When Made in Chelsea veteran Oliver Proudlock proposed to his long-term girlfriend Emma Louise Connolly in 2018, the internet went into meltdown. This was partially because the duo were #couplegoals, but mainly because of the Art Deco engagement ring.
Followers couldn’t help but gush over Connolly’s ring, which was crafted by Proudlock in partnership with Vow Jewellery. Antique diamonds are set alongside apple-green gemstones, creating a statement piece that stands apart from the flurry of crystal-clear rings we see time and time again.
Although typically rare, colourful engagement rings are gaining popularity. Megan Fox’s emerald engagement ring is the third most Googled ring in the world, after those belonging to the Duchess of Sussex and the late Princess Diana. According to Ramsdens Jewellery, Fox’s ring accumulates 16,825 average monthly searches. The unique piece features a large pear-cut emerald and diamond to create a romantic heart shape.
Zooey Deschanel’s colourful ring also seemed to strike an accord with fans, witnessing 10,147 average monthly searches. The star’s ‘Folie des Pres’ ring (meaning ‘madness up close’) from Van Cleef & Arpels is not marketed as an engagement ring, but features whimsical floral pink and purple petal sapphires amongst white diamonds.
Colourful engagements have the potential to hold deeper meaning than classic diamond rocks. Experts at Pandora UK unveiled the significance of each major stone:
- Emerald: “Emeralds have always symbolised youth, vitality and rebirth, but they’re also linked to wisdom and patience, qualities that make it a meaningful stone to own. The green colour of emerald is reminiscent of spring, therefore representing fresh opportunities making it the perfect stone to wear when starting a new relationship or career.”
- Ruby: “Fiery red rubies symbolise love and passion. The bold energy of rubies also inspires bravery and self-assurance.”
- Aquamarine: “As well as symbolising the tranquillity of the ocean, aquamarine is also associated with courage, loyalty, and friendship. Greek and Roman sailors used to carry this stone with the hope it would keep them safe on voyages across stormy seas; it was also thought to represent youth, health, and eternal life. ”
- Peridot: “This ancient stone was called ‘the gem of the sun’ by Ancient Egyptians, who believed that it harnessed the power of nature. Peridot is an emotional cleanser, helping you radiate positive energy and embrace renewal. In alternative healing practices, it’s believed to support the immune system, aid digestion, and promote detoxification.”
- Sapphire: “Sapphires are believed to have a calming and soothing energy that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. The Ancient Greeks used sapphires for guidance, Buddhists used them for spiritual enlightenment and Hindus used them for worship. Nowadays, they symbolise loyalty and integrity, and are said to protect from stress and harm.”
Discover your dream engagement ring that’s brimming with colour and start a new chapter in style. Hint hint - prospective partners.
Dinny Hall 18ct Gold Mini Mae West Fine Teal Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
Add a touch of teal to your every day with Dinny Hall. The brand’s beautiful Mini Mae West ring features a slim, polished band crafted from lavish 18-karat gold. The stand-out piece is adorned with an octagon cut, teal blue tourmaline and baguette-cut diamonds.
Buy now £3500.00, Liberty
Kojis 18ct White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Cocktail rings make for excellent engagement pieces. This dreamy piece by Kojis is opulence personified. Crafted from 18-karat white gold, the stunning jewel features an emerald cut aquamarine paired with sparkling diamond set shoulders, consisting of seven diamonds on each side.
Buy now £3160.00, Liberty
Mateo 14ct Gold Point of Focus Green Amethyst Band Ring
Take pride in your unconventional engagement ring. Mateo’s Point of Focus Green Amethyst Band Ring showcases a striking spiralling effect, complete with 14-karat gold and an irregular, offset band dotted with sparkling diamonds and a green amethyst centre stone.
Buy now £1390.00, Liberty
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Bring this vintage Tiffany number to life. The piece is centrally set with a romantic oval-cut ruby which is a four-claw set. A cluster of 10 round, brilliant-cut diamonds accompany the centrepiece gem, which is nestled in platinum. Pair with an eternity or wedding band for a kaleidoscopic array of hand candy.
Buy now £9250.00, Susannah Lovis
Anna + Nina 14ct Gold Aurora Sky Ring
Radiate fairytale glamour with a pretty pastel-coloured ring. This feminine piece by Anna + Nina is titled The Aurora Sky ring and belongs to the brand’s Forever and Ever 2023 collection. Handmade from 14-karat gold, the brilliant jewel features a peppering of floral motifs and is topped off with a green amethyst centre stone and pink sapphire accent.
Buy now £760.00, Liberty
Ernest Jones 9ct White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Three Stone Ring
There’s no point in fretting over whether you’ll be able to pay your rent after buying an engagement ring. Ernest Jones is brimming with more affordable pieces, such as this 9-karat white gold number showcasing a cushioned-shaped aquamarine stone flanked by singular diamonds.
Buy now £350.00, Ernest Jones
OKS Marry Me Cat Sterling-Silver and Porcelain Ring
Break with convention entirely with OKS’ tongue-in-cheek one-of-a-kind Marry Me Cat ring. Founded by Ukrainian artist Oksana Todorova, the brand champions contemporary art and illustration via modern designs tinged with humour. This particular piece is crafted from sturdy sterling silver with a porcelain feline focal point.
Buy now £340.00, Selfridges
Tresor Collection Tsavorite Oval And Champion Diamond Round Ring In 18K Yellow Gold
Simple yet sophisticated, the Tresor Collection’s tsavorite ring is a treasure to cherish. The surrounding 18-karat gold allows the central oval jewel to shine, which is flanked by fine diamonds and a sleek band.
Buy now £1025.00, Wolf & Badger
Kojis 18ct Gold Vintage Oscar Heyman Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Designed by Oscar Heyman, this 18-carat ring is a visual treat. Five brilliant cut diamonds, four baguette cut sapphires and a plain polished band culminate in a ring your fiance-to-be will not be able to resist. Perfect for partners who aren’t keen on the stand-out ‘rock’ aesthetic.
Buy now £3160.00, Liberty
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Engagement Ring
Hold a pocket of history in your hand with a Victorian ring. This emerald and diamond wonder dates back to the late 19th century. The British-made ring boasts a sublime square-cut emerald flanked by fellow smaller emeralds and crystal-clear diamonds. A special pick for a special person.
Buy now £3950.00, Antique Ring Boutique
The Diamond Store Erika Pink Lab Diamond 1.70ct Emerald Cut Ring
Part of The Diamond Store’s Elara Collection, the Erika ring boats sustainable coloured lab diamonds to yield attention. Feast your eyes on the pale pink lab diamond solitaire, complete with a yellow gold setting and art deco structure.
Buy now £4685.00, The Diamond Store
