September is the month of the sapphire birthstone. But did you know that sapphires don't need to be the royal blue we are so used to seeing?

Sapphires come in a kaleidoscopic rainbow of colours, from dusty pinks and pale blues to bright oranges and olive greens.

A super versatile stone, I often recommend a green sapphire for an engagement ring if the client wants an emerald - they are so much more hardy and less likely to break, as well as available in much more contemporary hues than the grassy green of the emerald. 

Here are some of my favourite current alternative sapphire engagement ring ideas, from bespoke sapphire rings in pink and green, to one of a kind rings.