Rings by Minka Jewels

 

When choosing an engagement ring, many couples look beyond the classic diamond to more colourful and unique gemstones that can add personality and meaning. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are three of the most popular alternatives to diamonds, each offering its own beauty, symbolism, and value.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich hues of a sapphire, the fiery red of a ruby, or the lush green of an emerald, each stone brings a distinctive character to an engagement ring.

At The Cut London we love a coloured gemstone engagement ring, they can be a great way to really add personality into a design. Whether you're choosing colour to be the central stone in place of a diamond or thinking about some accents, read below for the lowdown on the three most popular stones - and why they're not limited to red, blue and green...

 

Ring by Hattie Rickards

 

Sapphires are best known for their brilliant blue colour, although they can come in a rainbow of colours (except red, which classifies the stone as a ruby).

Why do we love them?

Sapphires are really hard-wearing and come in a whole spectrum of hues, from pale pink to olive green so you're not limited to the classic blue! You can even get dual tone sapphires that are completely unique. 

Are sapphires good for an engagement ring?

Sapphires rate a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes them incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear. The Mohs scale is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, with 10 being the hardest (diamond).

Sapphires high ranking on this scale means they’re resistant to damage, making them an excellent choice for rings that will be worn constantly.

 

Ring by Michelle Oh

 

Are sapphires expensive?

The finest sapphires are those with deep, even, vivid blue hues, often called 'cornflower blue.' The rarity of a sapphire can also add to its value, with gemstones from specific regions like Kashmir being particularly prized. Larger sapphires or those with unique colour characteristics, such as pink or yellow sapphires, can also fetch high prices.

Sapphires are often associated with qualities like loyalty, wisdom, and nobility, making them an ideal choice for a symbol of enduring love.

 

Ring by Hattie Rickards

 

Rubies are one of the most coveted gemstones, celebrated for their fiery red to deep crimson hues. They belong to the same mineral family as sapphires, but their red colour comes from the presence of chromium. Known for their intense colour and fiery brilliance, rubies are often considered the most valuable of the coloured gemstones.

Why do we love them?

Rubies are a truly rare gemstone, with the most desired blood red colour being the most sought-after. Symbolising love, lust and romance, rubies make an exciting and dramatic choice.

Are rubies good for an engagement ring?

Rubies score a 9 on the Mohs scale, making them nearly as hard as sapphires. This makes rubies durable enough for everyday wear, but, like sapphires, they should still be treated with care to prevent scratches or damage. Their hardness ensures that the gemstone will retain its brilliance for many years.

 

Ring by Hattie Rickards

 

Are rubies expensive?

The most valuable rubies are those with a rich, vivid red colour, often referred to as "pigeon’s blood" red. In addition to colour, rubies are also evaluated based on their clarity, cut, and size. Rubies from Myanmar (Burma) are among the most sought-after due to their exceptional colour and clarity.

Rubies are often considered symbols of passion, love, and power, making them a perfect gemstone for an engagement ring that represents deep and enduring love.

 

Ring by Laura Vann

 

Emeralds are among the most sought-after gemstones due to their stunning green colour, which ranges from vibrant, yellowish greens to rich, bluish tones. This gemstone has been prized for centuries, particularly in ancient Egypt and South America, for its beauty and symbolism.

Why do we love them?

A deep emerald hue, particularly when combined with a rich yellow gold, makes for an intense colour pairing that feels elevated and special.

Are emeralds good for an engagement ring?

Emeralds rank a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes them somewhat softer and more prone to scratching than sapphires and rubies.

While emeralds are still durable enough for use in engagement rings, they are more likely to show wear over time, especially if they are exposed to abrasive materials or harsh conditions.

Because of their relative softness, emeralds often have inclusions (often called "jardin"), which are considered part of their natural charm and character.

 

Ring by Minka Jewels

 

Are emeralds expensive?

The value of emeralds is primarily determined by their colour, with the most valuable emeralds being a rich, vivid green with blue undertones. Emeralds with minimal inclusions and a well-proportioned cut also command higher prices.

The most famous emeralds come from Colombia, known for producing some of the most exceptional specimens in the world.

Emeralds symbolise fertility, rebirth, and love, and are often seen as a token of hope and renewal. Their deep green hue evokes the beauty of nature, making them a symbolic and luxurious choice for a couple seeking a unique and meaningful engagement ring.

 

Ring by Michelle Oh

 

Are coloured gemstones ethical?

Because you get a variety of colours in gemstones these are often specific to each mine, and therefore they are much easier to trace than diamonds. For example 80% of pink diamonds come from the Argyle mine in Australia, Burmese Rubies are often the most sought after as they usually have the most coveted blood red colour. Each mine often produces stones with similar characteristics so they are easier to trace, alongside their paperwork.

 

In Summary

When selecting between sapphires, rubies, and emeralds for an engagement ring, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Durability: Sapphires and rubies are both extremely durable, and are excellent choices for those who want a gemstone that can withstand daily wear. Emeralds, while still a stunning choice, are softer and require more careful handling. 

2. Colour and Style: Each gemstone offers a different aesthetic. Sapphires offer a cool elegance, rubies evoke passion and drama, and emeralds provide a lush, natural beauty. Your personal style and preferences will help guide you to the gemstone that best represents your story

3. Budget: While all three gemstones can be valuable, sapphires and rubies generally tend to be more affordable than emeralds, especially when considering the rarity of fine-quality emeralds. However, the value of each stone can vary greatly depending on its colour, size, and origin.

 

Ring by Michelle Oh

 

Coloured gemstones are even more varied than diamonds with each one being unique in colour and character and so we would always recommend seeing a variety of stones in person to choose the stone that speaks to you. 

If you'd like any personal advice on choosing a gemstone ring please contact Kate.