For decades, white diamonds have been the go-to choice for engagement rings, following a highly successful late-40s advertising campaign that said, ‘A Diamond is Forever’. However, in the last couple of years, we’ve seen a departure from tradition, with sapphires, emeralds and coloured diamonds crowning many rings. Discover exactly why colourful gemstones are trending and the most popular designs for 2025.
Why the shift to colour?
The move away from tradition is part of a general shift towards individuality in the fashion industry, and a reawakening of romantic ring styles such as ‘toi et moi’ designs. An engagement ring is more than just a symbol of devotion – it’s an opportunity to tell a personal story and coloured gemstones are a beautiful way to reflect your unique relationship.
Coloured gemstones can be more affordable than white diamonds as well, so it gives couples the option of larger and more intricate stones without the price tag. Tanzanite is a prime example, beloved for its bright blue hue and intense sparkle.
Popular gemstones for 2025
Famously popularised by Princess Diana, sapphires are trending again. For a traditional look, opt for a sapphire with a deep blue hue. You could alsoconsider vibrant pink or orange varieties. Peach-coloured morganite and turquoise aquamarine are contemporary, cost-effective alternatives to sapphires.
Emeralds are another classic option, representing tranquillity and renewal, an appropriate symbol as you start a new chapter together. They have a rich history in regal engagement rings, as do rubies which instantly evoke passion.
In modern designs, engagement rings with sapphires or emeralds typically have a halo setting with tiny diamonds surrounding the central stone, or are a trilogy style with diamonds on either side to represent past, present and future. ‘Toi et moi’ rings are also gaining popularity, where a coloured gemstone sits beside a diamond in a different shape to represent you and your partner coming together.
Sustainable salt and pepper diamonds
Traditionally, diamonds are graded on the 4 Cs – cut, colour, carat and clarity. Being ‘colourless’ and ‘flawless’ is correlated with attractiveness and value. However, ‘salt and pepper’ diamonds have emerged in the biggest engagement ring trends for 2025, valued for their unique array of black and white inclusions within the stones. They have a raw beauty,one-of-a-kind character, and ensure even less-than-perfect diamonds are not wasted.
Salt and pepper diamonds range from silvery to black, with some having a gold-brown hue similar tobrass that’s earned them the name ‘champagne diamonds’ for the bubble effect. They’re a great option if you want to continue the tradition of diamonds but with a difference and sport a subtlycoloured stone.
Celebrity Trends
Many of us draw inspiration from celebrity fashion, and their choices can have an international influence. From Zendaya’s Art Deco two-stone ring to Hailey Bieber’s enormous oval, high-profile proposals push certain styles into the spotlight, with Dua Lipa’s chunky design being the latest to earn a spot in the list of ground-breaking celebrity engagement rings.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s vintage cut emerald speaks to her unconventional fashion and has inspired others to embrace uniqueness and creativity in their forever jewellery. J-Lo’s latest ring is a rare green diamond. Smash-hit Barbie saw a new style, ‘Barbiecore’, dominate, sparking demand for pink accessories,including pink gemstones. Actress Blake Lively and singer Lady Gaga are just two celebrities with pink engagement rings.
