In Singapore, the gemstone engagement ring is redefining tradition. While diamonds remain a classic, modern couples are increasingly seeking the rarity, colour, and personal narrative that only a coloured gemstone can offer. At GIOIA Fine Jewellery, we move beyond the commercial standard to offer the truly exceptional—from unheated Sapphires to neon Paraiba Tourmalines.
Why Choose a Gemstone Engagement Ring?
An engagement ring is no longer limited to colourless diamonds. Coloured gemstones allow you to explore varieties such as vivid sapphire, vibrant ruby, and timeless emerald. Unlike a standardised diamond engagement ring, each precious gemstone possesses its own unique history, rarity, and beauty.
- Unrivalled Uniqueness: No two gemstones are identical. From the majestic royal blue of a sapphire and the legendary vibrant green of an emerald to the passionate red of a ruby, these gemstones offer an unparalleled way to express your love.
- Investment & Legacy: Fine quality coloured gemstones are finite treasures that have historically appreciated in value, offering both beauty and legacy. They are investment-grade jewels sought after worldwide.
Guide to Gemstone Engagement Rings
Sapphire Engagement Rings: Beyond Royal Blue
As the most durable coloured gemstone (9 on the Mohs scale), Sapphires are the premier choice for daily wear. While the classic Royal Blue is timeless, GIOIA specialises in the rare and unheated varieties that mass-market jewellers cannot source.
The Symbol of Nobility & Truth: Historically worn by royalty to protect against envy and harm, the Sapphire is the ultimate guardian of faithfulness. Before we discuss the technical rarity of unheated Royal Blue, understand that choosing a Sapphire is choosing a legacy of trust and clarity.
- Padparadscha Sapphire: The rarest of all sapphires, featuring a delicate mix of pink and orange (the “lotus blossom” hue). We source unheated stones with the perfect 50/50 colour balance.
- Teal & Mermaid Sapphire: A sophisticated blend of blue and green, ideal for organic, nature-inspired ring designs.
- Unheated Royal Blue: Vivid, velvety saturation without the heat treatment common in commercial jewellery.
View our Custom Sapphire Collection
Ruby Engagement Rings: The Pigeon Blood Standard
The Flame of Passion: Known in Sanskrit as Ratnaraj (“King of Gems”), the Ruby is the ultimate talisman of protection and vitality. It represents a love that is bold, alive, and unbreakable. While others simply see red, GIOIA looks for the “internal fire” that only the finest unheated gems possess.
Our focus is on Unheated Rubies from Mozambique and Burma (Myanmar), specifically targeting the coveted “Pigeon Blood” rarity. Unlike treated stones, a GIOIA ruby is an investment-grade gem with natural fluorescence that glows in sunlight.
Discover our Ruby Engagement Rings
Paraiba Tourmaline Engagement Rings: The Neon Glow
The Electric Connection: Unlike diamonds that rely on external light, Paraiba Tourmaline glows from within. It symbolises a love that is energetic, magnetic, and truly one-of-a-kind. Choosing a Paraiba is a statement that your bond is a rare phenomenon found in only one place on Earth.
We source these rare gems directly from Brazil and Mozambique, looking for the unique presence of Copper and Manganese—the chemical combination that gives the stone its electric blue-green hue.
See the neon glow of Paraiba Tourmaline
Emerald Engagement Rings: The Lush Garden
The Jewel of Rebirth: Cleopatra’s favourite gem, the Emerald, has long symbolised fertility, growth, and eternal spring. It is a stone for couples whose love is constantly renewing. At GIOIA, we honour this history by sourcing only “Minor Oil” vivid green Emeralds that preserve the stone’s natural, garden-like jardin.
Unlike commercial stones, rare Emeralds require expertise to buy safely. We educate our clients on the importance of origin, featuring prime sources like Muzo Green (Colombia) and Zambia, selected for their glowing vitality.
Spinel Engagement Rings: The “Sparkle” Brilliance
The Stone of Revitalisation: Often mistaken for Ruby in royal crown jewels, Spinel is actually the stone of hope and revitalisation. It is for the modern couple who values authenticity over brand names—a gem that is naturally perfect without any human interference or treatment.
Once a secret of gemologists, Spinel is the rising star of bespoke jewellery. Unlike Rubies (which are doubly refractive), Spinel is singly refractive—just like a diamond. We specialise in a wide spectrum of Spinel colours—from neon pink to metallic grey—stones with such high saturation that they appear self-luminous. Being 100% natural and typically untreated, they are the purest choice for a gemstone connoisseur.
View our unique Bluish Grey Spinel Ring
Durability Guide: Which Gemstone Suits Your Lifestyle?
Your engagement ring is worn every day, so durability is key. We use the Mohs Scale of Hardness to guide your choice.
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness | Daily Wear Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire & Ruby | 9 | Excellent (Highly Recommended) |
| Spinel | 8.5 | Very Good |
| Emerald | 7.5 – 8 | Good (Requires Care) |
| Paraiba Tourmaline | 7 – 7.5 | Good (Avoid Heavy Impact) |
| Tanzanite | 5-5.5 | Average (Detailed Care) |
Cluster Gemstone Engagement Rings
Budget-Friendly Yet Luxurious
Cluster gemstone engagement ring offer a cost-effective yet stunning alternative to traditional solitaire rings. These designs incorporate multiple smaller gems, delivering a visually striking impact without the steep price tag of a large central stone.
A Symbol of Unity
The essence of a cluster gemstone ring – a harmonious assembly of various stones – beautifully symbolises the union of two souls. Personalising these rings with the birthstones of both partners weaves an intimate narrative into the ring’s design.
