Sapphire Engagement Rings: A Timeless and Unique Alternative

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Sapphire engagement rings are quickly becoming a popular alternative to the traditional diamond ring. With their stunning array of blue hues and vintage-inspired styles, it’s easy to see the appeal of these colorful gemstone rings. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about sapphire engagement rings and why they make such a unique and meaningful choice.

An Introduction to Sapphires

Sapphires are precious gemstones made of the mineral corundum. They come in a dazzling variety of colors like blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and more. What makes sapphires so prized is their incredible hardness—they rank 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This extreme durability makes them perfectly suited for jewelry and engagement rings meant for everyday wear.

The most coveted and valuable shade of sapphire is a rich, vibrant royal blue. These deep blue gems have an exquisite beauty that has been treasured for centuries. Blue sapphires range from pale sky tones to deep navy hues. Their varying shades lend them an appealing depth and dimension. Other popular sapphire colors include pink, yellow, and teal.

Sapphires belong to the corundum mineral family along with rubies. In fact, red corundum is classified as ruby while all other hues are considered sapphires. Trace amounts of elements like titanium and iron lend blue sapphires their vivid color. These tough, brilliant gems have adorned royalty throughout history. From kings and queens to modern-day princes and princesses, sapphires remain a gemstone fit for royalty.

The Genesis of Engagement Rings: A Symbol of Eternal Love

The inception of engagement rings can be traced back to ancient times, specifically to Ancient Egypt, where the circular form was seen as an emblem of perpetuity and the space within interpreted as a gateway. However, it wasn’t until the Roman era that they beganExplore the allure, symbolism, and science of sapphire engagement rings, along with tips for choosing ethically-sourced stones and proper care.

A Royal Affair: Sapphire’s Connection with Nobility

The connection between sapphires and royalty traces back centuries when nobles favored these mesmerizing stones, believing they protected them from envy and harm while attracting divine favor. The rich blue hue was considered symbolic of heavenly grace, thereby reinforcing their association with divine protection.

Nobles chose these stunning stones for their crowns or as personal talismans because they believed in their power to guard against evil spirits — enhancing wisdom while providing guidance during difficult times. Moreover, it was also thought that sapphires could attract blessings from heaven which aligns well with the role it plays in modern times—a token of eternal commitment bestowed upon one’s beloved—an epitome indeed of divine favor!

Why Choose a Sapphire Engagement Ring?

There are many excellent reasons why more and more brides and grooms are opting for sapphire engagement rings:

Uniqueness: Sapphire rings offer an alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. They allow you to stand out with a more unique and colorful choice.
Affordability: Quality sapphires cost a fraction of what diamonds of equivalent size and quality run. You can get a beautiful sapphire ring at a more budget-friendly price point.
Durability: Sapphires rank just below diamonds in hardness, making them extremely durable for daily wear. Their toughness allows them to last a lifetime with proper care.
Beauty: Sapphires possess a stunning beauty all their own. Their dazzling hues lend class and sophistication to any ring style.
Meaning: Sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, honesty, and trust―all meaningful attributes for an engagement ring gemstone.

For couples wanting a distinctive, eye-catching ring that represents their bond, sapphire is an excellent engagement ring choice. The colorful stones allow you to make a statement and express your personal style as a couple.

The Most Popular Sapphire Engagement Ring Styles

One of the great aspects of sapphire rings is their versatility. Sapphires look gorgeous in both modern and vintage engagement ring settings. Here are some of the top sapphire engagement ring styles:

Halo

This eye-catching style features a round or oval sapphire circled by a halo of smaller diamonds. The diamonds add extra sparkle and shine while accentuating the center gemstone.

Solitaire

A single dazzling sapphire set simply in a band of metal creates an elegant, timeless look. Oval and cushion cuts work well for solitaire sapphire rings.

Three Stone

Typically with a larger sapphire flanked by two smaller sapphires or diamonds. The three stones symbolize the couple’s past, present and future together.

Vintage/Antique

Vintage-style sapphire rings often feature delicate filigree, milgrain edges, and time-honored motifs. Their romantic designs pay homage to Edwardian, Art Deco, and Victorian era jewelry.

