Why more brides are choosing gemstones over diamonds

The classic diamond engagement ring may never go out of style, but in jewellery cases across the UAE, a quieter yet striking shift is taking place. Increasingly, brides are looking beyond the traditional solitaire and embracing coloured gemstones to express individuality, meaning and modern values through their bridal jewellery.

Retailers across the Dubai Gold Souk Extension are seeing a steady uptick in couples selecting sapphires, emeralds, rubies and even more unconventional stones like morganite, aquamarine and tourmaline for engagement rings. These stones don’t just stand out for their vibrant colours; they offer rich symbolism that resonates with today’s generation of brides. Emeralds are often chosen to represent growth and new beginnings, sapphires for loyalty and wisdom, and rubies for passion and strength. For many couples, the appeal lies in choosing a stone that tells a story rather than one that simply follows tradition.

Hanif Jewellery & Watches has observed that this preference is especially prominent among younger buyers, with Millennial and Gen Z clients seeking pieces that reflect their personalities rather than conventional norms. The brand has responded with gemstone-led collections and enhanced bespoke offerings that allow for customisation across cut, colour and setting.

This move toward more expressive pieces is part of a broader mindset shift that accelerated in the aftermath of the pandemic. As couples became more intentional about how and why they invest in jewellery, values like sustainability, individuality and emotional connection came to the forefront. Coloured gemstones, with their uniqueness and symbolic depth, naturally aligned with these evolving priorities. Joy Alukkas has noted a marked rise in demand for meaningful and ethically sourced stones, with customers increasingly seeking engagement rings that reflect their values and love stories, not just status or convention.

Affordability is another factor driving the rise of gemstones, particularly with the growing popularity of lab-grown coloured diamonds. At Bafleh Jewellery, there has been rising demand for stones over three carats in soft pinks, yellows and champagne tones, offering the same brilliance and beauty as natural diamonds but at a fraction of the price. It is a choice that allows couples to invest in scale and sentiment without compromising on ethics or budget.

The UAE’s multicultural population is also influencing this shift. While the desire for gemstone rings cuts across nationalities, certain communities have long had a cultural affinity for coloured stones. Emirati, Saudi and Qatari women are known to favour vibrant gemstones in their bridal jewellery, and this tradition continues to evolve with younger generations embracing more contemporary, minimalistic designs. Among South Asian clients, there is a noticeable generational divide. While older customers may prefer traditional gold jewellery, younger brides are more open to experimenting with colour, scale and non-traditional silhouettes.

What began as a subtle departure from convention is fast becoming a defining movement in the world of bridal jewellery. Across the Gold Souk Extension, jewellers see the gemstone trend not as a passing phase but as a long-term evolution. New collections place colour at the forefront and personalised designs are becoming the new standard. Whether it is a delicate pastel sapphire set in rose gold or a bold emerald solitaire in a sculptural band, these rings are turning engagement traditions into something far more personal.

For today’s bride, an engagement ring is no longer just about sparkle. It is about significance. And as bridal jewellery continues to evolve, gemstones are proving that the most timeless thing a ring can represent is meaning.