The Top 5 Engagement Ring Trends For 2023

Nude Jewellery is a forward thinking independent jeweller that specialises in creating unique and unusual exclusive engagement ring designs. Owner & award-winning designer Nikki Galloway spends her days liaising with clients to discuss which styles they are looking for and creating their perfect bespoke engagement. “Everyday is different which is why I love my job, creating engagement rings on a daily basis gives us a fantastic insight into how trends and styles are ever changing and what we foresee as future styles". 

So here are our predictions for engagement rings for 2023:

1, Sapphires & Coloured Gemstones

This year we have made many gemstone engagement rings in a rainbow of colours, from breathtakingly beautiful violet sapphires to yellow diamonds and green tsavorite. There seems to be no stopping the bright and adventurous colour combinations. The most traditional gemstone for engagement rings used are, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. This is because these gemstone are incredibly strong and durable. But there are many other gemstones that are equally as beautiful to choose from.

Did you know? Sapphires don't just come in the traditional and most common blue, you can also get teal, green, pink, white and yellow all in many shades and hues. Below is our Flutterby ring featuring a stunning violet sapphire.

Colour Clash

I love this, we have a wide selection of colour clash engagement rings and have created many throughout the year. My favourite is red sapphires or rubies with pink sapphires it's just such a fun combination.

2, Asymmetrical Engagement Ring

A new contemporary trend away from the norm and traditional is the asymmetrical engagement rings which are increasing in popularity. This style is a beautiful way to show off your unique personality. We started out with our Atlantis ring which continues to be one of our most popular ring designs and then couple of variations on this ring. The Atlantis Storm and The Atlantis Paradise and new for October 2022 is our Seline ring.

Technical Tip: My advice when looking at this style is to make sure that the weight of the gemstones and top details are balanced otherwise the ring will fall to the heavier side when on the finger.

3, Pear Shaped & Marquise Shaped Diamonds & Gemstones

This style is classic yet modern, often with a delicate band adorned in diamonds or gemstones which shows of the main focal point which is often a diamond or stunning gemstone. Take a look at our Calista ring, our most popular combinations in this ring is ruby and black diamonds and yellow/champagne diamond and white diamonds.

Technical Tip: In order for the ring to last the test of time, make sure that the even although the band is delicate, it shouldn't be so delicate that it will snap or weaken over time and through wear – remember this is a ring that you will wear every day forever.

4, Champagne – Chocolate Diamonds

Champagne and chocolate coloured diamonds are stunning, vivid and full of life and are typically not as expensive as the traditional white diamond making them an increasingly popular choice. They are also perfectly paired with rose gold which only enhances their beauty and what's not to love about rose gold which has never been so popular.

5, Rose Gold

Rose gold engagement rings have been popular for quite a few years now with no signs of going away. For years I have been designing and making engagement rings which were mostly white gold with a few that were yellow. Now I'd say that rose gold is more popular than yellow with my clients. It has a softness about it which works very well with many different gemstones and skin tones.

This is my guide to engagement ring trends for 2023. If you want to take a look at our Engagement Ring page for more inspiration then click here. I'm a little obsessed with designing so you'll find new designs added regularly.

Toi et Moi Engagement Rings

Translated to “You and Me” from French, Toi et Moi rings nestle two showstopping stones together in one simple and uncomplicated band. This is the design to look out for in the next couple of years and I think will be on my list for 2024!

A bit about me & Nude Jewellery:

Nude Jewellery was established in 2001 by me, Nikki Galloway. Originally we were based in Shepherd's Market, Mayfair, London our boutique quickly became established and celebrated appearances in over 100 publications worldwide including Vogue,The Sunday Times Style, Elle, Evening Standard, and French Vogue. I have worked on hundred's of bespoke jewellery commissions over the years including for Elle MacPherson and the Sultan of Brunei.

Thanks for reading, Nikki

What colour of Sapphire would you choose? (not all are blue!)

When most people think of sapphires they think of blue, but in fact sapphires are available in a rainbow of colours. Pretty much everything except for a pinkish, purpleish, red. If it's this colour then it's a ruby!

Sapphire is a precious gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum. Corrundum is one of the hardest minerals which is why it is a popular choice for jewellery and indeed engagement rings. On the Mohs scale of hardness a sapphire is a 9 – the only other gemstone that is harder is a diamond.

A sapphires colour is is influenced by trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, or magnesium within each of it's crystals. For example, titanium within these tiny crystal elements reflect and refract to make a sapphire blue.

The name sapphire is derived from the Latin "saphirus" and the Greek "sapheiros", both of which mean blue.

It is common practice to heat natural sapphires to improve or enhance their appearance. This is done by heating the sapphires in furnaces to temperatures between 800 and 1,800 °C Evidence of sapphire and other gemstones being subjected to heating goes back at least to Roman times and generally applies to most sapphires – in fact an untreated sapphires are quite rare and one of high quality would be of high value.

Birthstone - September

Cut - As cabochons or as faceted gemstones

Found - Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Australia

Care Tip - A hard gemstone that can appear cloudy when needing cleaned.  Clean with mild liquid soap, warm water and an old soft bristled toothbrush

View all of our Sapphire jewellery here...

