I still remember the first time I saw an emerald engagement ring up close. It wasn’t in a showroom or on a celebrity’s hand — it was at a café in Melbourne, of all places. A friend had just gotten engaged, and when she lifted her cup to take a sip, the sunlight caught the stone. It wasn’t the blinding sparkle of a diamond. It was something else entirely — deep, calm, alive.
There’s a quiet sort of power to emeralds. They don’t shout for attention; they draw you in. And lately, I’ve noticed more and more Australians turning to this timeless green gemstone when it comes to engagement rings.
It’s not just about the colour (though honestly, that lush green is hard to beat). It’s about meaning, sustainability, individuality — all the things modern couples are craving in an engagement story that feels theirs.
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Why emeralds are having a moment
There’s something refreshing about an emerald in a sea of diamonds. It’s like the person who shows up to a black-tie dinner in a perfectly tailored linen suit — effortlessly elegant, slightly unconventional, but completely confident in who they are.
Emerald engagement rings have a history that stretches back centuries. Cleopatra adored them. Spanish conquistadors carried them home from the New World. Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy wore them proudly. And now, they’re finding their way into the hands of couples who want a symbol that feels meaningful and, dare I say, a little romantic in a vintage kind of way.
Part of their appeal lies in that rich, almost hypnotic colour. Green, after all, is the colour of renewal, growth, and balance. There’s something poetic about starting a new chapter of life with a stone that symbolises new beginnings.
And unlike the icy perfection of a diamond, an emerald tells a story through its imperfections. Tiny inclusions — often called “jardin” (French for “garden”) — are part of its identity. They make each gem utterly unique. You could say emeralds are a little like relationships: beautiful, complex, and made even more interesting by the small flaws that make them real.
A shift toward personality and meaning
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in recent years is how couples are choosing rings that say something. Not just “we’re engaged,” but “this is who we are.”
That might mean an emerald centre stone, an asymmetrical band, or even a blend of vintage and modern design. For others, it’s about where and how the gemstone was sourced — a move toward more sustainable and ethical jewellery practices.
I recently spoke to a jeweller in Sydney who said that roughly one in five engagement ring inquiries now includes coloured stones, and emeralds lead the pack. “People want something different,” she told me. “They’re drawn to the idea of colour, but they also want meaning. Emeralds tick both boxes.”
And let’s be honest — green has become somewhat of a modern luxury tone. It’s on runways, interiors, branding — it’s everywhere. There’s something timelessly stylish about it, yet it still feels contemporary.
The artistry behind emerald cuts and settings
If you’ve ever handled an emerald, you’ll know it’s not the easiest stone to work with. It’s softer than a diamond, which means jewellers need a steady hand and plenty of experience. But that’s also part of what makes each ring a small masterpiece.
The classic emerald cut — a rectangular shape with long, mirror-like facets — was actually named after the stone. It’s a shape that highlights clarity and depth rather than sparkle. Instead of twinkling like a diamond, it glows — almost like light filtering through water.
That said, modern emerald engagement rings come in every style imaginable: oval, round, cushion, even pear-shaped. Many jewellers pair emeralds with diamonds to add contrast — the crisp white of the diamond making the green pop even more. Others prefer minimalist gold or platinum bands that let the stone do all the talking.
And, if you’re curious to see what this looks like, have a look at some of the designs on emerald engagement rings from ethically focused jewellers. It’s honestly amazing how diverse and creative the options have become — far beyond the traditional solitaire style.
Sustainability and the rise of lab made diamonds
Now, we can’t really talk about engagement rings in 2025 without mentioning sustainability. It’s the elephant in the jewellery store.
Mining — even when done responsibly — takes a toll on the environment. That’s why there’s been such a surge in interest around ethical sourcing and lab made diamonds. These diamonds are identical to mined ones on every scientific level — they’re real diamonds, just created in a lab under controlled conditions.
What’s fascinating is how this technology has changed perceptions of luxury. Once upon a time, lab grown stones were seen as “alternatives.” Now, they’re being embraced by designers and consumers who want beauty without the baggage.