Diamond Accents

Small diamonds adorning the band and setting add extra shine to a sapphire center stone. Pavé and channel set diamonds pair nicely with a blue sapphire.

Modern

Contemporary sapphire rings may have sleek, minimalist bands and creative accent stones. Many also incorporate engraving for a personalized touch.

Two-Tone Metals

Pairing white and yellow gold or white and rose gold provides a stylish contrast. This allows you to accentuate the sapphire and adds depth.

The options are truly endless when it comes to sapphire engagement ring designs. Work with a trusted jeweler to create a customized sapphire ring tailored to your partner’s unique style and taste.

How to Select a Gorgeous Sapphire

Choosing the right sapphire is key to getting a ring your fiancée will treasure. When searching for the perfect gemstone, keep the following qualities in mind:

Color

This is generally the most important factor. Rich royal blue sapphires with no gray or green undertones are most desirable. However, sapphires also come in stunning shades of pink, yellow, orange and green. Ultimately, choose a color you find striking and beautiful. Just know rare and vivid hues demand higher prices.

Cut

Well-cut sapphires maximize the gem’s brilliance and fire. The most popular cuts are round, oval, cushion, emerald, and pear. Good cuts also enhance durability and allow light to dance through the stone.

Clarity

Some natural imperfections are expected with sapphires. However, limit visible inclusions, especially on the top half of the stone where they’re most noticeable. Eye clean stones that appear flawless without magnification are most valuable.

Carat

For engagement rings, a 1-3 carat sapphire provides a nice combination of size and affordability. But smaller accent stones or a grand 5-10 carat showstopper work too. Choose a carat weight that fits your budget and style best.

Source

The most prized sapphires come from historic sources like Kashmir and Burma. Sapphires from Sri Lanka and Madagascar are also top quality. Ask your jeweler about the gem’s geographic origin.

Take time to view numerous sapphires in person or online to appreciate their subtle nuances. Then you can select the ideal one for your beloved. Consider having the stone independently certified for peace of mind.

Treatment

What is an unheated sapphire? An unheated sapphire is a natural marvel, which means the sapphire has not been heated to alter its properties. Less than 5% of the world’s supply of sapphires are unheated, making them incredibly precious and highly coveted.

What is the difference between a heated and unheated sapphires? Less than 5% of the sapphires available worldwide are unheated sapphires, which means the stones are natural and no two gems are the same. Many sapphires in the trade undergo heat treatments to get bolder, more uniform colors.

value

Will the value of my sapphire hold? Globally, these natural marvels have been growing in value for decades, and as it continues its streak of popularity, this trend is likely to continue.

Rarity: An Exquisite Reflection Of Uniqueness

Sapphires possess a quality unique among precious gemstones—their inherent individuality manifested through each stone’s characteristically distinctive appearance. Unlike diamonds which are often valued for their absence of color or flawless clarity—qualities standardized enough to be rated—each sapphire bears its own exclusive blend of hue, tone, saturation–an aesthetic signature if you will—that sets it apart.

Choosing the Perfect Sapphire Ring Setting

Finding the perfect sapphire engagement ring also means choosing a setting style that shows it off to best effect. Here are tips for selecting the ideal ring setting:

Metal Color

White metals like platinum and white gold allow a sapphire’s blue color to really pop. But yellow and rose gold also complement sapphires beautifully. Go with whatever tone best suits your fiancée’s jewelry style.

Elevated Setting

A halo or solitaire setting keeps the sapphire raised up to maximize light exposure and sparkle factor. Prongs and bezels also help protect the gemstone.

Accent Stones

Small diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center sapphire provide added sparkle. Halo settings spotlight the sapphire while pavé and channel set bands deliver extra shine.

Engraving

Adding a sentimental engraving to the inside of the band makes it more personal. Engravings can be simple like initials or dates, or longer phrases with meaning.

Complementary Design

Choose a setting style that pairs well with your fiancée’s wedding band. Something timeless or vintage may match bands with etching or filigree details.

