What are some of the most affordable gemstones?

While most colored stones are less expensive than a white diamond, some of the most reasonably priced gemstones are aquamarine , morganite, peridot, topaz, garnet, amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz.

What metals work best for a colored engagement ring?

There are no rules when it comes to picking a metal color for your gemstone engagement ring. While white diamonds tend to go with every type of metal, you may find that certain gemstones work better with certain metals and colors.

What colored stone is the most durable?

"Rubies and sapphires are both corundum and the hardest colored stones. They are the most durable for everyday wear," Brantner states.

What colored stone is the least durable?

" Pearls and opals are very soft and the most prone to damage and abrasion," warns Brantner. "Special care should also be taken with an emerald ring as they are softer gems and exposure to abrasion and chemicals can remove the oiling that aids in the gem's beauty and luster."

The 13 Best Colored Engagement Rings

Ever since De Beers launched their historic 'A Diamond Is Forever' campaign in 1948, women around the world have defaulted to the sparkling gemstone as the engagement ring of choice. But that was over seventy years ago—a lot has changed since then. Trend shifts in recent years have unveiled a yearning for something less expected and nontraditional when it comes to bridal jewelry, which is why a colored engagement ring is likely something you've had on your radar for some time now.

Colored engagement rings encompass both fancy color diamond rings and vivid gemstone rings such as rubies and sapphires. Essentially, any design that brings in color can be a striking pick for an engagement ring and thanks to designers both classic and contemporary, there's a slew of beautiful pieces to choose from.

First things first is to select the color you're hoping to achieve as well as the cut of the stone that reflects your personal style. But don't narrow your thoughts too much! "Keep an open mind for similar shapes, as you may find the perfect color in a slightly different shape. Then, build your ring around your gemstone to showcase its beauty," suggests Lorraine Brantner.

Read on for the best colored engagement rings.

Best Aquamarine: Jared Aquamarine and Diamonds Engagement Ring

Buy on Jared.com $1,300

Aquamarine is an unexpected, yet stunning choice for your engagement ring. The soft hue paired with a simple silver band is equal parts timeless and unique.

Best Yellow Brown Diamond: 1stdibs Natural Fancy Color Yellow Brown Diamonds Halo Ring

Buy on 1stdibs.com $2,400

This elegant, pear-shaped diamond gets an upgrade with a diamond halo. We love the unusual, golden-brown hue paired with shiny accents. Sparkles for the win.

Best Green Diamond: Niza Huang Blue Pear Cut Diamond Ring

Buy on Nizahuang.com $1,864

This large pear cut green diamond is the ultimate statement ring, perfect for the bride who wants to eschew tradition. Champagne diamonds set in an 18-carat yellow gold band seal the deal.

Most Fashion-Forward: Bea Bongiasca Heart Tendril Ring

Buy on Beabongiasca.com $1,300

Not for the faint of heart, this fashion-forward tendril ring featuring a heart-cut topaz and burgundy enamel is well-suited for the modern, artsy bride. Handcrafted in Italy, this chic ring makes a bold statement.

For the Non-Traditional Bride: Anita Ko Diamond and Ruby Twist Ring

Buy on Anitako.com $8,150

Go modern and ditch the traditional center stone aesthetic altogether. Instead, reach for this gorgeous ruby and diamond twist ring—you won't regret it.

Best Five Stone: Anna Sheffield Sapphire and White Diamonds Ring

Buy on Annasheffield.com $3,900

A medley of sapphire, white diamonds, and gold—this charming ring has it all, and then some. The five stones are set in recycled gold (choose from rose, yellow or white).

Best Under 2K: Jennie Kwon Emerald Lexie Ring

Buy on Jenniekwondesigns.com $1,195

This ultra-cool, modern ring features tiny, sparkly diamonds set against a rectangular emerald; it feels both timeless and effortless all at once.

Best Pale Blue: Yi Collection Aquamarine Ice Ring

Buy on Yicollection.com $620

Mirror your love for the sea and the sky with this icy aquamarine engagement ring. The simple gold band (we love the knot details!) and prominently-featured center stone is a fantastic design choice.

