A. Sapphire Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide
If you are the type of bride who wants to break tradition with her engagement ring, a sapphire engagement ring is a dazzling way to do just that. Popularized in 1981 by Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton (who wears the late princess’s engagement ring), sapphires are a royal choice for jewelry.
1. What is sapphire
Sapphire is a versatile gemstone that belongs to the corundum family of minerals. Sapphire is also the birthstone in September and was once believed to have spiritual properties.
“Unlike diamonds, which are known for their fire and brilliance, sapphires are known for their variety of colors,” explains Kate Earlam-Charnley, Director of Design at Taylor & Hart. “Sapphires aren’t usually bought because they’re cheaper than diamonds, but because of their brilliant colors…from rich indigo to navy blue, from white (colorless) to orange, champagne and even green.”
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Sapphire Engagement Rings
“A sapphire is the perfect balance between classic beauty and contemporary expression, so you can choose one that reflects your partner’s personality,” says Earlam-Charnley of choosing this gemstone for an engagement ring. Another positive point? Sapphires come in a variety of colors (not just blue!) like purple, pink, yellow, green, orange, brown, black and even white – although cashmere and Ceylon blue are the most sought after.
However, some of the lesser known sapphire colors are incredibly rare. Earlam-Charnley says: “The rarest type of sophisticated sapphire is padparadscha, a delicate balance of orange and pink. The variety and color palette ensure that each gemstone has subtle differences.”
The cost of a sapphire engagement ring can vary widely and depends on the weight and carat quality. Sapphires typically cost a little less than diamonds and can range from $500 to $2,000 per carat, but Earlam-Charnley admits that “the sky’s the limit.”
3. What To Look For In A Sapphire Engagement Ring
Are you considering a sapphire for your engagement ring? Here are some questions and answers you should know before searching for the perfect stone.
- What is the most important factor in sapphires? Earlam-Charnley explains: “While all sapphire engagement rings are evaluated on basic factors such as cut, clarity, color and carat, the quality of a sapphire is largely determined by its color and shape.”
- Which stone cut works best with sapphires? While sapphires can look beautiful in every way, the oval cut best shows the vibrant color of a sapphire. She explains: “Oval cuts allow most of the light to pass through the gem, improve its color and ensure that the sapphire doesn’t look flat.”
- Which settings and metals work best with sapphires? “Sapphires look impressive in both modern and traditional ring configurations,” says Earlam-Charnely. “Given the variety of colors, sapphires look great with white metals like platinum and white gold, and depending on the stone you choose, they can look great with warm shades of yellow and rose gold.”
- How durable are sapphires? Sapphires are quite hard, reaching 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. “Only second to diamonds,” emphasizes Earlam-Charnley. This makes the sapphires suitable for everyday use. “A sapphire should last a lifetime and can be passed on for generations.”
- Where should I get my sapphire? According to Earlam-Charnley, some of the best sapphire stones come from Thailand, Sri Lanka and East Africa, adding, “The source of origin is often a factor in price.”
4. Caring for a Sapphire Engagement Ring
“Diamonds and precious metals are not easily damaged, but they do need frequent maintenance,” warns Earlam-Charnley. “Remove the ring from the band, not the central stone. This will prevent your nail from coming loose. And avoid touching the stone, you will protect it from debris that comes from the natural oils of our skin.” Wearers should keep their sapphire jewelry separate from other jewelry and always remove the ring when exercising or coming in contact with household cleaning products.
When it comes to cleaning a sapphire engagement ring, Earlam-Charnley also recommends doing it at home monthly and professionally annually. She says: “Use a small drop of laundry detergent to gently clean your ring with a clean, soft toothbrush. Rinse the ring in warm water and gently rub again to remove any soap residue. Dry it with a soft cloth. microfiber.”
5. Sapphire Ring for Trumpet and Braswell Horn
This Victorian-inspired sapphire and diamond engagement ring will leave any bride breathless. The midnight blue sapphire is surrounded by round diamonds that sparkle when you look at it. As part of Trumpet & Horn’s vintage-inspired line, each ring is unique and made to order.
6. Shiny Earth Sapphire Valencia Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
This customizable sapphire diamond ring can be admired from every angle. Choose a round, cushion, oval, or emerald-cut shape, then specify the dimensions of your centerstone. A gallery of micropave diamonds will make you feel like you have a million dollars.
7. Emily Warden Designs a Sapphire Ring in the Garden
An admirable engagement requires an equally exquisite ring. Made from 14k gold, this unique ring fits sizes 5.5 to 6 and features an eye-catching blue, teal and green sapphire center flanked by clusters of diamonds.
8. Anna Sheffield Bea three-stone ring in pink gold and blue sapphire
Emerald-cut classics like this won’t go out of style. Timeless and equal parts refined, a blue sapphire center is surrounded on both sides by trillions of white diamonds. You can choose from recycled 14K rose, yellow or white gold.