Of course, you want the design to also flatter the shape and cut of your chosen sapphire. An oval or pear shaped gem often looks best in a halo or three-stone style. Take time to select a perfectly complementary ring setting.

How Much Do Sapphire Engagement Rings Cost?

One of the appeals of sapphire rings is their pleasing affordability compared to diamonds. The cost depends on the:

Carat weight – Larger sapphires of good quality are exponentially more expensive. Prices jump up significantly above 5 carats.
Color grade – Vivid royal blue sapphires and other rare hues fetch higher prices. More common blue-green sapphires cost less.
Clarity – Eye clean gems are most desirable and valuable. Inclusions and blemishes reduce cost.
Cut quality – Precision cutting is labor-intensive so well-cut stones have a price premium.
Source – Sapphires from famed locales like Kashmir command top dollar. Australian and Sri Lankan sapphires cost comparatively less.

In general, you can find a nice 1 carat sapphire solitaire ring for around $1,000 – $2,000. 1-3 carat sapphires with diamond accents run from $1,500 – $5,000+. Larger 5-10 carat sapphires in upscale settings can cost $10,000 – $30,000.

While still an investment, these prices often represent just a fraction of what similar quality diamonds cost. For couples who desire a big, sparkling look on a budget, large sapphires are a smart choice.

Find Your Dream Sapphire Ring

With their stunning range of blue hues, toughness, and vintage styling, sapphire engagement rings offer the best of beauty, durability, and uniqueness. For couples wanting a distinctive look full of personality and meaning, sapphire delivers in sophisticated style. Take time to find the perfect gemstone and setting combination to represent your love. The search for a show stopping sapphire engagement ring awaits!

Should You Choose a Natural or Lab Created Sapphire?

Another important choice is whether to go with a natural or lab grown sapphire. Here’s an overview of the key differences:

Natural Sapphires

Formed over millions of years within the earth’s crust
Scarce and limited supply with new mining deposits dwindling
Retain and gain value extremely well over decades
Small visual imperfections are expected
Offer unmatched fire and visual appeal for some jewelers and buyers

Lab Created Sapphires

Produced in manmade environments to replicate earth’s conditions
Can be made in unlimited quantities to meet demand
Offer comparable beauty, durability, and qualities to natural
Often eye clean with very few blemishes
Tend to cost 30-40% less than natural sapphires

Ultimately whether you choose natural or lab comes down to personal preferences and budget. Both offer comparable beauty and brilliance. If opting for lab created, just be sure the sapphire is well-disclosed as such.

The Meaning Behind Sapphire Engagement Rings

Part of what makes sapphires so meaningful in engagement rings is what they symbolize:

Trust

Sapphires’ vivid hues represent the trust between two people and trust in the commitment being made. Their beauty comes from within, just as trust starts from within the heart.

Wisdom

With a history going back thousands of years, sapphires represent wisdom and enlightenment. Their owners are thoughtful and intelligent decision makers.

Loyalty

Sapphires symbolize faithfulness and loyalty, making them the perfect representation of an unwavering bond between two people.

Honesty

The Sapphire’s deep blue color is reminiscent of a clear blue sky. The clarity and openness of their hue represents honesty in a relationship.

Purity

For centuries, sapphires have signified virtue and purity. Their crystalline blue color and correlations with wisdom make them an ideal symbol of moral purity.

Communication

As a wisdom stone, sapphires also foster open communication between partners―an essential component of any healthy relationship.

So for couples wanting a meaningful engagement ring, the sapphire’s legacy of complementing everlasting love matches their commitment perfectly.

Sapphire Engagement Rings Through History

to symbolize betrothal. Roman women received two rings – a gold one for wearing in public and an iron one for household tasks.

Fast forwarding to the 13th century, Pope Innocent III declared a mandatory waiting period between engagement and marriage, which further cemented the importance of engagement rings. The first recorded diamond engagement ring hails from 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring set with thin flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an ‘M’.

The tradition has endured through centuries and evolved with changing trends and cultural shifts. Despite the many transformations in design and material over time, the underlying premise remains untouched: an enduring symbol that represents love, commitment, and promise.

