All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in England and Wales, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Lily Arkwright specialise in premium lab grown diamond, moissanite and coloured gemstone fine jewellery, driven by its ethical and social promise to deliver sustainable luxurious jewellery that lasts a lifetime. Here, the team share an insight into the symbolism of the engagement ring...
Engagement rings have always been more than just beautiful pieces of jewellery, they're symbols of love, promise, and the start of a lifelong journey together. While styles have evolved over time, the meaning behind each ring remains deeply personal. From the stone you choose to the metal it's set in, every element tells part of your love story.
If you're in the exciting stage of choosing your engagement ring, it's worth exploring what these timeless details might say about your relationship. Because the most meaningful rings aren't just the ones that sparkle, they're the ones that reflect who you are as a couple.
Diamonds: Forever and Always
Perhaps the most classic choice of all, diamonds have symbolised everlasting love for centuries. Their durability and brilliance represent strength, purity, and the unbreakable bond between two people.
While the tradition of diamond engagement rings remains strong, many couples are now embracing modern versions of this timeless symbol. Lab-grown diamonds, for instance, offer the same beauty and sparkle as mined stones but with a smaller environmental footprint, a meaningful choice for couples who value both luxury and responsibility.
Sapphires: Loyalty and Truth
Rich in colour and steeped in history, sapphires have long been associated with loyalty, truth, and sincerity, qualities every lasting partnership needs. Their deep blue tones convey calmness and devotion, making them a favourite for those who want something elegant yet slightly unconventional.
Modern brides are increasingly drawn to sapphires in soft pastels or striking teals, proving that tradition can be reimagined in countless shades of blue.
Emeralds: Passion and Renewal
Symbolising love, passion, and renewal, emeralds have a romantic energy that’s hard to resist. Their vivid green hue evokes growth and harmony, reflecting relationships that are full of life and shared purpose.
Emeralds were beloved by ancient royals and remain a stunning choice for anyone who wants their ring to make a statement. They also pair beautifully with yellow or rose gold for a warm, vintage-inspired finish.
Moissanite: Brilliance with a Modern Twist
For those who adore sparkle but want something a little different, moissanite is quickly becoming the stone of choice. Originally discovered in a meteor crater, moissanite is now created in laboratories, offering dazzling brilliance and a sustainable origin story.
It's the perfect choice for couples who want a ring that feels both luxurious and conscious, proof that love can shine just as brightly without compromise.
Gold: Warmth and Tradition
The choice of metal is just as meaningful as the gemstone it holds. Yellow gold, with its warm glow, symbolises optimism and timelessness. It's a nod to classic romance, perfect for couples who appreciate enduring style and tradition.
White gold and platinum, on the other hand, represent modern elegance and purity, making them ideal for those who prefer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Rose gold, with its romantic blush tones, has become increasingly popular for its symbolism of affection and warmth.
Each metal tells a slightly different story, and choosing one that feels true to your relationship adds an extra layer of meaning.
Shapes and Settings: Subtle Symbols
Even the shape of your stone carries significance. Round cuts represent unity and wholeness, while oval shapes symbolise individuality and creativity. Emerald cuts suggest confidence and sophistication, and pear shapes evoke uniqueness and a free spirit.
The setting also plays its part. Solitaires focus on simplicity and devotion, halos add an ethereal touch of glamour, and trilogy rings, with three stones, represent a couple's past, present, and future. Each design element adds another layer of symbolism, helping to tell your story in a way that's entirely your own.
Designing with Meaning
The beauty of modern jewellery design is that it allows for true personalisation. More couples than ever are choosing bespoke engagement rings, incorporating details that hold sentimental value, from birthstones and hidden gemstones to custom engravings and mixed metals.
These thoughtful touches turn an engagement ring into more than a symbol; they transform it into a wearable memory. A bespoke design is the perfect way to combine romance, creativity, and personal meaning into one timeless piece.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless sparkle of a diamond, the colour and depth of a sapphire, or the modern brilliance of moissanite, the perfect engagement ring is the one that tells your story. Every gemstone, metal, and setting choice reflects a chapter of your journey together.
As trends continue to evolve, one thing remains constant, the love and intention behind every ring. Because when chosen with heart, an engagement ring becomes far more than a piece of jewellery; it becomes a reflection of your shared values, your story, and your forever.