In the world of gems and jewelry, diamond engagement rings have long held the spotlight, symbolising opulence and everlasting romance. However, a subtle shift seems to be occurring in this space – specifically with colored gemstone engagement rings. The answer to the question “Are gemstone engagement rings becoming a thing?” seems to be a resounding yes.
Historically, gemstones such as tourmalines, garnets, opals, etc. were used for engagement rings, until the 1950s, when a brilliantly executed marketing campaign changed this trend. Today, while diamonds continue to be a classic choice, certain colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds seem to be gaining traction as couples seek a more unique and personalised way to symbolise their love.
An ancient amethyst ring set in yellow gold, dated to as far as the 7th century BC (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)
Before we explore the resurgence of gemstone engagement rings, let's delve into the fascinating journey of how diamonds came to dominate the market, overshadowing other coloured gemstones. From there, we'll trace the evolving preferences and the reasons behind the renewed interest in gemstone engagement rings in recent years. So, are coloured gemstone engagement rings making a compelling comeback? Let's find out.
A Change in History
Throughout the annals of history, gemstone engagement rings have held a profound significance, with their origins tracing back to antiquity when they were the customary emblem of commitment. In the bygone eras, civilizations such as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans engaged in the timeless tradition of ring exchange. These rings were crafted from a myriad of materials, ranging from braided reeds to leather and even iron, all serving as enduring symbols of eternal love and unwavering dedication.
The tradition of incorporating gemstones into engagement rings gained prominence during the Middle Ages, imbuing these tokens of love with profound symbolism. Notably, gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and garnets emerged as the focal point, presenting couples with a vibrant and emblematic selection. Rubies and garnets, with their resplendent red hues, eloquently conveyed the depths of love and ardour between partners. Emeralds, adorned in lush green, embodied the concepts of renewal and fertility, rendering them as enchanting choices that heralded new beginnings. Sapphires, with their diverse palette of colors, granted couples a spectrum of options, each tailored to express the unique narrative of their love.
The De Beers Diamond Revolution
The tradition of gifting coloured gem engagement rings took a drastic turn in the 1950s. More specifically, around 1957, De Beers, a major player in the diamond industry, introduced a ground-breaking marketing campaign with the slogan "A Diamond is Forever." This campaign not only associated diamonds with eternal love but also positioned them as the ultimate symbol of everlasting commitment.
The slogan "A Diamond is Forever" emerged as one of the most enduring and iconic advertising catchphrases in history. As part of their marketing approach, De Beers aimed to persuade individuals that the size and quality of a diamond directly correlated with their affection for their partner. Their objective was to make the notion of a sizable and costly diamond an absolute necessity for engagement rings.
De Beers’ “A Diamond is Forever” campaign is among perhaps the most iconic marketing campaigns even today
In addition, they advocated for allocating the equivalent of 2 months' worth of salary to purchase an engagement ring. They posed the question, " How else could two months’ salary last forever?" This argument fuelled the belief that acquiring a diamond not only symbolized love but also constituted a wise financial investment. This was a shrewd strategy as it eliminated the uncertainty of determining an appropriate spending for the ring. By adhering to a pre-established budget, the process of selecting a diamond ring became uncomplicated and stress-free, while also setting a standard. This advertising campaign not only increased De Beers’ bottom line by multiples, but also established diamonds as the default choice for engagement rings for decades to come.
A Royal Spark: Lady Diana’s Blue Sapphire
Although diamonds have long been the default classic choice for engagement rings, a pivotal moment for coloured gemstone engagement rings came about in the early 1980s when Prince Charles presented Lady Diana Spencer with a captivating blue sapphire engagement ring set in white gold and surrounded by a diamond halo. This iconic ring features a 12-carat Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) blue sapphire, and managed to captured the world's attention and emphasised the timeless appeal of coloured gemstones, particularly sapphires, in the realm of engagement jewelry. This was, and still is, an iconic and trend-setting moment for generations to come.
