The Best Gemstones for Custom-Made Engagement Rings

You’ve probably noticed that engagement rings in 2025 are looking a little different. Scroll through Instagram or peek at celebrity proposals, and you’ll see splashes of colour everywhere. Sapphires framed in rose gold, emeralds paired with baguette diamonds, and even unexpected choices like tourmaline or spinel are making their way into the spotlight.

Diamonds may still hold their classic place, but couples are increasingly chasing individuality. A gemstone engagement ring makes a bold statement. It can reflect a birth month, a personality trait, or simply a love for a shade that feels unmistakably you. And when you’re commissioning something custom-made, the gemstone becomes the heart of the story, giving your ring a signature that no one else will share.

But with more choice comes more questions. Which gemstones are durable enough for daily wear? Which colours suit different metals or skin tones? And how do you know whether that striking stone is worth the investment, both emotionally and financially? Together, we’ll explore the best gemstones for engagement rings, the trends driving their popularity in Australia and beyond, and why insuring a custom gemstone ring can be as important as choosing the stone itself.

Why Couples Are Choosing Gemstones in Engagement Rings

For decades, diamonds dominated the conversation. They still do in many ways, but 2025 is showing a clear shift: colour is stepping into the spotlight. Gemstone engagement rings are gaining traction with couples who want their ring to stand out in a sea of solitaires.
One reason is emotional. Gemstones carry layers of symbolism; a sapphire might connect to loyalty, an emerald to renewal, or a ruby to passion. Many couples are choosing stones tied to birth months or anniversaries, turning a ring into something that feels more personal than a one-size-fits-all diamond.

There’s also cultural influence. Engagement traditions in places like India or across Europe have long included vibrant gemstones, and these global styles are inspiring Australian couples looking for something fresh. Add to that the influence of celebrities, from royals reviving iconic sapphire designs to Hollywood stars flashing colourful, statement rings, and it’s easy to see why gemstones feel very much in vogue.

Keen to see what else is trending? Check out The Most Popular Engagement Ring Styles for 2025

What Gemstones Are Good for Engagement Rings?

Choosing gemstones in engagement rings is as much about practicality as it is about personal style. Some stones are classics that have been admired for centuries, while others are quickly rising as favourites in 2025’s custom designs.

Durable Classics

Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds remain staples for good reason. These gemstones offer a balance of beauty and durability, making them suitable for everyday wear.

• Sapphire: Known for its deep blue but available in a rainbow of colours, sapphire ranks high on the Mohs hardness scale, which measures gemstone durability. Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, continues to inspire modern designs.

• Ruby: With a rich red hue that symbolises passion, rubies are tough and luminous, perfect for statement-making engagement rings. Celebrity wearers like Jessica Simpson have shown how bold ruby rings can be both timeless and personal.

• Emerald: Loved for their vivid green, emeralds bring heritage and elegance. While slightly softer than sapphires or rubies, they can be stunning choices when correctly cared for. Jackie Kennedy’s emerald engagement ring remains one of the most iconic examples of its kind.

Want to learn more about gemstone durability? Check out this resource from the GIA.

Rising Stars in 2025

Some gemstones are making waves in 2025, catching the eye of couples seeking individuality and affordability.

• Spinel: Once overlooked, spinel is now prized for its wide colour range and excellent brilliance.

• Tourmaline: With hues from pastel pink to neon green, tourmaline is especially popular in bespoke designs. Kylie Jenner has showcased jewellery featuring tourmaline tones, bringing the stone to the spotlight for younger buyers.

• Morganite: Soft pink tones make morganite a romantic, budget-friendly alternative to diamonds. Stars like Blake Lively have been photographed with pale pink morganite rings, sparking widespread interest.

• Aquamarine: Its fresh blue evokes clarity and calm, and it’s gaining traction among couples looking for something unique yet versatile. Meghan Markle’s aquamarine cocktail ring, originally owned by Princess Diana, has helped boost the modern-day popularity of aquamarine.

These rising stars are gaining popularity because they strike a balance between beauty and accessibility, offering couples something distinctive without the price tag of traditional stones.

Diamonds Plus Gemstones

For those who still love the sparkle of a diamond but want something with a twist, combinations are trending.

• Two-stone rings: A diamond paired with a coloured gemstone symbolises the union of two individuals.

• Halo settings: Diamonds circling a central coloured gemstone enhance its vibrancy and create a striking contrast.

• Accent stones: Small gemstone details add a flash of colour without overwhelming a diamond centrepiece.

Blending diamonds with gemstones allows couples to play with colour while maintaining timeless elegance.

Matching Gemstones with Metals and Styles

Pairing gemstones in engagement rings with the right metal and style can transform a beautiful stone into a breathtaking ring. The interplay of colour, shape, and metal tone is where design comes alive.

Gemstone Colours and Metals

• Yellow gold enhances warm tones. Rubies, emeralds, and yellow sapphires glow even more when paired with rich yellow gold.

• Rose gold brings out romance in soft pink or peach tones, such as morganite and tourmaline, while also flattering deep blues like sapphire for a chic, modern twist.

• White gold and platinum offer a crisp, neutral backdrop that makes vivid colours stand out. Blue sapphires, aquamarines, and spinels with cooler tones are particularly striking against these metals.

Gemstone Shapes and Styles

The cut of a gemstone can dramatically influence how it’s perceived.

• Oval and cushion cuts highlight the depth of sapphires and spinels, allowing their colour to shine through.

• Square or emerald cuts are especially flattering for emeralds themselves, as the stepped facets showcase the richness of their green.

• Round or pear cuts bring out brilliance and fire in gemstones like rubies and tourmalines.