Diverse Designs for Every Taste
The versatility of cluster gemstone engagement ring is unmatched. Whether you’re drawn to the romanticism of floral motifs, the sleekness of modern geometric patterns, or the timeless charm of vintage Art Deco styles. These engagement rings cater to an array of preferences, making them as unique as your love story.
Gemstone Wedding Bands
Beyond engagement rings, designing your unique wedding bands with gemstone or everyday wear jewellery is a rising trend. Their adaptability means they can be styled for any occasion, offering a chic and stylish way to wear meaningful gemstones daily. This pair of custom wedding bands featuring lagoon tourmaline was created with constellation inspiration for the men’s ring and flora inspiration for the ladies. Both the wedding bands are different in design however both shared common tourmaline gemstone in matching pair. If you have missed out creating your gemstone engagement ring, explore this exciting journey in creating your very own customised gemstone wedding bands.
Explore our full collection of Bespoke Gemstone Wedding Bands.
Creating Your Personalised Gemstone Engagement Ring
Expert Guidance: The “Fire” of a Gem
Photos often fail to capture the true fire and neon glow of a rare gem. We strongly recommend viewing gemstones in person under natural daylight to understand their true shade and brilliance. This is also a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner to explore different colour shades, ensuring the stone aligns with your personal style.
Are you intrigued by the idea of a gemstone engagement ring but unsure how to start? At GIOIA Fine Jewellery, the journey begins not just with a design, but with the discovery of a gem that speaks to you.
Navigating the Spectrum of Colour
Unlike diamonds which are graded on a standard scale, coloured gemstones offer an infinite palette of shades. During your consultation, we guide you through these subtle nuances to find the exact tone that resonates with you.
For example, a request for “Blue” can lead us from the deep velvety Royal Blue Sapphire and the pastel serenity of Aquamarine to the electric neon of Paraiba Tourmaline or the metallic brilliance of Blue Spinel. Similarly, “Green” is not just one colour—it ranges from the legendary intense Muzo Emerald and the rich, forest hues of Tsavorite Garnet to the unique teal blend of a Teal Sapphire or Green Tourmaline.
Matching Shape to Style
While diamonds are predominantly round, coloured gemstones are cut in a variety of fancy shapes to maximise their colour saturation. The shape of the gemstone dictates the architecture of the ring, and understanding this relationship is key to a cohesive design.
Our expert designers will show you how different cuts influence the final aesthetic. A geometric Trillion (Triangle) or Kite shape might look striking but requires a specific, edgy setting and may not complement a softer, vintage-inspired look. Conversely, certain classic designs are best elevated by a Cushion or Oval cut. We help you visualise how the centrepiece’s geometry plays an important role in the overall balance of the ring.
A Memorable Discovery Experience
Selecting a gemstone is a sensory experience that cannot be replicated online. It is a memorable journey of elimination and discovery at GIOIA. By going through the process with you and your partner, we help you identify not only what you really love but also what you don’t like.
This hands-on comparison of gems side-by-side allows you to see the true “personality” of each stone, ensuring that the final gem chosen for your promise ring is one you will cherish for a lifetime.
The Advantage of Bespoke Design
Once you have selected your perfect gemstone, the next step is crafting the setting. To understand the full advantages of our bespoke service and how we create a truly Unique Customised Engagement Ring from initial sketch to 3D render, explore our dedicated process guide.
Begin Your Journey with GIOIA
Embarking on the journey of creating a customised gemstone engagement ring with GIOIA is a step towards owning a piece of engagement jewellery that is truly yours in every sense. A personalised ring is a reflection of your unique love story, crafted with care and passion. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start the exciting journey of creating your personalised cluster engagement ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our uniquely designed gemstone engagement rings.
Are coloured gemstones durable enough for daily wear?
Yes, but the choice of gemstone matters. We highly recommend Sapphires and Rubies (Mohs 9) or Spinels (Mohs 8) for engagement rings, as they are durable enough to withstand daily activities. We generally advise against softer stones like Opal or Pearl for rings that will be worn every day unless you are committed to extra care.
What is the difference between Heated and Unheated gemstones?
Unheated gemstones are completely natural and have not undergone thermal treatment to enhance their colour or clarity. They are significantly rarer and hold higher investment value. At GIOIA, we specialise in unheated Pigeon Blood Rubies and Royal Blue Sapphires, ensuring you own a gem of pure, natural beauty.
Do your gemstones come with certification?
Absolutely. Authenticity is our promise. Our rare gemstones are certified by renowned independent laboratories such as GRS, GIA or Local NGI. This certification verifies the gemstone’s origin (e.g., Burma, Sri Lanka, Colombia) and confirms whether it is natural and unheated.
How long does the bespoke design process take?
The entire journey, from the initial consultation and gemstone selection to the final handcrafted ring, typically takes 12 to 14 weeks. If you have a specific proposal date, please let us know during the consultation, and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.
Are your gemstones ethically sourced?
Yes. We take great pride in our responsible sourcing. By buying directly from miners and trusted suppliers in origins like Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Colombia, we ensure our gemstones are conflict-free and ethically obtained. This direct sourcing not only guarantees the integrity of the gem but also allows us to offer you the finest quality at competitive value.
Are gemstone engagement rings a good investment compared to diamonds?
While commercial diamonds often depreciate after purchase, rare, high-quality coloured gemstones—specifically Unheated Sapphires, Pigeon Blood Rubies, and Paraiba Tourmalines—have a history of retaining or increasing in value due to their extreme scarcity.
Unlike diamonds, which are available in large quantities, a fine quality coloured gemstone is a unique asset, making it a true heirloom piece to pass down to future generations.