Best Emerald: Kwiat Colombian Emerald Ring With Diamonds

Buy on Kwiat.com

It doesn’t get more magnificent than this beautiful emerald ring from the legendary jeweler, Kwiat. The emeralds are sustainably and ethically sourced from the Muzo and Chivor mines in Colombia.

Price to time at publication: Available upon request

For the Traditional Bride: Marisa Perry by Douglas Elliott Oval Cut Emerald Three Stone Ring With Pear Shape Diamonds

Buy on Marisaperry.com

If you have your heart set on an emerald engagement ring (we don’t blame you), it doesn’t get much more breathtaking than this creation from Marisa Perry. The three-stone setting features a bold oval-cut emerald paired with two delicate pear-shaped diamonds.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Best Light Blue Sapphire: Michelle Oh Sonya Ring

Buy on Michelle-oh.com $4,800

A round brilliant cut light blue sapphire steals the show with this romantic engagement ring. To finish, a floral cluster of marquise diamonds circles the delicate band.

Price at time of publish: $4,800

Most Statement-Making: Lauren Addison Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring

Buy on Laurenaddison.com

This ruby and diamond cluster engagement ring is a glorious amalgamation of precious gemstones and quality craftsmanship. It's a timeless look that will never go out of style.

Price at time of publication: Available upon request

Best Pink Tourmaline: Cathy Waterman 22K Recycled Gold Ring

Buy on Cathywaterman.com

The feeling when you realize pink tourmaline and diamonds is the combination your romantic, jewelry-loving heart has desired all along. This ring spotlights recycled gold and ethically sourced stones—perfect for the socially and environmentally conscious bride.

Price at time of publication: Available upon request

Meet the Expert

Lorraine Brantner is a sales manager for James Allen, a fine jewelry company dedicated to premium customer service and affordable prices.

What to Look for When Choosing a Colored Engagement Ring

Cut

While you may think the color of your bold bling is the most important feature to consider, think again. "Cut is the number one factor in determining how nicely your diamond or gemstone sparkles. While there are stricter parameters for D-Z color ranges, fancy colored diamonds and gemstones are cut to maximize their face up color in addition to sparkle," Brantner says.

Stone

In this case, the stone is the most exciting to pick out, as it determines the whole look! "There is a lot of personal preference with the color of your center stone! Blue sapphire is the most common gemstone, though you may find that you prefer a lighter, icy blue color more than the typical medium blue," says Brantner. Whether your personal style gravitates towards a softer pastel hue or a more rich, fiery shade, there's a style, cut, and setting to accommodate every look.

Style

When selecting a colored engagement ring, it all truly begins and ends with the stone. "Pick your gemstone type and then your outline shape first," suggests Brantner. Consider which is more important to you: the color or the shape of the stone. Due to the rarity of some colored gemstones and diamonds, you may fall in love with the color of one stone but the shape of another. In this case, you may have to prioritize which is more valuable to you. Focus on the feature that holds a greater influence on your personal style.

FAQ

What are some of the most affordable gemstones?

While most colored stones are less expensive than a white diamond, some of the most reasonably priced gemstones are aquamarine, morganite, peridot, topaz, garnet, amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz.
What metals work best for a colored engagement ring?

There are no rules when it comes to picking a metal color for your gemstone engagement ring. While white diamonds tend to go with every type of metal, you may find that certain gemstones work better with certain metals and colors.
What colored stone is the most durable?

"Rubies and sapphires are both corundum and the hardest colored stones. They are the most durable for everyday wear," Brantner states.
What colored stone is the least durable?

"Pearls and opals are very soft and the most prone to damage and abrasion," warns Brantner. "Special care should also be taken with an emerald ring as they are softer gems and exposure to abrasion and chemicals can remove the oiling that aids in the gem's beauty and luster."

Why Trust Brides

Nicole Kliest is a fashion, travel, and food & wine writer based in New York City. With over nine years of experience in the digital publishing industry, her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Cools, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, Elle.