9. Barbel Sapphire Stellan Ring
A subtle but no less glamorous sapphire ring that will pique your interest. A 14-carat yellow gold band is accompanied by a sapphire stone and two diamonds for a look of pure elegance.
10. Laura Fleming Cyndra Ring
An engagement ring with heavenly appeal? This way! A conical band of solid 14K gold is set with a combination of Australian sapphires and bright blue-green Malagasy.
11. Sapphire Ring Selin Kent Defne
Calling all non-traditional brides! You see, an offset marquise sapphire glow that defines your entire bridal look. Whether worn alone or stacked with other rings, the ocean blue sapphire draws attention from every angle. You can choose between a 14-karat yellow gold, rose gold or white gold bracelet.
12. Diamondere Henrietta Ring with sapphire and diamond stone
Sometimes less can definitely be more. In a sea of sparkling sparks speaks a minimalist design that emphasizes a central stone. Here, a round sapphire serves as the focal point, while a single diamond stone creates an interesting juxtaposition.
13. Jennie Kwon Ceylon Sapphire Dew Balance Ring
For the princess (bride) in training, we recommend this incredibly beautiful sapphire ring. All eyes will be on Ceylon’s oval sapphire and adjacent diamonds. Milgrain details on the bracelet add a vintage touch.
14. ILA Solana Ring
This delicate yet exquisite ring contains influences from the Art Deco era. An emerald-cut blue sapphire is flanked on both sides by pink-cut diamonds, while the band is made from sustainable 14-carat gold.
15. Sofia Zakia Clara’s Dream Ring
Meet the fairytale sapphire ring of your dreams. Inspired by the Nutcracker, this supernatural piece is as fantastic as possible. A midnight blue sapphire is flanked by cultured pearls and diamonds in a solid gold band.
16. Helzberg Diamonds Shades of Love sapphire and diamond ring made of 14 carat white gold
Take him after Princess Diana with this oval sapphire engagement ring that is simply elegant. If you want to feel like royalty, the 28 brilliant-cut round diamonds (not to mention the two baguette-cut diamonds flanking the sides) will win you over.
17. Sapphire Organic Wwake Triangular Ring
It was written in the stars: This Wwake organic triangle ring is designed for skilled brides. Pale sapphires combine with a tiny shiny diamond for an enchanting look.
18. Nora Kogan Blue Velvet Ring
Sometimes a scaled-down engagement ring with a minimalist setting is all the heart desires. A subtle 14-carat yellow gold band is highlighted by an emerald-cut sapphire of deep Sri Lankan blue.
19. Kwiat vintage collection ring with pink sapphire and argyle diamond
Go big or go home with a feminine pink sapphire that will tickle your inner femininity. As part of the Kwiat Vintage collection, this ring was created to evoke the ancient designs of a bygone era. This extravagant piece is surrounded by diamonds and set in 18 kt white gold and will provide unforgettable moments.
20. Capri DY platinum engagement ring with blue sapphire
It’s David Yurman classics like this one (backed by high-quality craftsmanship and impeccable design) that need no introduction. A fascinating blue sapphire stone is surrounded by hand-set pavé diamonds that sparkle like the deep blue of the sea.
21. Jemma Wynne Prive Open Ring With A Diamond Pear And Blue Sapphire
If you want something different from a classic solitaire, dare to be different with a unique design. This 18 kt yellow gold ring consists of a diamond pear and a blue sapphire. The open design makes it easy to stack and transport 24 hours a day.
22. Custom Bario Neal Sapphire Whip Ring with Montana Pear Cut
There are few cuts more captivating than an exquisite cut of pear. Combined with 14K rose gold and a polished finish, this Cinderella-style Montana sapphire is here to make all your dreams come true.
23. Kian Design 18K oval pink sapphire certified with three stones and diamond ring
Don’t let anyone dim your shine. We fell madly in love with this beautiful 18k gold ring with an oval rose sapphire and white diamond. Designed in the Art Deco style, this heritage-inspired piece is a perennial classic.
24. Kenneth Jay Lane Blue Sapphire Double Ring
Why settle for a sapphire when you can have two? This CZ ring with rhodium-plated brass double sapphire cushion is ready for your close-up.
25. Jennie Kwon Green Sapphire Bow Ring
This soft green sapphire is a refreshing departure from the classic blue gemstone we all know and love. The stone itself is crowned by a diamond bow that shines just the right way. You can purchase this extraordinary ring made of 14 karat yellow, pink or white gold.
26. Danhov Classico diamond ring with sapphire blue cushion cut in platinum
A sapphire ring that will satisfy every bride. Available in platinum, 18k gold and 14k gold, this pillow-cut solitaire ring grabs attention with about 20 stones adorning the sides of the bracelet.
