White diamonds may be the traditional choice — but tradition doesn’t always tell your story.
Today’s couples are moving away from one-size-fits-all engagement rings. Instead, they’re choosing designs that feel more personal, more expressive, and undeniably more them. A coloured gemstone does more than sparkle — it symbolises a memory, a personality, or a feeling. Whether you’re drawn to the velvety blue of a sapphire or the romantic warmth of a peach-pink padparadscha, your ring should feel as rare as the relationship it represents.
What Sets Coloured Gemstones Apart
1. A Deeper Sense of Meaning
Coloured gemstones carry emotional weight. Perhaps your partner loves a specific colour, or maybe the gem reflects a special place or moment in your relationship — the ocean where you met, a sunset on your proposal day, or the hue of a shared birth month. These aren't just colours; they’re symbols of your story.
2. Natural Rarity
Many coloured gemstones, especially those like parti sapphires or unheated stones, are completely unique. Unlike diamonds — which are often cut to standardised shapes and proportions — each coloured gem has its own personality. This makes every ring a true one-off.
3. Ethical Sourcing
Sapphires from Australia or Sri Lanka often come from small-scale mining operations with lower environmental impact and more transparent supply chains. At Jewellery By Design NZ, every gemstone is hand-selected by Charlie with ethical sourcing in mind. We prioritise origin, traceability, and fair mining practices — because how a gem is sourced matters just as much as how it looks.
Are Coloured Gemstones Durable Enough for Everyday Wear?
Yes — in most cases. Many coloured stones, including sapphires, rubies, and spinels, are excellent choices for daily wear due to their hardness and resilience. Others, like emeralds or tourmalines, are slightly softer and benefit from protective settings such as bezels or structured claws.
We take all of this into account when designing your ring. Your lifestyle, how often you wear your ring, and even your profession inform the final design — so you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for practicality.
Why Colour Wins
Choosing a coloured gemstone isn’t just about standing out. It’s about crafting something intimate and enduring. When your ring reflects who you are, it becomes more than a piece of jewellery — it becomes a reminder of where you’ve been, and where you’re going together.
Coloured gemstones allow for deeper customisation, greater individuality, and a connection to something personal. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about legacy.
“At Jewellery By Design NZ, we don’t chase trends. Every stone is selected for its beauty, character, and ability to hold meaning. We design each ring with longevity and love in mind — no replicas, no repeats.”
What to Expect in a Custom Gemstone Ring Consultation
- A one-on-one design session with Charlie
- Guidance on gemstone options, colours, durability, and symbolism
- Custom sketches or digital mock-ups of your ideal design
- Ethically sourced gemstone options tailored to your style and budget
- Rings crafted in Christchurch and shipped throughout New Zealand
Ready to Find Your Stone?
Explore our curated collection of hand-selected sapphires, rubies, and other rare gems — or bring your own vision to life in a custom piece.
Book your free design consultation with Charlie
Based in Christchurch | NZ-wide shipping | No pressure, no cookie-cutters — just honest advice and bold, beautiful design