The Importance of Color in Gemstone Engagement Rings

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Right, this is an interesting subject. Mainly because there isn’t a straightforward answer to the question of colour in engagement rings. And don’t be put off by the term ‘gemstone’, since even the top diamond is technically a gemstone, despite in principle not having any colour in them. As some prominent jewellery and gemstone blogs have drawn this somewhat misguided between diamonds and 'gemstones' proper.

What are we talking about when engaging the importance of colour in gemstone engagement rings? Since colour is uniform in the world of gemstones and is valued differently depending on the gemstone in question. So there is a lot to unpack here. Which is what we here to do in this Education page. So read to find out about the importance of colour in gemstone engagement rings.

What is Colour in a Gemstone?

Let’s start at the beginning. Well not at the very beginning but at the development of gemstones. Since this is where the mystery of gemstone colour, which vary from gemstone type, and colour, begins. When it comes to coloured gemstones the most popular ones are the non-carbon-based ones. Whilst diamonds are the most popular gemstones in the world, their colour is not something they are best known for. However colour is an important variable when it comes to measuring diamond quality as we shall see.

To start let us take the famous blue sapphire. One of the most popular gemstones in the world, and is best recognised for its rich blue hue, which when combined with a top-cut stone features great clarity, light reflectivity and glow. Truly there are few better sites in the natural world than a well-cut gemstone quality blue sapphire. But is it a sapphire actually, and gives it beautiful blue colour?

Sapphires are corundum-based gemstones: corundum is a type of mineral: specifically aluminium oxide. Sapphires which form deep underground over the course of millions of years, and in their natural state are actually colourless gemstones. This might be interesting to consider since colour is arguably the distinguishing feature. So what gives this famous gemstone its colour? The answer is it results from external materials called trace minerals. Trace minerals come in a number of varieties, and are present at various levels, and combinations.

In sapphires, the dominant ones tend to be iron and titanium, followed by others like chromium. These trace minerals affect the atomic structure of minerals, altering them at a fundamental level. Which comes to affect the way the gemstone interacts with light. Since the colour that is visible to the human is a function of the interaction of light and physical objects, it requires some understanding of the science that underlies the colour that is visible in gemstones.

Role of Light in Gemstone Colour

First, the role of light and the chemical character of the materials in question in determining the colour that is visible in gemstone is something we have engaged in a dedicated education page: as it is a vast subject. For now what the reader needs to understand is that the nature of colour is a function of the changes caused by the atomic structure, known as ion transfers, resulting from the presence of trace minerals. These changes collectively affect the way in which the stone interacts with various light waves on the spectrum giving rise to different colours.

When it comes to diamonds for example, which some consider separate from coloured gemstones, the value point lies in the absence of colour. That is to say, a diamond is considered valuable owing to its colourless or transparent character. So the greater the transparency of the stone, the greater the value, which is a function of the lack of any notable hues. However certain diamonds do feature a slight shade of yellow or even light blue, which are generally negative features, which is a function of trace minerals like nitrogen or boron. That absorbs certain light waves giving that undesirable shade.

In addition to trace minerals, in some instances, transition metals can also exert an effect on the structure of the stone, by absorbing coloured light, but not all of them. Depending on the mineral type of the stone, will produce different hues which tend to predominate in certain gemstone categories: Such as red garnets and purple amethysts. However, trace minerals alone are not the only factor. In amethysts, for example, environmental effects such as irradiation. This takes us to the next key point on gemstone colour, which is the colour of diamonds.

Colour in Diamonds

A decade or so ago the subject of colour in diamonds is not likely to have been a worthy subject. Coloured diamonds or fancy coloured diamonds as they are known have risen in popularity, with ever-increasing adoption and recognition of their market value. Which is starting to have an effect on the world of coloured gemstones, where diamonds do not dominate.

Diamonds are traditionally valued for their colourless character. In fact, diamonds as gemstones are generally identified for their colourless or ‘white’ character. Which is measured by one of the 4Cs: colour. Fancy-coloured diamonds on the other hand feature distinct hues: blue diamonds, pink diamonds, green diamonds, and yellow diamonds leading the way.

The presence of colour in diamonds is a vast subject area. One which we have engaged in our Education pages. For now, it is worth considering that coloured diamonds are pretty much luxury items. Particularly the blue, pink, green and even red variants. Coloured diamonds are extremely rare and are highly sought after by those who wish to own an exotic and special gemstone option, and often are willing to part with a lot of money to do so.

Coloured diamonds have brought a new dimension to the world of coloured gemstones. Coloured diamonds like pink diamonds are a major addition to the world of premium diamond engagement rings. Whilst historically colour in gemstones for engagement rings was a function of preference for the gemstone type: sapphire, ruby, emerald etc. Or the specific hue in question: blue, red, green, purple etc. With coloured diamonds, a new premium element has entered the equation. With top coloured diamonds like the green diamond found in Jlo’s engagement rings coming in the $ 5 – 10 million mark.

Significance of Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings

If there is one word that captures the meaning of buying a coloured gemstone engagement ring that would be personalisation. The reason why people opt for colour in their choice of gemstone is that it gives them the freedom to pick the stone that suits their style, taste, or any other preference.

A key consideration when it comes to picking a gemstone of colour is the birthstone of the month of the buyer. With a gemstone assigned for every month in the calendar year, some might be persuaded to pick the gemstone of their month, provided the colour is something they connect with. Such as blue sapphires for those born in the month of September or emeralds for those born in the month of May.

Mystical Significance of Coloured Gemstones 

The next key consideration is one that is predominant in parts of the world and among people where the mystical is strong. In parts of South Asia where the colour of gemstones is paramount, as it connects with various beliefs that correspond to luck, physical betterment, mental clarity and much more. Notable in the Vedic traditions and it is not just about having colour, but what matters is the specific hue of the gemstone in question.

For example, the colours yellow and orange are greatly valued for their mystical value and deep spiritual meaning. And when it comes to bridal jewellery, the deep meaning and significance of these events when married with the mystical, make for a most meaningful combination. Another key consideration is the role of the Chakras which is centred on colour and the use of the corresponding gemstones is believed to enhance their power.