Lady Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring was a trendsetting moment
A Colourful Resurgence
Today, more than 75 years after the De Beers campaign, diamond engagement rings remain immensely popular and the classic choice for an engagement ring. In recent years, however, gemstone engagement rings - especially those adorned with coloured gemstones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies, have been experiencing a resurgence. Notably, Princess Diana's iconic sapphire ring, which now graces the finger of Kate Middleton, and Elizabeth Taylor's renowned emerald engagement ring, have played pivotal roles in this revival. These instances embody a shift in couples' preferences towards more distinctive and meaningful ways to express their love and commitment. We further elaborate on this apparent resurgence of gemstone engagement rings below.
The Comeback: Changing Market Dynamics
The resurgence of gemstone engagement rings can be attributed to a combination of factors that seem to have shifted market dynamics. These factors include:
- Increased Market Demand: A growing appreciation for the unique beauty and symbolism of colored gemstones has led to an increase in demand and subsequently, prices. According to one study, sapphires and emeralds have increased in value by 5 - 8% per annum since 1995, indicating a constant growth in demand for these gemstones. The National Jeweler further reported the prices for emeralds, rubies, and sapphires have constantly been climbing, with emerald prices trailing those of rubies and sapphires. Following simple demand and supply principles, an increase in price is an indicator of increased demand, as these gems become more sought-after in the market.
- Expansion of Market Participants: More individuals and organisations have recognized the evolving preferences of couples and have entered the market for gemstone engagement rings. A plethora of diamond players too, have entered the coloured gemstone trade. This increased competition has broadened the availability and variety of options, and aims to cater to the ever-increasing demand for these colored gemstones - providing couples with a wider range of choices to reflect their love stories.
- Pop Culture & Celebrity Influence: The influence of royalty, such as Princess Diana and Kate Middleton and contemporary stars like Penelope Cruz, Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, and Elizabeth Hurley, all of whom have opted for gemstone engagement rings, has significantly impacted engagement ring trends. Their choices have ignited interest in coloured gemstones, contributing to the revival of these rings. Famous gemstone engagement rings - from Penelope Cruz's captivating blue sapphire to Halle Berry's alluring emerald and Jessica Simpson's statement ruby, which have graced the fingers of Hollywood's elite, have left a lasting impact on engagement ring trends. These examples showcase the trend of blending traditional and modern elements in engagement ring design, reflecting the wearer's personality and preferences.
Halle Berry’s emerald ring
Popular Gem Choices
In the world of coloured gemstone engagement rings, the “Big 4” gems – diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires – have traditionally held the spotlight, symbolising opulence and everlasting romance.
- Diamonds: Known for their timeless brilliance, diamonds have long been the classic choice for engagement rings, symbolising enduring love and commitment.
- Emeralds: With their lush green hues, emeralds have symbolised rebirth and fertility, making them an enchanting choice for engagement rings.
- Rubies: Favoured for their deep red hues, rubies have been associated with love and passion, adding a vibrant touch to engagement jewelry.
- Sapphires: Aside from their famous blue variants, sapphires come in a spectrum of colours, including pink, yellow, and purple, offering couples a diverse palette to express their unique love stories.
While these 4 gems continue to be timeless choices, other gemstones like opal, tourmaline, amethyst, and tanzanite have also gained popularity for engagement rings. These gemstones, set in various precious metals like yellow gold, white gold, and platinum, offer unique symbolism and a personal touch to the evolving world of engagement rings. When it comes to ring styles, shapes like halo and pear have also become popular choices, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to the symbolism of the ring.
Conclusive Reflections
In recent years, gemstone engagement rings have seen a resurgence in popularity, and this trend is expected to persist. While diamonds remain a classic choice for engagement rings, coloured gemstones offer a distinct and deeply personal touch that resonates with many couples. Birthstones have also become increasingly popular for engagement rings, as they offer a unique and personal touch. Whether it's a captivating sapphire, a fiery ruby, a lush emerald, or another cherished gemstone like tourmaline, opal, aquamarine, tanzanite or amethyst, the selection of an engagement ring is an intimate reflection of the couple's style and individuality.
In a world that celebrates diversity and individuality, gemstone engagement rings and other gemstone jewelry like earrings and necklaces offer a palette of colourful options. This trend not only embraces the richness of love but also celebrates the profound beauty and symbolism of coloured gemstones in the world of jewelry.
