What is the meaning behind Kate Middleton's sapphire ring? What would it mean to gift a precious sapphire ring, a precious ruby gemstone ring? Jeweller Ingle & Rhode share with readers of Diamond World the hidden meaning behind precious stones of different engagement rings to help brides find the perfect match.

From Mariah Carey’s swoon-inducing 59 pink diamond covered ring, to Kate Middleton’s famously elegant sapphire, coloured gems have long been adorned and admired. The classical white diamond, although beautiful, is the most popular gem within ring designs, leading lots of future brides to opt for more unusual and colourful options. Coloured options include emeralds, sapphires and citrines as well as the beloved ruby. Jeweller Tim Ingle, of Ingle & Rhode, said, “We love when people are able to find engagement rings to match the personality of the person who is going to be wearing it. The vast choice and variety of stones allows us to have engagement rings which stand out.Ring individuality and personalisation can be achieved through diamond shape, band colour or width, but we believe one of the most important features is the colour of the diamond itself. With each colour representing different moods, symbols and emotions.”

Sapphire

As the most popular of the coloured stones, these beautiful gems are most often seen in shades of blue, however can also be seen in pinks, yellows, oranges and even greens. The royal blue sapphires have ancient links to the highest celestial faith and hope, whilst more modern significance revolves around protection and good fortune. This means anyone wearing a sapphire engagement ring is to have deep links to spirituality which ensures a safe and protected marriage. 

Emerald 

The deep mysterious colour of emeralds holds lots of symbolism for those who wear them. The green colour holds ties to renewal and growth, while the gem itself is known to symbolise fidelity and true growth. Those who choose to include emeralds in their engagement rings are said to have long lasting and exciting marriages, with both parties in the marriage allowing the other to grow and prosper in all aspects of their lives. 

Ruby

The most precious form of Corundum, ruby engagement rings are the ultimate symbol of passion. Marriages bonded together with a ruby are sure to be filled with love and excitement for years to come. The ruby also means ‘stone of nobility’, with those adorning ruby engagement rings often have a heart of gold, with lots of patience and courage. 

Pink diamonds

As one of the most rare colours of diamond, pink diamonds indicate a marriage full of love and affection. The colour also symbolises creativity, meaning anyone with a pink engagement ring is sure to have a marriage full of surprises and laughter, without a dull moment. 

Aquamarine

Light blue (sometimes with a hint of green) and evoking the purity of clear oceans and skies, any engagement ring with this gem is sure to grab attention. The colour symbolises communication and courage, meaning anyone wearing this gem on their engagement ring is sure to have a wedding full of honesty and words of affirmation for one another. 

Citrine

These yellow gemstones are believed to attract wealth, abundance and prosperity. These traits mean the wearer of this gem is one surrounded by love and affection whilst having a keen interest in all things glamorous and expensive. This coloured gem in engagement rings of the famous, such as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, the eye-catching colour is sure to attract attention and praise to whoever wears it. 

Coloured Diamonds

Coloured fancy diamonds too make trendy engagement rings. Diamonds can be natural or the lab-grown variety, they are found to be mostly colorless to yellow or brown, rarely pink, orange, green, blue, gray, red or black. Diamonds impart the wearer with fearlessness, invincibility and fortitude, clearing emotional and mental pain and bringing about new beginnings. They are also known to stimulate creativity, inventiveness, imagination and ingenuity. Wearing a diamond also brings about clarity of mind and aids enlightenment. All pictures except the lead image courtesy Ingle & Rhode