Emeralds themselves can be sourced sustainably too, but many couples are now combining them with lab created accents — pairing a natural emerald with lab made diamonds for a piece that’s stunning, meaningful, and kinder to the planet. If you’re curious how this shift is reshaping the industry, there’s a great explainer on lab made diamonds and how they’re revolutionising luxury markets across the world.
This blend of old-world romance (emeralds) and modern ethics (lab diamonds) feels like the perfect reflection of today’s values. You get timeless design with forward-thinking consciousness — and honestly, that’s a pretty good foundation for a marriage too.
Emeralds and emotion: the stone with a soul
There’s something deeply emotional about wearing an emerald. It’s not just a piece of jewellery; it’s a presence.
In many cultures, emeralds are believed to bring harmony, love, and protection. Ancient Romans associated them with Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility. In Indian traditions, they’re linked to wisdom and calmness.
It’s easy to see why. Look at an emerald long enough and it feels… grounding. Like taking a deep breath after a storm. Maybe that’s why so many people describe emeralds as having a soul — a living energy that connects with whoever wears them.
I once interviewed a couple who chose an emerald engagement ring because, in their words, “it felt alive.” The groom-to-be said he couldn’t stop thinking about how the stone seemed to change with the light, reflecting different shades of green depending on the moment. “It just felt like her,” he said. And honestly, I get it.
How to choose the right emerald engagement ring
Choosing an emerald engagement ring is a little different from shopping for a diamond. You’ll want to focus less on the “four Cs” (cut, colour, clarity, carat) and more on what speaks to you visually and emotionally.
Still, here are a few tips that might help:
- Colour comes first. The most prized emeralds have a rich, vivid green — not too dark, not too light.
- Expect inclusions. Tiny lines or flecks inside an emerald are normal. In fact, if you find one that’s perfectly clear, be cautious — it might be synthetic or overly treated.
- Ask about treatments. Most emeralds are oiled to enhance clarity. It’s standard practice, but it’s worth asking your jeweller how the stone’s been treated and how to care for it.
- Protect your gem. Because emeralds are softer than diamonds, consider a setting that offers some protection — like a bezel or halo design.
- Work with a trusted jeweller. A skilled craftsperson can help you choose a stone that suits your lifestyle and ensure it’s set securely.
And above all, trust your gut. When you find the right one, you’ll know. It’s not about perfection — it’s about connection.
Emeralds in modern design
The beauty of emeralds is that they work across styles.
Minimalist? Go for a slim band with a single emerald, maybe flanked by tiny diamonds.
Vintage lover? Try an art deco setting with geometric shapes and milgrain details.
Bohemian or nature-inspired? A gold ring with leafy or organic motifs will highlight the emerald’s earthy side.
Even contemporary designers are playing with unexpected combinations — pairing emeralds with rose gold, or offsetting them with unusual cuts like kite or shield shapes.
The versatility is incredible. Emeralds have this rare ability to feel regal and relaxed at the same time — a bit like Australian style itself, really.
A gem that’s quietly rewriting engagement traditions
It’s funny — engagement traditions used to be all about uniformity. You’d see the same diamond rings, the same proposals, the same “perfect” love stories. But now? Couples are rewriting the script.
An emerald engagement ring says, “We’re doing this our way.” It’s romantic without being predictable, luxurious without being flashy. It’s a nod to the past and a wink to the future.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that love doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. It can be green, glowing, imperfect, and utterly unique.
Final thoughts
When I think back to that café moment — the sunlight, the shimmer, the quiet beauty of that emerald — I realise why these rings have captured people’s hearts. They’re not just about glamour or status. They’re about emotion, story, identity.
An emerald engagement ring feels personal. It feels human. And in a world where so much feels mass-produced, that kind of authenticity is worth celebrating.
So if you’re planning a proposal, or simply dreaming about what your forever might look like — maybe, just maybe, it’s a little green.
