For decades, diamond solitaires dominated the bridal jewelry market, but 2025 has seen an unprecedented shift toward colored gemstone engagement rings. According to a recent report from The Knot’s Jewelry and Engagement Study, nearly 38% of couples are now choosing non-diamond center stones, marking a 15% increase from just five years ago. This renaissance of color is being driven by several factors, including celebrity influence (with stars like Lady Gaga and Penélope Cruz sporting emerald and sapphire engagement rings), a desire for personalization, and growing concerns about the diamond industry’s ethical and environmental impact.
Sapphires currently lead the colored gemstone category, accounting for about 45% of non-diamond engagement rings sold this year. Their popularity stems from their durability (9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds), royal associations, and wide color range that goes beyond classic blue to include peach, yellow, and even rare color-changing varieties. Emeralds follow closely behind, favored for their lush green hues and vintage appeal, though jewelers note they require more careful maintenance due to their relative softness and typical inclusions. Perhaps most surprisingly, unconventional choices like morganite, tourmaline, and even opaque stones like moonstone are gaining traction, particularly among millennial and Gen Z couples looking to break from tradition.
The colored gemstone trend has sparked innovation in ring design. Many jewelers are now creating “ombre” stacks with gradient-colored side stones or mixing multiple gem varieties in a single ring. Tiffany & Co. recently launched its “True Colors” collection featuring rainbow-hued sapphires, while independent designers are experimenting with rough-cut gems and asymmetrical arrangements. Pricing varies dramatically—while some colored stones like rubies can rival diamonds in cost, others like amethyst or citrine offer budget-friendly alternatives without sacrificing visual impact.
However, this trend isn’t without challenges. Gemological laboratories report a surge in requests for identification reports as consumers become more cautious about treatments and synthetics. There’s also an ongoing debate about whether colored stones will maintain their value compared to diamonds. Regardless, the colored gemstone movement represents more than just an aesthetic shift—it signals a fundamental change in how couples view the symbolism and purpose of engagement jewelry in the modern era.
