For much of the 20th century, the diamond solitaire dominated engagement ring traditions. Yet historically, colour has always played a central role in romantic jewellery. Today, colourful engagement rings are enjoying a resurgence — not as a fleeting trend, but as a return to older, more meaningful traditions rooted in history.
From sapphires and rubies to emeralds, garnets and turquoise, coloured gemstones have long been chosen for their symbolism, individuality and emotional resonance. Antique and vintage rings, in particular, reveal just how deeply colour has always been woven into engagement jewellery.
Engagement Rings Before Diamonds Dominated
Contrary to modern expectations, diamonds were not always the default choice for engagement rings. In the Georgian and early Victorian periods, coloured gemstones were frequently favoured over diamonds.
Rings from these eras often featured:
- Sapphires symbolising loyalty and truth
- Rubies representing passion and protection
- Emeralds associated with rebirth and enduring love
- Garnets linked to devotion and strength
Diamonds were valued, but colour was often chosen deliberately to convey a message. Engagement rings were deeply personal objects, selected for meaning rather than convention.
Victorian Sentimentality and the Language of Colour
The Victorian era saw the rise of highly symbolic jewellery. Gemstones were selected for their emotional associations, and colour became a visual shorthand for sentiment.
Coloured engagement rings in the 19th century might include:
- Turquoise for faithful love and protection
- Pearls representing purity and harmony
- Acrostic rings spelling words such as “DEAREST” using coloured stones
Queen Victoria herself received a sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince Albert — a powerful endorsement of coloured stones as meaningful romantic symbols.
Why Colourful Engagement Rings Are Rising Today
The renewed popularity of colourful engagement rings reflects a shift in values rather than fashion alone. Many modern couples are drawn to rings that feel personal, distinctive and rooted in story.
Key reasons behind the rise include:
- Individuality: coloured gemstones allow wearers to move away from uniform designs
- Symbolism: many couples choose stones that reflect shared values or milestones
- Heritage appeal: antique and vintage rings offer authentic period design
- Visual character: colour adds warmth, depth and personality
Rather than following a single tradition, couples are rediscovering older ones.
Coloured Gemstones and Antique Craftsmanship
Antique and vintage engagement rings showcase coloured gemstones in ways rarely seen in modern jewellery. Hand-cut stones, foiled backs and older setting techniques were designed to enhance colour rather than maximise brilliance alone.
These features create a softer, more romantic appearance — one that many find more expressive than modern, precision-cut stones.
Coloured gems also pair beautifully with antique gold alloys, particularly the warmer tones common in 18th- and 19th-century rings.
Choosing Colour with Longevity in Mind
While colour offers personality, durability remains an important consideration for engagement rings intended for daily wear.
Historically popular choices such as sapphires, rubies and garnets offer excellent durability, while softer stones like opals and pearls were often reserved for occasional wear or symbolic pieces.
Antique jewellers understood these properties well — a knowledge that continues to guide thoughtful ring selection today.
A Return to Meaningful Engagement Rings
The rise of colourful engagement rings is not a rejection of tradition, but a rediscovery of it. Long before diamonds became standard, colour told stories of love, loyalty, protection and hope.
Choosing a colourful engagement ring — especially an antique or vintage piece — allows couples to honour history while creating something deeply personal. These rings are not only beautiful, but carry generations of meaning, craftsmanship and individuality.
Explore our collection of antique and vintage rings to discover coloured engagement rings that celebrate both romance and heritage.