Buying Guide: Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings

Here is a list of some of the best colored gemstones, fit for making stunning engagement rings (and everything you need to know before making that decision.)

1. Ruby Engagement Ring 

Many cultures equate rubies with love and passion and these beliefs have infiltrated the modern psyche as well. Rubies are tough, brilliant and oh so pretty. While all rubies are primarily red, the shades may vary depending on the hue. The hue of a gemstone is its secondary color.

Rubies have orange, pink and purple hues. While these shades are a matter of personal preference, Burmese pigeon blood red ruby is the most sought after variety and a very popular engagement ring gemstone. 

2. Sapphire Engagement Rings

Blue sapphires are the most famous colored variety of sapphires. So much so that the word sapphire actually finds its origins in the Greek and Latin words for blue. Princess Diana’s Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Diamond  Halo ring captured the imagination of an entire generation.

Blue sapphire engagement rings have always been highly coveted. However, sapphires aren't always blue. In fact, sapphires are available in an eclectic range of colors. Yellow, pink and teal sapphires are particularly sought after in the color gemstone engagement ring industry. 

3. Emerald Engagement Ring 

Emeralds are the finest green gemstones known to man. They represent youth, vigor, exuberance and rebirth. Emeralds have been beloved for centuries and are featured in some of the most historic jewels in the world.

If green is a color you might want in your engagement ring, consider emerald. Emeralds are likely to be less expensive than green diamonds but more expensive than tsavorite and peridots (other green colored gemstones).  

4. Tsavorite Engagement Ring 

Tsavorites are only found in Africa and are the rarest variety of garnet. They were discovered in 1967, making them the new kid on the block (relatively speaking).

Tsavorites have a remarkable green color. They are often compared to Emeralds due to the optical similarities. Tsavorites are less expensive alternatives to emeralds.  

5. Aquamarine Engagement Ring 

Aquamarines are icy blue colored varieties of beryl known primarily for their soft, yet electric color. The gemstone sometimes has green colored hues (secondary color) but the overall appearance of the stone always remains blue (although the shades may vary).

Aquamarines are believed to have mystical power over the waves of the ocean. Roman sailors used to wear Aquamarine amulets to keep them safe during their voyages. Emerald cut aquamarine rings gained popularity after Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wore the royal ring at her wedding reception. 

6. Morganite Engagement Ring 

Morganite is also a variety of the mineral beryl and just like aquamarine, it is also remarkably popular as an engagement ring gemstone. The secret to this gemstone’s immense popularity lies in its unique pastel pink color.

Pink diamonds and sapphires have always been sought after, however, their rarity and high prices deter most buyers. Morganites are significantly less expensive than the aforementioned pink gemstones. They also pair particularly well with rose gold, a metal that has been everywhere over the past 5 years. 

7. Alexandrite Engagement Ring 

Also known as the ‘Chameleon Gemstone’, Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia and mistaken for emerald. However when it changed its color: appearing red by the campfire, it became clear that it was a whole new gemstone. It is described as “emerald by day, ruby by night” due to its color changing properties. These changes represent the easeful union of dual natures.

Alexandrites create a poetic metaphor for romance and marriage which is also the coming together of two unique individuals. Alexandrites have come to be associated with romantic love, and make for incredible engagement rings.

Now that you have explored your options for a colored gemstone engagement ring, let’s get you started!