Kate Middleton, Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham all said no to diamond engagement rings – here’s why colourful rubies, sapphires and emeralds are the next big wedding trend

Nov 30 , 2020

Colourful rings about to be auctioned off by Sotheby’s Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Netflix’s The Crown might have revived interest in Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring from Prince Charles, but Jackie Kennedy received a colourful ring from former US president John F. Kennedy years earlier

Kate Middleton showed the world her engagement ring a decade ago – a stunning piece that once belonged to the late Princess Diana, featuring a blue sapphire surrounded by a ring of small diamonds. In doing so, the Duchess of Cambridge set a new trend for engagement rings that did not feature the traditional white diamond. And with bridal attire now expanded to include styles ranging from white pantsuits, to sleek and structural gowns with nary a hint of lace in sight, some brides will naturally be looking for something different for their own engagement ring. And choosing a sapphire ring means you immediately have your something blue for your wedding day.

Prince William and Kate Middleton before they got married in 2011. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Sapphires

While Kate Middleton’s ring is definitely the first point of reference for most people, other celebrities have also chosen to wear a sapphire on that all-important finger. Throughout their marriage, Victoria Beckham has received 14 “engagement rings” from her husband David, one of which is set with an eye-popping oval shaped sapphire.

Cartier is no stranger to royal weddings – think of the Cartier Halo tiara that the Duchess of Cambridge wore on her wedding day – and the Cartier Destinée collection comes with a centre stone that is a sapphire, ruby or emerald. Each stone is surrounded by a micro pavé of small diamonds to add extra sparkle; a pavé of diamonds also runs around the band.

A 40-carat emerald cut Sri Lankan sapphire ring. Photo: Ronald Abram

The Red Carpet solitaire ring by Chopard features a 10.5-carat sapphire in a cushion shape, set with diamonds in 18-karat ethical white gold. Home-grown fine jewellery brand, Ronald Abram, has various styles to choose from, including one featuring a stunning 12-carat, cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire, or one with an Asscher-cut Sri Lankan sapphire if you want something more geometric.

“We have noticed that there has been a steady trend for sapphire engagement rings recently, especially for those seeking an alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings,” says Jonathan J. Abram, son of founder Ronald Abram. “Sapphires are ideal for engagement rings as the colour blue is very wearable and also has romantic connotations. In terms of gemological characteristics, sapphires are quite durable due to their hardness, being nine out of 10. Only a diamond is harder, which makes them ideal for engagement rings.”