Are Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings Tacky?
You're thinking about a sparkly blue sapphire or a rose-pink morganite, but that nagging voice in your head is asking, "Is it tacky?" or "Will I regret not getting a diamond?" You're not alone. Plenty of brides-to-be find themselves torn between their own taste and the heavy cultural pressure of the diamond engagement ring—a tradition created by brilliant 20th-century marketing campaigns.
But the truth is this: Colored gemstones have a history of elegance, distinction, and meaning that precedes the diamond craze. Consider why choosing a gemstone ring could be the most enduringly smart thing you've ever done.
The World's Most Famous Gemstone Engagement Ring
The moment you mention colored gemstone wedding rings, the first comes to mind immediately—the beautiful blue sapphire and diamond ring originally owned by Princess Diana and subsequently by Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.
The classic ring is a rich, velvety blue sapphire weighing 12 carats surrounded by a circle of 14 sparkling diamonds. Set in 18k white gold, the style marries royal elegance with timeless beauty, giving rise to numerous copies and modern interpretations worldwide.
What is most legendary about this ring is not necessarily its appearance, but its history. When Prince Charles proposed to Diana in 1981, she selected the sapphire from the crown jeweler's assortment. It was a bold action during an era when diamond solitaires dominated the engagement ring scene. Years later, when Prince William gave the same ring to Kate, it had evolved to represent enduring love, tradition, and style.
The sapphire's—and gemstones'—beauty has its origins centuries past. Prior to the diamond craze in the 20th century, colored gemstones were the jewel of choice among nobles and monarchs for use in ceremonial and engagement pieces.
Cleopatra was fond of emeralds, wearing them as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Monarchs in Europe were fond of rubies, viewing them as a symbol of passion and protection. Sapphires, emblems of wisdom and fidelity, were cherished by queens and kings for centuries.
This royal heritage solidly positions colored gemstones as an environment of sophistication and not of novelty. They are a part of an enduring tradition that speaks of taste, authority, and distinction.
Anything but a fleeting fashion, choosing a gemstone engagement ring, whether ruby, emerald, or sapphire, is homage to the past and to elegance. It is not a departure from convention; it is a step back into the very origins of what an engagement ring once stood for.
Four Reasons Why People Fall in Love with Colored Gemstones
1. Your Ring Will Tell Your Story
Every couple is different, and your engagement ring can be too. Whether it's a purple gem ring that complements your beloved flower or a birthstone with personal significance, a gemstone makes your ring a personal story instead of a simple piece of jewelry.
2. Deep Symbolism
Different gemstones have different meanings. Sapphires symbolize loyalty, emeralds represent new beginnings and love, rubies illustrate passion, and aquamarines emit tranquility. These symbol meanings can add depth to the significance of your engagement ring.
3. Economical Beauty
Although high-quality gemstones are well worth the investment, with most colored stones, you'll pay less than you would for comparable-sized and quality diamonds. This leaves room to spend more of your budget on a better-quality cut, a high-end setting, or even a matching set of coordinating moissanite wedding bands for a complete bridal set.
4. Unique and Vibrant Aesthetic
From pale pink morganite to blinding blue tourmaline, gemstones come in every color of the rainbow and have unique personalities. They are like a beacon of color in a sea of diamond solitaires, so your ring is a declaration of difference.
The "Tacky" vs. "Timeless" Checklist: How to Choose a Stunning Gemstone Ring
The truth is that there is no gemstone that is inherently "tacky." What might make a ring look less elegant is poor design, shoddy materials, or an ill-suited style. Here's how to get your colored gemstone engagement ring to sparkle with everlasting sophistication:
1. Quality Over Everything
A faded, poorly cut rock in a poor setting will never have the oomph you want. Go for a top-notch gemstone with rich color, clarity, and adequate treatment disclosure. The gemstone's quality is what conveys sophistication—not the cost.
2. Focus on the Cut
A well-crafted, well-balanced cut brings out the beauty of a gemstone, its fire and color depth. Even a beautiful sapphire will look dull if poorly cut.
3. Consider the Setting
An attractive setting in gold or platinum cradles your gemstone, protecting it from damage. Halo, bezel, and prong settings are all beautiful—just see that the craftsmanship is up to par with the stone.
Go Ahead and Design Your Own Ring
Your engagement ring should be a reflection of you, not out of tradition. At Romalar, we don't believe in traditional colored gemstone engagement rings, but rather creating rings that are as unique as your relationship is.
Whether you've always dreamed of a traditional blue sapphire ring, a morganite-filled romantic vision, or a statement ruby, our master jewelers can help you choose the ideal gemstone, cut, and setting. We also offer custom design services so that you can create a ring that is your taste, meaning, and history combined.
Are you ready to tell your story with a ring that's uniquely yours? Take a glimpse of Romalar's creativity.