The Case For Coloured Rings…
It started with a shoe — and then came the black diamond.
In Sex and the City 2, when Big finally proposes to Carrie, he does it with a bold, unexpected choice: a 5-carat black diamond, “because you’re not like anyone else”. Just like that, a new chapter for engagement rings began — one where colour, character, and individuality take centre stage.
Fast forward to today, and the trend for coloured engagement rings is not just alive — it’s thriving. From red-carpet royalty to everyday brides, more people are ditching tradition and saying yes to stones that tell a deeper story.
Celebrities have led the charge. Gwyneth Paltrow wears a 12-carat blue sapphire from Brad Falchuk. Katy Perry flaunts a vivid pink ruby framed with white diamond petals. Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Bell both said yes with warm-toned brown diamonds. And more recently, Lily Collins debuted a soft pink diamond engagement ring designed with coloured stone. Even Matty Healy (yes, that Matty) popped the question with a dramatic black diamond — a full circle moment from Mr Big’s fictional gesture to modern-day reality.
But it’s not just A-listers breaking tradition.
At Fergus James, we’re seeing a rising demand for gemstone engagement rings in every shade imaginable — from cobalt sapphires and forest-green emeralds to glowing rubies and rare champagne diamonds. These aren’t just pretty alternatives; they’re bold declarations of individuality.
Coloured stones are a badge of honour. Brides aren’t looking for what everyone else has — they’re choosing stones that feel personal, surprising, and completely their own.
It’s a trend that also makes practical sense. While large white diamonds will always have their place, chunky, statement engagement rings are having a moment — and coloured gemstones often allow you to go big on size and visual impact without compromising on quality or budget.
Take newlywed stylist Phoebe Lettice Thompson, for instance — she was proposed to with a yellow diamond that once belonged to her wife’s mother. “It reflects my mom’s personality,” her wife said, “and Phoebe radiates that same warmth and light.” This kind of sentiment is at the heart of why coloured engagement rings matter — they’re emotional, meaningful, and rooted in who you are.
Whether you’re drawn to the cool calm of blue sapphires, the fire of ruby, the mystery of black diamonds or the earthy richness of emeralds, one thing is clear: coloured stones are here to stay.
At Fergus James, we specialise in bespoke engagement rings that capture your personal style — whatever that looks like. If you’re dreaming of something beyond the ordinary, our team is here to help you bring it to life.
Feeling Inspired? Contact the team here to create your own vivid masterpiece.
