Diamonds may be timeless, but coloured gemstones are joining the conversation in a big way. More couples are choosing rings that reflect their values, not just tradition. Personality over polish. Symbolism over sameness. And colour? It’s no longer the outlier. It’s the conversation starter.
Across the industry, more buyers are turning to coloured gemstones for their meaning, individuality, and visual impact — and we’ve taken note.
This guide breaks down the most sought-after stones, what they symbolize, and how they wear over time.
Note: While fancy-coloured diamonds do exist, the term coloured gemstones in this context typically refers to non-diamond gems such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies — which are increasingly popular in modern engagement rings.
Here is the Quick Answer:
In 2025, coloured gemstone engagement rings are rising in popularity as design-forward, meaningful alternatives to traditional diamonds. Stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies offer deep symbolism and visual impact, especially when custom-designed. With lab-grown options offering affordability and ethical sourcing, many couples are choosing colour to reflect their values. DiamondNet provides expert guidance on materials and symbolism, helping you create a ring that’s anything but ordinary.
Why Coloured Gemstones Are the New Classic
Traditional engagement rings — white diamond, round cut, white gold — still hold timeless appeal. But in 2025, more couples are complementing that legacy with choices that feel personal, symbolic, and visually distinct.
Couples today want something personal. Not mass-produced. Not predictable.
That’s why coloured gemstones are gaining ground—not as quirky alternatives, but as meaningful options in their own right.
We’ve seen clients light up over deep-blue sapphires, earthy emeralds, and fiery rubies. These stones offer more than colour. They carry intent.
From Tradition to Intention
More couples are choosing colour as a form of personal expression — whether through fancy coloured diamonds or other meaningful stones.
Today’s buyers care about where their stones come from. They want rings that speak to commitment and character. Ethical sourcing, symbolic meaning, and personal expression all matter more than just carat count.
At DiamondNet, we hear this often:
“We’re not looking for what everyone else has.”
That’s not a trend. That’s taste.
Personality and Symbolism Drive the Shift
Each gemstone tells its own story.
Sapphires evoke loyalty and emotional depth. Emeralds speak to growth and renewal. Rubies radiate intensity and courage.
When a couple chooses a stone based on meaning—not marketing—they’re choosing a piece of legacy.
Popular Coloured Gemstones & What They Represent
When you choose a coloured gemstone, you’re choosing a message. These stones don’t just look beautiful—they carry stories, emotions, and energy that resonate far beyond aesthetics.
Sapphire: Loyalty & Strength
Sapphires are deep, commanding, and emotionally grounded. Classic blue varieties reflect confidence and truth. Teal or green sapphires offer an earthier, modern twist.
We see more and more clients choosing sapphires for their balance of tradition and individuality. They’re ideal for couples who’ve weathered life together—and grown stronger through it.
Emerald: Renewal & Sophistication,
Emeralds are bold but grounded. Green symbolizes growth and rebirth—especially fitting for love that evolved over time or flourished after distance.
Their vintage flair pairs beautifully with yellow gold and antique-style settings. Emerald lovers often have a strong sense of identity and want a ring that mirrors it.
Ruby: Passion & Protection
Rubies don’t whisper—they roar. Rich in colour and symbolism, rubies represent courage, emotion, and resilience.
For couples who didn’t follow a traditional path—and don’t want a traditional ring—rubies feel like a celebration of everything intense and real.
Tourmaline, Spinel & Aquamarine – Style-Forward Choices
These gemstones aren’t just beautiful—they’re expressive and unexpected.
- Tourmaline offers vivid pinks, greens, and bi-colours—ideal for artistic couples.
- Spinel looks like ruby but is more affordable and just as durable.
- Aquamarine feels calming and clean, chosen for its soft clarity and cool-toned glow.
If you’re drawn to colour but want something beyond the big three, these are standout picks.
Durability: What works for daily wear?
Choosing colour doesn’t mean sacrificing strength. But not all coloured gemstones are built the same—and durability matters when you’re wearing a ring every day.
