention of engaged couples. The natural, yet breathtaking hues of most of these new stones and some of these new metals eventually led to a significant broadening of the choices available to a future bride or groom; suddenly, side- by-side with the standard rings of old, there were exciting new blue, red, green and purple engagement rings!

That paradigm has lasted to this day. Although the diamond continues to reign supreme over all other types of stone, more and more couples are discovering the appeal of purple engagement rings, red engagement rings and other such alternatives to the norm. Naturally coloured stones such as the sapphire, the ruby and the emerald have also been capturing the imagination of more and more ring shoppers, and their growing popularity may just signal the end of the diamond ring’s hegemony in upcoming decades.

Aside from the aesthetic aspect, these green, blue, purple and red rings also have the advantage of being considerably cheaper than coloured diamond rings, especially those topped by so-called ‘fancy’ diamonds (which are often times even more expensive than regular diamonds.) This will enable couples to acquire a ring which, while affordable enough, is still visually striking and topped by a real gem, rather than a synthetic imitation.

Imitation and synthetic gems are, of course, still an option for those who would like rings in non-naturally occurring colours. While usually less highly regarded than naturally coloured stones, synthetic or even dyed gems can offer the purchasing couple an even vaster array of choices, ranging beyond the traditional purple engagement rings and red ones into other, bolder and less usual colours.

It is clear, then, that engaged couples nowadays can profit from a wide selection of coloured engagement rings to choose from. The final choice is, therefore, simply down to personal taste, rather than the need to settle for a particular model.

Laura L Bolick is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From purple engagement rings to princess cuts and engraved bands, 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.