July Birthstone: Discover the Elegance and Significance of Ruby: A Symbol of Love and Power

As we step into the month of July, we are greeted by the vibrant and enchanting beauty of the Ruby. This deep red gemstone has been treasured for centuries, not only for its mesmerizing allure but also for its profound symbolism. Being the birthstone for July, the Ruby holds a special place in the hearts of those born in this month. In this article, we will delve into the elegance and significance of this precious gemstone, exploring its historical background, characteristics, colour variations, jewellery options, famous rubies in history and pop culture, care and maintenance, as well as a buying guide to help you choose the perfect July gift.

The Maisie Ring - exclusive ruby and diamond ring)

Historical significance and symbolism of Ruby

The Ruby has captivated civilizations throughout history with its captivating beauty and mystical properties. Ancient cultures believed that the Ruby possessed the power to bestow good fortune, health, and protection upon its wearer. In medieval times, it was also associated with nobility, wealth, and passion. The deep red colour of the Ruby symbolizes love, passion, and courage, making it an ideal gift to express deep emotions and devotion. In Sanskrit, the Ruby is called "ratnaraj," which translates to "king of gemstones," further highlighting its regal significance.

Characteristics of Ruby gemstone

Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, with its deep red colour being caused by the presence of chromium. It is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to the diamond, making it durable and suitable for everyday wear. The finest Rubies possess a vibrant red hue, known as "pigeon blood red," which is highly sought after in the gemstone world. Rubies also exhibit a remarkable brilliance, making them truly eye-catching. Its hardness and durability, combined with its intense colour and brilliance, make Ruby a gemstone of exceptional value and beauty.

The colour variations of Ruby

While the classic colour of Ruby is a deep red, ranging from pinkish to purplish tones, there are also other colour variations to explore. Some Rubies may display a more pinkish-red hue, known as "pink Ruby," which exudes a delicate and feminine charm. On the other hand, the "blood-red Ruby" showcases a rich and intense shade of red, evoking a sense of power and passion. The colour variations in Rubies allow individuals to choose a shade that resonates with their personal style and preferences, adding a touch of uniqueness to their jewellery collection.

Ruby birthstone jewellery options

The Ruby's timeless beauty and significance make it a popular choice for birthstone jewellery. From delicate necklaces and earrings to stunning rings and bracelets, there is a wide array of options to explore when it comes to Ruby jewellery. A Ruby pendant, adorned with diamonds, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. For those seeking a statement piece, a Ruby cocktail ring featuring a large, vibrant gemstone is sure to turn heads. Whether worn as a single stone or combined with other gemstones, Ruby jewellery is a beautiful way to celebrate your July birthstone and showcase your individual style.

Famous Rubies in history and pop culture

Throughout history, certain Rubies have gained legendary status due to their extraordinary size, colour, and historical significance. One such renowned Ruby is the "Sunrise Ruby," a 25.59-carat gemstone that is considered one of the finest in the world. Its rich and vivid red hue, combined with its exceptional clarity, makes it truly remarkable. Another famous Ruby is the "Hope Ruby," a 32.08-carat gem known for its deep red colour and incredible size. This Ruby has passed through the hands of several famous owners, adding to its allure and mystique. In pop culture, the Ruby shoes has also made appearances, such as in the iconic movie "The Wizard of Oz," where it represented the power to grant wishes.

Care and maintenance of Ruby gemstone

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your Ruby gemstone, proper care and maintenance are essential. Rubies should be protected from scratches and sharp blows, as they can chip or scratch the surface of the gem. It is advisable to store Ruby jewellery separately in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent any damage. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water will help maintain the sparkle of your Ruby. Avoid exposing Rubies to harsh chemicals, high temperatures, and ultrasonic cleaners, as they can adversely affect the gemstone. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the brilliance and allure of your Ruby for years to come.

Buying guide for July birthstone Ruby

When purchasing a Ruby, it is important to consider several factors to ensure you select a gemstone of high quality and value. The four Cs - colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight - play a crucial role in determining the overall beauty and worth of a Ruby. The colour should be vibrant and evenly distributed, with no visible inclusions affecting its clarity The clarity or a ruby also contributes to it's value but a flawless ruby is more likely to have been treated so not necessarily more valuable.The cut should be precise to maximize the gem's brilliance and sparkle. As for carat weight, personal preference and budget come into play, as larger Rubies are rarer and more valuable.

Celebrating the beauty and power of Ruby

In conclusion, the July birthstone Ruby holds a special place in the world of gemstones, exuding elegance, significance, and timeless beauty. Its deep red colour symbolizes love and power, making it a perfect gift for loved ones or a treasured addition to your own jewellery collection. The historical significance, colour variations, and famous Rubies all contribute to the allure and mystique surrounding this precious gemstone. By caring for your Ruby gemstone and making an informed purchase, you can cherish its beauty and significance for a lifetime. So, embrace the elegance of the Ruby and let its vibrant red hues ignite a sense of passion and love in your life.

Take a look at all of our Ruby jewellery here....