Styles like halos, clusters, or minimalist solitaires can either amplify or soften the gemstone’s presence. A halo of diamonds around a deep-blue sapphire, for example, creates contrast that draws the eye immediately.

Skin Tones and Gemstone Choices

Matching gemstone tones with your skin undertones can enhance the appearance of the ring when you wear it.

• Cool undertones often pair beautifully with blues and purples, such as sapphire, spinel, or aquamarine.

• Warm undertones may complement rubies, emeralds, and peach-pink morganite.

• Neutral undertones offer flexibility, often suiting both warm and cool stones.

Interested in learning more about skin tones? Read: How to Choose Jewellery That Complements Your Skin Tone.

While these are helpful design cues, the most important factor is how the ring feels to the wearer. A gemstone that resonates emotionally will always be the right choice.

Are Gemstone Engagement Rings Popular in Australia?

Coloured gemstones are gaining momentum across Australia, with many jewellers showcasing vibrant designs that move away from the all-diamond tradition. From sapphire solitaires to emerald-accented halos, couples are seeking rings that reflect their personality and individuality, rather than following a single template. Australian designers are embracing this trend by offering bespoke services that showcase unique gemstone choices.

Are gemstone engagement rings tacky?

The answer is no; they’re increasingly viewed as stylish and deeply meaningful. Gemstones often carry personal symbolism, such as birthstones or stones tied to cultural heritage, which makes them more than a fashion choice. A sapphire may represent loyalty, a ruby passion, and a morganite tenderness. These associations add emotional layers that resonate with modern couples.

Locally, gemstone engagement rings are also aligned with the desire for originality. In a market where diamond solitaires dominate, a gemstone ring can feel like a refreshing departure that still holds elegance and sophistication. Global trends, amplified by celebrity and influencer endorsements, are fuelling this demand,  but the Australian scene adds its own flavour, with designers blending coloured gems into contemporary, often minimal settings.

Australian Gemstones on the Global Stage

Australia boasts its own treasure trove of gemstones, which hold both cultural and global significance. Blue and parti-coloured sapphires from New South Wales and Queensland have long been admired for their depth and variety of hues, ranging from classic royal blues to greens and yellows within a single stone. Meanwhile, opals from Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy are world-renowned for their mesmerising play of colour, often used as centre stones in bespoke Australian-made rings.

These homegrown gems aren’t only meaningful for their beauty; they also carry a story of place, making them particularly appealing to couples who want a ring tied to Australian soil. With increasing interest in sustainability and traceability, Australian sapphires and opals are gaining traction both locally and internationally as ethical, high-quality alternatives to imported stones.

For more on how jewellery shapes cultural style shifts, see: The Role of Jewellery in Pop Culture and Fashion History.

Cost, Rarity, and Value of Gemstone Engagement Rings

When it comes to gemstones in engagement rings, prices can vary dramatically depending on rarity, quality, and current demand. At the top end are stones like the elusive padparadscha sapphire, prized for its delicate blend of pink and orange; alexandrite, famous for shifting colour under different light; and fine-quality emeralds with that unmistakable deep green glow. These gemstones can command prices that rival, and sometimes exceed, traditional diamonds.

For couples exploring custom designs with a more approachable budget, many options deliver beauty without stretching into five figures. Tourmaline, aquamarine, and morganite are celebrated for their unique hues and affordability. Even mid-range sapphires or spinels can provide a luxury look at a fraction of the cost of rarer stones, making them appealing to those who want individuality alongside value.

Trends in 2025 also point to an evolving resale and collector’s market for coloured gemstones. Just as certain watch models gain cult status, rare gemstone rings are beginning to attract attention from investors and collectors. Australian sapphires and fine rubies are increasingly visible in auction results. At the same time, more accessible gems such as aquamarine and tourmaline remain popular among younger buyers who value custom design and affordability.

Understanding these shifts can help couples not only choose a ring that resonates emotionally but also one that could hold or grow in value over time.

Why Insurance Matters for Gemstone Engagement Rings

Gemstone engagement rings bring colour and character, but they may also face risks that differ from diamonds. Emeralds, for example, can be more prone to surface-reaching inclusions, making them susceptible to chips. Even sapphires and rubies, while durable, can scratch or loosen in their settings over time.

Specialist insurance for an engagement ring may help ensure its cover reflects not only the financial value but also the unique qualities of the stone. Unlike diamonds, where standard price lists often guide valuations, gemstones may require additional paperwork, such as gemmological certificates or appraisals, to confirm their worth.

Choosing a policy tailored to jewellery, such as specialist engagement ring insurance from JewelCover, means you can account for factors like worldwide wear, travel, and accidental loss. It’s about making sure the ring’s story is backed by appropriate cover for the realities of daily life.

Bringing Colour to the Story of Your Engagement Ring

Gemstones in engagement rings offer more than mesmerising colour. They bring stories, symbolism, and individuality to one of life’s most meaningful pieces of jewellery. From the timeless strength of sapphires and rubies to the rising charm of morganite or aquamarine, choosing the best gemstone can make an engagement ring feel truly personal.

As couples in Australia and around the world opt for vibrant, custom designs, the appeal of gemstone engagement rings remains strong. Whether it’s a sapphire drawn from Australian soil, a rare alexandrite, or a romantic pink tourmaline, the gemstone you choose shapes not only the look of the ring but also the sentiment it carries.

If you’re exploring gemstone engagement rings, remember to consider one last thing: insurance. A specialist policy may help ensure your ring’s cover reflects its true value and unique characteristics.

Start your journey today. Get a personalised insurance quote to see how cover could apply to your ring.