Once upon a time, diamonds were considered the only acceptable stone for engagement rings. But let’s be honest—times have changed, and so have love stories.
In Denver, more and more couples are breaking up with tradition and falling head-over-heels for gemstone engagement rings. Whether it’s a bold sapphire, a vintage emerald, or a dreamy morganite, colored stones are taking center stage. And the best part? They’re as unique and meaningful as the relationships they represent.
So, why the shift? Why are gemstone engagement rings in Denver suddenly everywhere? Let’s dive in.
Diamonds May Be Forever, But Gemstones Are Having a Moment
Spoiler alert: diamonds aren’t going extinct anytime soon. But the trend toward gemstones is real—and growing. According to a recent report by The Knot, 1 in 3 engagement rings in 2023 featured a gemstone other than a traditional white diamond. Meanwhile, Pinterest searches for “sapphire engagement rings” and “nontraditional engagement rings” have spiked more than 80% year-over-year.
So what’s behind the shift? It’s a mix of personal expression, ethical considerations, a love for color, and (let’s be honest) a little bit of Instagram inspiration.
Why Gemstones? A Few (Very Pretty) Reasons
1. They’re Personal
Gemstones allow couples to infuse their rings with symbolism—birthstones, favorite colors, or stones with spiritual significance. A ruby for passion. A sapphire for loyalty. A teal tourmaline just because it matches her eyes.
2. They Stand Out
Not everyone wants to blend in with the crowd. Gemstones are bold, unexpected, and head-turning in the best way.
3. They Often Tell a Story
From heirloom sapphires to stones sourced during a special trip, gemstone rings often come with a story that’s just as beautiful as the ring itself.
4. They Offer More Flexibility for Custom Designs
Pair a unique stone with a custom setting and you’ve got a ring no one else in the world has. Talk about main character energy.
Custom Engagement Jewelry in Denver: Why Local Matters
At Ashley Schenkein Jewelry Design, we’ve seen firsthand how Denver couples are embracing custom gemstone rings as their forever pieces.
Designing a custom engagement ring means you’re not settling for what’s in the case—you’re starting from scratch, with your story, your style, and your values in mind. And working with a local jeweler means you get one-on-one attention, expert design guidance, and the chance to source unique stones that fit your vision.
We love working with clients who come in saying, “We want something different.” (Same, honestly.)
Let’s Talk Ethics (and the Earth)
More and more couples are choosing gemstones for sustainability reasons. While diamonds—especially those that are lab-grown or responsibly sourced—can be ethical, some people prefer to steer clear of the mined diamond industry altogether.
Many gemstones (especially when sourced by an ethical jeweler like ASJD) have a smaller environmental footprint and a clearer chain of custody. Plus, if you’re resetting an heirloom gem or using recycled gold, that’s sustainability on sparkle mode.
Gemstone 101: Denver’s Favorite Stones
Let’s get into the goods—here are some of the most popular (and stunning) gemstones we’re seeing right now:
Sapphires
Sapphires aren’t just blue! They come in peach, teal, green, and yellow. Known for their durability (second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale), they also symbolize wisdom and fidelity.
Denver Vibe: Mountain bride meets timeless chic.
Morganite
With its soft pink hue, morganite is romantic, modern, and just dreamy enough to star in a fairytale proposal. It pairs beautifully with rose gold.
Denver Vibe: Boho, vintage-inspired, and slightly obsessed with neutral palettes (in a good way).
Salt-and-Pepper Diamonds
Technically still diamonds, these speckled beauties have unique inclusions that make each one totally different. They’re moody, edgy, and earthy all at once.
Denver Vibe: Alt-bride with a love for craft cocktails and indie music.
Emerald
A bold, luxurious choice with timeless appeal. Slightly softer than other stones, but worth it for the color and history alone.
Denver Vibe: Art Deco glam with a love for legacy.
Teal Tourmaline
Under-the-radar but totally breathtaking. Tourmaline comes in a rainbow of hues, but teal is particularly trendy among Colorado couples.
Denver Vibe: Wild, free, and made for a mountain proposal.
Montana Sapphires
Mined in the U.S. and full of color variation—from icy blues to steely greens. These stones are both ethical and hyperlocal.
Denver Vibe: Adventurous with an outdoorsy soul.
The Vintage Comeback
If you’ve scrolled through engagement ring inspo lately, you’ve probably seen vintage rings making a major return. Art Deco, Edwardian, and Victorian styles are all back in a big way—especially when paired with colored gemstones.
At ASJD, we often work on vintage engagement rings in Denver, either by restoring family pieces or creating new ones with vintage-inspired settings. Want to use grandma’s sapphire in a modern bezel setting or an Art Deco-inspired setting? We love that journey for you.
Vintage isn’t just a style—it’s a whole mood.
But Are Gemstones Durable Enough?
Ah yes, the big question. While diamonds top the Mohs scale at 10, plenty of gemstones are strong enough for daily wear with a little love and care.
Here’s a quick durability cheat sheet:
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Sapphires: 9/10 (very durable)
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Emeralds: 7.5–8 (a little more delicate, but gorgeous)
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Morganite & Tourmaline: 7.5 (needs a protective setting)
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Opal or Pearl: 5–6 (best for occasional wear or with smart design)
When designing your ring, we’ll always suggest settings that support the durability of your chosen stone. Think protective prongs, bezels, and lower profiles that help your ring handle daily life—without sacrificing style.
What It’s Like to Create a Gemstone Ring with ASJD
Here’s the inside scoop on what working with us looks like:
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Consultation: We chat about your dream ring, style preferences, budget, and stone ideas.
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Stone Sourcing: We help you choose the perfect gem (or incorporate a stone you already have).
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CAD Design: We show you digital renderings of your ring so you can tweak every detail.
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Handcrafting: Your ring is made by our local artisans right here in Denver.
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The Reveal: You pick up your ring (or receive it via insured shipping) and cue the happy tears.
Whether you’re going vintage-inspired or ultra-modern, we’ll walk you through every step and make it fun, not overwhelming.
TL;DR – The Gemstone Glow-Up Is Real
Denver couples are choosing gemstone engagement rings for a lot of beautiful reasons:
✔ More color
✔ More personality
✔ More meaning
✔ More ethical choices
✔ More unique
✔ More options for custom design
✔ Just…more you
And at ASJD, we’re here for it.
Ready to Design a Ring That Breaks the Mold?
If you’re ready to ditch tradition and embrace a ring that tells your love story your way, we’d love to help. Whether you're drawn to sapphires, tourmaline, salt-and-pepper diamonds, or something totally unexpected, we’ll create a custom piece that’s anything but ordinary.
✨ Start Your Custom Journey
✨ Book a free consultation with one of our expert designers
✨ Or just stop by our Denver studio to browse and say hi
Because your love isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your ring shouldn’t be either.