Understanding the Mohs Scale
The Mohs scale measures hardness, or how resistant a material is to scratching. It runs from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds rank a perfect 10. Most durable coloured gemstones start at 7 and up.
Here’s how the most popular options hold up:
- Sapphire & Ruby (Mohs 9): Extremely durable. Perfect for daily wear with little extra care.
- Spinel (Mohs 8): Strong and scratch-resistant—an underrated powerhouse.
- Emerald (7.5–8): Beautiful but brittle. Best in protective settings like bezels or halos.
- Aquamarine (7.5–8): Stable with a bit of care. Avoid rough impact.
- Tourmaline (7–7.5): Solid for most wearers when set low or with reinforced edges.
It’s Not Just the Stone—It’s the Design
Even a strong gem can fail in the wrong setting.
- Bezel settings protect fragile edges by surrounding the stone in metal.
- Low-profile mounts reduce snagging and impact.
- Double prongs add security for softer cuts.
Design decisions are what make gemstone rings long-lasting. A soft stone in a smart setting can last just as beautifully as a hard one in a careless mount.
Coloured Gemstones vs Diamonds: What’s the tradeoff?
Diamonds may still lead the traditional market, but coloured gemstones are rewriting the rules. Choosing one over the other isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what you value.
Visual Impact
Diamonds dazzle with brilliance, offering timeless elegance. Coloured gemstones bring expressive depth and personal meaning. Each tells a different kind of story.
A vivid blue sapphire or a rich green emerald instantly makes your engagement ring feel personal—not pulled from a catalogue.
- Diamonds = Bright, neutral sparkle
- Gemstones = Expressive, intentional colour
Price & Value
Many coloured gemstones cost significantly less per carat than diamonds, letting you size up or focus on setting quality.
- More visual presence for your budget
- Room to invest in custom design or rare cuts
For value-conscious buyers, colour is a way to stand out without overspending.
Care & Maintenance
Diamonds are nearly indestructible. Coloured gemstones need a little more care—but they’re not fragile if treated right.
- Clean regularly
- Avoid sharp impacts
- Choose protective settings like halos or bezels
Bottom line: With smart wear and thoughtful design, gemstone rings are built to last.
Lab-Grown Gemstones: Sustainable Beauty Without Compromise
Most people still picture natural stones when they think of fine jewellery. But by 2025, lab-grown gemstones are redefining that image—and for good reason.
What They Are (And Aren’t)
Lab-grown sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are not imitations. They are chemically and optically identical to mined stones—just made in a controlled setting.
You get the same brilliance, structure, and visual depth—minus the environmental and ethical concerns that can come with traditional mining.
Beauty With Ethics
Choosing a lab-grown gemstone eliminates many sourcing questions. There’s no guesswork about origin, labour conditions, or environmental footprint.
That means you can focus on what matters—style, meaning, and sustainability—without compromise.
Just as Durable
On the Mohs scale, lab-grown sapphires and rubies score a solid 9—equal to their mined counterparts. You’re not trading longevity for ethics.
They perform well for daily wear and are perfectly suited to heirloom-quality engagement rings.
More Flexibility
One major bonus of [lab-grown] options? Design freedom.
They offer:
✔ Greater availability of vivid colours
✔ More size options at a lower cost
✔ Easier pairing with custom designs
This opens creative doors for buyers who want a unique ring that stays within budget.
Conclusion
In 2025, coloured gemstone engagement rings are speaking louder than ever — not in volume, but in meaning. They carry symbolism, individuality, and a sense of personal expression that many couples today deeply value.
That doesn’t mean diamonds are out of the picture. In fact, we believe the best ring is one that tells your story — whether it features a brilliant diamond, a vivid sapphire, or something entirely unique.
At DiamondNet, we work with clients who are looking for more than a trend. We help you design a ring that reflects your values, your vision, and your style — with thoughtful guidance, ethical options, and beautiful craftsmanship.
Ready to design an engagement ring with meaning? Visit our Vancouver showroom or start your custom consultation today.