27. Orange Sapphire Ring Erica Courtney Emani
This 18k gold orange sapphire ring is fire. As if the sparkling hue wasn’t enough, the center stone is flanked by surrounding 0.58 ctw diamonds, which add a touch of glamour.
28. Grace Lee Demi Demi Plus 8 Blue Sapphire
This 14K gold domed ring is for the ethereal bride with a penchant for pretty things. A pear-shaped blue sapphire and seven diagonally positioned diamonds add old-world charm to a simple 5mm band (you can choose from 14k yellow, white or rose gold).
B. The Best Sapphire Engagement Rings For the Princess Diana-Obsessed
If you are looking for a brightly colored diamond, a sapphire engagement ring is timeless. No wonder sapphires have been one of the most popular gemstones for centuries – they’re a beautiful “something blue” with a lot of sentimental meaning. In addition to rubies, emeralds and diamonds, they are also considered one of the “Big Four” of precious jewelry. Technically, these durable stones appeal to jewelers as they have a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale (diamonds are 10). So if you’re looking for a sturdy centerstone that also stands out from the crowd, a sapphire ring might be for you.
1. What does a sapphire engagement ring mean?
The importance of sapphire engagement rings goes back a long time. In ancient cultures, sapphire talismans were believed to have powerful medicinal and protective powers because their blue color symbolized the sky, says Yehouda Saketkhou, CEO of Yael Designs. As a representation of honesty and wisdom, sapphires soon became the favorite jewel of medieval kings and clerics. Kings even wore them when they signed treaties as a symbol of good luck. Today, sapphire engagement rings are associated with wisdom and fidelity as well as old-world romance. They are the traditional gift for the 45th wedding anniversary and also happen to be the British royal family’s engagement ring. After all, Kate Middleton’s stunning 18-carat blue sapphire engagement ring given to her by Prince William was originally given to Princess Diana and is perhaps one of the most famous sparkles in the world.
2. Where do sapphires come from?
While some of the most valuable sapphires in history have been harvested from Kashmir and Myanmar (Burma), today most of the world’s sapphires come from Sri Lanka and Australia, says Douglas Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association. Because Sri Lanka has been producing sapphires (like the Logan sapphire, one of the world’s largest sapphires) for thousands of years, you’re paying for the historic connection, says Hucker. There are also smaller artisanal mines in Madagascar that use old-fashioned techniques (read: digging rocks by hand and sifting). Although production in this developing country is more uneven than in others, some of the sapphires made there are as high quality as those in Sri Lanka. Though not as valuable, sapphires are also mined in Montana.
3. Choosing the right sapphire engagement ring for you
It goes without saying that the most important quality of a blue sapphire is its richness of color. A perfect blue sapphire will be royal blue without changing colors like grey, green or black, which, according to Hucker, could make the stone look like paint or change its hue. The cut of a sapphire is not as important as the cut of a diamond, as inclusions (read: internal defects) in darker stones are harder to see with the naked eye. There is no standardized quality assessment system for colored gemstones, but it is rare to find a natural sapphire without inclusions. Bottom line: don’t worry about finding a perfect stone – as long as there aren’t any strong, dark inclusions, you’re ready to go. Regardless of the shape of your stone (as long as it’s symmetrical), look for one that’s evenly colored and has an even glow. As with any gemstone, the setting you choose will also help determine the overall style of your bling. For example, an oval sapphire in geometric white gold with pavé accents has an Art Deco feel, while a round stone in yellow gold has a more modern feel.
Pro tip: This may sound super technical, but it’s important to know if your sapphire is natural or heat treated. Some sapphires are located closer to the earth’s thermal outlet, which, thanks to natural heating, creates a saturated color. More often, sapphires are heat treated to increase color richness. Naturally luminous sapphires that don’t require heat treatment will have a top price, but they’re also very hard to find, says Deirdre Featherstone, founder of Featherstone Design. Before finding an untreated sapphire, you should know that heat treatments are permanent and do not affect quality. In some cases, they can increase chemical makeup, says Hucker. Before you buy, however, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable jeweler who uses standard treatments – not special treatments like dyeing.
4. Other colored sapphires
If a blue sapphire ring isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Although blue sapphires are the rarest and most valuable, this beautiful stone actually comes in a rainbow of hues – and other colors tend to be more economical. Non-blue sapphires (for example, pink sapphires and yellow sapphires) are a great choice if you want the look of a pink or yellow diamond engagement ring but don’t want to show it off.
5. Taking care of your sapphire engagement ring
Although sapphire rings are almost as durable as diamond rings, they still require special care. Grace Terezian, Kirk Kara’s Creative Director, recommends using warm water, mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush for daily cleaning. Take your sapphire ring to a jeweler for a thorough cleaning at least once a year. If you have an heirloom, ask your jeweler to check the stone’s safety from time to time – teeth settings, in particular, can loosen over time.
