The engagement ring has long been one of the most symbolic pieces of jewellery in British culture — a promise, a statement, and a work of art all at once. Yet, in 2026, that symbol is taking on new hues. From the cool serenity of sapphires to the lush depth of emeralds and the romantic glow of morganite, coloured gemstones are experiencing a breathtaking revival.
The age of the traditional white diamond is giving way to colour — vibrant, meaningful and unapologetically individual. Couples across the UK are embracing gemstones that tell stories, capture emotion and celebrate creativity. As Vogue UK elegantly put it, “colour is no longer an alternative — it is the statement.”
The New Face of Romance
Modern relationships are more diverse, expressive and personal than ever, and engagement rings are evolving to reflect that. The classic white diamond remains timeless, but colour offers something different: individuality.
According to The Guardian Lifestyle, British buyers are moving “from tradition to self-expression” in their jewellery choices, seeking pieces that mirror their personalities and shared histories.
Every gemstone carries meaning. The sapphire, deep and dependable, symbolises trust. Emeralds represent renewal and growth. Rubies burn with the energy of passion. For many couples, these shades transform a ring into something far more poetic — a reflection of their story in living colour.
This emotional resonance explains why, as BBC News Lifestyle recently reported, online searches for coloured engagement rings in the UK have risen by more than 60 per cent over the past year.
The Royal Legacy
Much of Britain’s enduring fascination with coloured gemstones can be traced back to the royal family. Princess Diana’s legendary blue sapphire ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, remains one of the most recognisable pieces of jewellery in the world.
As BBC News observed in its feature on royal influence, that ring “redefined what an engagement ring could be — personal yet powerful, classic yet contemporary.”
It was, and remains, a declaration of confidence through colour. The same spirit now drives a new generation of couples choosing unique gemstones that reflect their individuality rather than convention.
The Return of British Craft
Behind the resurgence in colour lies a renaissance in craftsmanship. Across Britain’s jewellery quarters — from London’s Hatton Garden to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and Edinburgh’s artisan studios — designers are rediscovering the artistry of colour setting and traditional handwork.
Coloured gemstones require skill and intuition. Each one behaves differently under the jeweller’s tools; their unique densities, hues and inclusions mean that no two are ever the same. This individuality has reignited an appreciation for fine craftsmanship — a welcome antidote to an era of mass production.
As The Guardian Fashion noted, “the charm of colour lies in its unpredictability. It demands both artistry and emotion from its maker.”
This return to slow, careful creation is part of a broader movement within British luxury — one that prizes connection, provenance and creativity over perfection.
Sustainable Sparkle
The coloured gemstone trend has also evolved hand-in-hand with the sustainability movement. Modern couples are more ethically aware than ever, seeking out jewellers who prioritise transparency and environmental responsibility.
Jewellers are responding with renewed focus on traceable sourcing, Fairtrade gold and lab-created gemstones that offer a conflict-free alternative. Vogue UK describes this as “a union of conscience and creativity.”
Lab-grown stones, in particular, are revolutionising how we think about fine jewellery. Companies such as Chatham Gemstones have perfected the art of cultivating gemstones in controlled environments, producing rubies, emeralds and sapphires that are chemically identical to their mined counterparts. The result is a sustainable and stunning option for couples who want brilliance without compromise.
As Country Living UK highlighted in its eco-luxury feature, “ethical materials are no longer a niche pursuit, but a defining feature of modern British design.
The Psychology of Colour
The resurgence of coloured gemstones also taps into something deeply human: the emotional power of colour itself. Psychologists have long recognised that colour evokes feeling and memory, and it is this connection that makes coloured gemstones so powerful.
As Harper’s Bazaar UK explained in its jewellery edition, “the gemstone you choose says as much about your heart as your style.”
- Blue stones such as sapphire or aquamarine evoke peace, sincerity and trust — ideal for lifelong partnerships.
- Green gems like emerald and peridot symbolise renewal, growth and balance.
- Pink hues such as morganite or pink sapphire reflect love, warmth and tenderness.
- Red gemstones, especially ruby and garnet, embody vitality, passion and courage.
Couples are using these emotional associations to tell their love stories through colour — an approach that feels more symbolic, personal and meaningful than ever before.
Colour on the Catwalk
The gemstone revival also owes much to the world of fashion. Jewellery has taken centre stage in both couture and street style, with colour leading the charge.
Runways from London to Paris have featured bold gemstone pieces, while editorial shoots in Vogue UK and The Guardian Fashion celebrate expressive combinations of coloured stones and mixed metals.
Television, too, has amplified this shift. Period dramas such as Bridgerton and The Gilded Age have reignited interest in romantic, heirloom-inspired design. As BBC News Entertainment observed, “colour has become shorthand for character — both on screen and in real life.”
On social media, Pinterest and Instagram are now awash with pastel sapphires, vintage-inspired emerald cuts and rainbow clusters, turning coloured gemstones into a digital-era obsession.
The Modern Meaning of Luxury
Luxury in 2026 is not defined by uniform sparkle or brand prestige. It is defined by purpose, story and sustainability.
As Vogue UK wrote in its 2026 luxury forecast, “true luxury is now emotional, not material.” Coloured gemstones capture that perfectly — they are rare, distinctive, and emotionally charged.
British couples are drawn to this new interpretation of sophistication — where design feels deeply personal, and where craftsmanship, not commerciality, takes centre stage.
Even within fine jewellery houses, bespoke design has become the new standard. The Guardian Lifestyle recently reported that over 40 per cent of engagement ring buyers in the UK now commission custom designs, many featuring coloured gemstones.
The Future of British Colour
As British jewellers continue to innovate, colour will remain at the heart of engagement ring design. Expect to see unexpected combinations — peach sapphires paired with white diamonds, teal tourmalines set in rose gold, and antique yellow citrines in contemporary geometric settings.
The next generation of buyers is redefining beauty through boldness, and coloured gemstones perfectly capture that spirit. They bridge artistry with ethics, emotion with identity, and individuality with timeless style.
As BBC News Business reported, the coloured gemstone market is forecast to grow significantly over the next decade, driven largely by younger British consumers seeking sustainability and self-expression.
These stones represent more than fashion — they represent the modern values shaping Britain itself.
Conclusion
The colour comeback is not a passing trend, but a reimagining of romance. In the hands of Britain’s jewellers, coloured gemstones have become symbols of authenticity, sustainability and artistry.
From emeralds that echo nature’s renewal to sapphires that shimmer with sincerity, these rings capture emotion in every shade. They tell stories — not of status, but of soul.
As Vogue UK so perfectly concluded, “to choose colour is to choose character.” And for Britain’s modern couples, that choice marks the start of a love story that shines far beyond the ordinary.
Diamonds are a girls best friend 