The Most Popular Colored Stones for Your Ring

When it comes to engagement rings, color is the new black. And grooms-to-be are surprising their brides with unique stones and color-treated diamonds for a more personalized piece of jewelry.

Scott Weisman, co-owner of Meyers Jewelers, says blue is the reigning color for engagement rings.

"Sapphires are probably our No. 2 seller besides diamonds for center stones," he says.

And Theresa Capace of Worthington Jewelers says rubies and sapphires are an ideal second to diamonds because of their hardness and resistance to scratching.

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamonds are considered a 10. Rubies and sapphires each rate at nine. "Because of that, it makes them a good choice for engagement rings and daily wear," she says.

Emeralds are popular too, Weisman adds, and they fall between seven and eight on the Mohs scale.

Colored diamonds, especially yellow and pink, are popular. But if they're natural, they're rare. And they'll be priced accordingly, Capace says. Some jewelers do offer color-treated diamonds, which may mean a slightly different shade at a lower price.

For brides looking for just a touch of color, Weisman says Meyers Jewelers often alternates colored stones with diamonds along the sides of the band, allowing the center diamond to really shine and giving a bride a totally distinct look. A wedding band with interchanging colored stones and diamonds in the pave setting offers an understated splash of color.