Sapphire, emerald, ruby: when a diamond isn't the answer.

Not every engagement story needs a diamond. Princess Diana wore a sapphire. Many of our customers choose coloured gemstones because they want to tell their own story, not the expected one. And that is exactly the right reason.

Sapphire is the first choice for anyone who wants colour without compromising on everyday wearability. It scores nine on the Mohs scale — almost as hard as a diamond — and withstands daily wear without trouble. Blue sapphires are the most familiar, but they come in almost every colour, from pale pink to deep violet. Padparadscha, a salmon-orange variety from Sri Lanka, is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the world.

Ruby is the sibling of sapphire; both are corundum. It has stood for centuries as a symbol of passion, protection, and strength. A genuine, vividly red ruby from Mogok in Myanmar is rare and costly. Synthetic or treated rubies are less expensive, but their value develops differently. As with diamonds: buy certified and know what you have.

Emerald is the most beguiling and the most delicate. It brings a deep, living green that no other stone can match. But emeralds are inherently more fragile than corundum due to natural inclusions, and most sold commercially are treated with oil or resin — industry-standard and accepted, but something that should be disclosed clearly at the point of sale. Suitable as an engagement ring if worn with care.

Certification applies to coloured gemstones too. IGI and GIA issue reports for the most important stones. They describe origin, treatments, and quality. Buying without a certificate means buying the seller's story, not the stone's.

The symbolism can be as personal as the stone itself: a birthstone colour, a favourite place, the colour of a dress on a first evening together. No stone says the same thing, and that is the point. If you know which colour means something to you both, tell us about it. We'll show you what's possible within it.