Sapphire Engagement Rings
Are you drawn to the royal sparkle of sapphire engagement rings? Sapphire engagement rings come in various shades and unique styles. Sapphires pair perfectly with white and yellow gold.
If you’re seeking a colorful statement, a sapphire engagement ring is the perfect choice. Sapphires have been among the most popular gemstones for centuries—this magnificent “blue brilliance” carries deep meaning. Sapphires are considered part of the “big four” gemstones alongside rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. These durable stones attract jewelers because they have a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale (diamonds are 10). Therefore, if you’re looking for a durable stone that will also make you stand out from the crowd, a sapphire ring is your ideal choice.
What does a sapphire engagement ring mean?
Wearing sapphire engagement rings has deep historical roots. In ancient cultures, sapphire talismans were believed to possess strong healing and protective powers because their blue color symbolized the heavens.
Embodying honesty and wisdom, sapphires soon became the favorite gemstone of medieval royalty and clergy. Kings even wore them when signing treaties as a symbol of good fortune. The stunning engagement ring of Kate Middleton given to her by Prince William is one of the most famous rings. Today, sapphire engagement rings are associated with wisdom and fidelity. It’s a traditional gift for the 45th wedding anniversary.
Where do sapphires come from?
Some of the most valuable sapphires in history were mined in Kashmir and Myanmar (Burma). But today, most of the world’s sapphires come from Sri Lanka and Australia. Since Sri Lanka has been producing sapphires for thousands of years. For example, the Logan Sapphire, one of the largest sapphires in the world. Madagascar also has small artisanal mines that use traditional methods. Production in this developing country is less technologically advanced, but they are of equally high quality as those from Sri Lanka. Less valuable sapphires are also mined in Montana.
Choosing the right sapphire engagement ring
It goes without saying that the most important quality of a blue sapphire is the richness of its color. The ideal blue sapphire will be “royal” blue without any inclusions. The cut of a sapphire is not as important as the cut of a diamond because internal flaws are harder to see with the naked eye. There is no standardized grading system for colored gemstones.
As long as there are no large dark inclusions, there’s nothing to worry about. Look for a stone with even color and consistent brilliance. As with any gemstone, choosing the setting will also help determine the overall style of your jewelry. For example, an oval sapphire in a geometric white gold setting with inlaid details gives an Art Deco feel, while a round stone in a yellow gold setting looks more contemporary.
It may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s important to know whether your sapphire is natural or heat-treated. Some sapphires are closer to heat sources in the earth and get their rich color through natural heating. Most often, sapphires are heat-treated to enhance the richness of their color. Naturally vibrant sapphires that require no heat treatment will command a premium price, but they are very difficult to find. Before fixating on finding an untreated sapphire, know that heat treatment is inevitable and doesn’t affect quality. In some cases, it can enhance the chemical composition.
Other colored sapphires
If a blue sapphire ring isn’t for you, don’t worry. While blue sapphires are the rarest and most valuable, this magnificent stone actually occurs in a rainbow of shades—and other colors tend to be more budget-friendly. Non-blue sapphires (such as pink and yellow) are an excellent option if you want a pink or yellow engagement ring but don’t want to break the bank.
Caring for your sapphire engagement ring
While sapphire rings are almost as durable as diamond rings, they still require special care. We recommend using warm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush for daily cleaning. Take your sapphire ring to a jeweler at least once a year for deep cleaning. If you own a premium stone, ask your jeweler to periodically check the security of the stone—prong settings, in particular, can loosen over time.
What sapphire rings will be popular this year?
We’ve gathered some models that we think will interest you. These rings will make a beautiful addition to your jewelry collection.
Blue Nile oval sapphire ring with double diamond halo in 14k white gold.
Grace Lee Demi Demi plus 8. Gold ring with seven diamonds and one pear-shaped blue sapphire.
Ashley Zhang sapphire pavé engagement ring in 14k yellow gold setting and diamond pavé in 14k white gold.
James Allen rose gold, blue sapphire oval cut halo engagement ring 14k.
Ashley Zhang white gold Art Deco sapphire ring.
Minka Jewels 3-band ring with sapphire and diamond.
Wwake multi-stone sapphire engagement ring in yellow gold.
Emma Clarkson Webb 18k yellow gold sapphire engagement ring.
Nora Kogan Blue Velvet engagement ring in 18k yellow gold. Classic simplicity with modern technology in mind.
Jennie Kwon Blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring in 14k yellow gold.
Kwiat Cushion cut sapphire engagement ring in platinum.
Spinelli Kilcollin sapphire and diamond rings in 18k gold.
Ashley Zhang Harper sapphire diamond halo is a stunning Edwardian-era ring. No heat treatment and has Cambodian origin.
Yi Collection Irresistible blue sapphire and diamond ring. A sparkling elegant oval sapphire sits atop a diamond like a crown wrapped around your finger.
Anna Sheffield with radiant beauty, Bea Suite No. 30 adorned with white diamonds creates a completely unique design.
Tiffany & Co. Evokes the charm of the Edwardian period. Platinum ring with pink sapphire and round diamonds.
Blue Nile This gemstone ring showcases a vibrant emerald-cut pink sapphire. Framed by two stepped trapezoid diamond side stones.
James Allen 14k yellow gold engagement ring with oval-cut yellow sapphire. Surrounded by two trapezoid diamonds.
Natalie Marie Jewellery Handcrafted Tanzanian green sapphire solitaire surrounded by two white marquise-cut diamonds.