Sapphires have a long history as an adornment for royalty, the virtuous, and the affianent. Learn more about their illustrious past:

800-1200 AD

During Medieval times, sapphires symbolized heaven, faith, and spiritual enlightenment. Clergy often wore blue sapphire rings as symbols of their spiritual commitment. Royals also used the gemstones to represent power, protection, and divine favor.

18th Century

During the Georgian and Victorian eras, sapphire engagement rings grew in prominence. Sapphire’s durability and medieval legacy made it a popular center stone. Filigree gold settings complemented smaller sapphires well.

Early 20th Century

In the early 1900s, Art Deco engagement rings featuring filigree detailing, engraving, and geometric shapes rose to popularity. The era saw sapphires and diamonds used in complementary ways.

Late 20th Century

The 1970s saw a surge in colorful gemstone engagement rings. More unique shapes like trillion and marquise also came into vogue. These trends made sapphires an appealing, of-the-moment choice.

21st Century

Sapphire engagement rings saw a huge resurgence when Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana with a stunning Ceylon sapphire ring. Kate Middleton later wore the same ring in 2010. These royal engagements thrust sapphire back into the spotlight. Today’s brides appreciate sapphires’ beauty, affordability, and personality.

While trends ebb and flow, sapphire engagement rings hold an time-honored appeal. Their striking hues and symbolism make them a classic choice.

How to Care for Your Sapphire Ring

Sapphire’s hardness and durability make it well-suited for jewelry you’ll wear every day. But you still need to care for it properly. Follow these tips:

Avoid exposing your sapphire ring to chemical cleaners, bleach, acids, or other corrosive substances. Even tough sapphires can get damaged.
When doing physical tasks, consider removing your ring temporarily if it may get knocked around on hard objects. Protect the setting too.
Store your ring in a fabric-lined jewelry box versus just laying it out. This protects the metal and prevents misplacement.
Have your ring professionally inspected each year to maintain the setting and check for any loose gemstones. Annual cleanings will keep it sparkling.
Sapphires themselves don’t require more than an occasional soapy water cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaning is okay too but avoid steam cleaning methods.

By caring for your sapphire properly and avoiding damage, you can enjoy it as a wonderful keepsake for decades to come.

commonly asked questions

Sapphire engagement rings have definitely piqued many couples’ interests lately. But if you’re new to these colorful stones, you likely still have plenty of questions. Below are answers to some FAQs about sapphire rings:

Are sapphire engagement rings durable for daily wear?

Absolutely! Sapphire earns a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it an extremely durable gemstone choice for engagement rings destined for everyday wear. With proper care, sapphire engagement rings can last a lifetime.

What are the differences between natural and lab created sapphires?

Natural sapphires form underground over millions of years. Lab created sapphires use replicative technology to manufacture the same material above ground. Both have nearly identical beauty, durability, and properties. Main differences are rarity and price.

What color sapphire is most valuable in engagement rings?

A rich, vivid royal blue sapphire free of gray or green undertones is the most precious. These deep blue gems are rare and sought after. Blue-green sapphires are still beautiful but do not demand such high prices.

What metal goes best with an oval blue sapphire?

White metals like platinum and white gold allow a blue sapphire’s color to really stand out. They provide a crisp, cool contrast. But yellow gold and rose gold can provide some beautiful, warmer-toned compliments as well.

Is a sapphire engagement ring more affordable than a diamond?

In most cases, yes, sapphires are more budget-friendly. For example, a 1 carat VVS sapphire costs around $1,500-$2000 while a 1 carat VVS diamond costs about $12000-$14,000 retail. However, large sapphires still demand high prices.

Can you resize or restore antique sapphire rings?

Resizing an older ring with delicate filigree or engraving can prove challenging. But an experienced jeweler can often accomplish it without damaging the original craftsmanship. Restoration of antique finishes and retipping prongs is also possible. Always seek out a specialist.

How do I clean and care for my new sapphire ring?

Use a gentle jewelry cleaner or mild soap and water to periodically clean your sapphire ring. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning methods which can damage the setting. Also take your ring to a jeweler once a year for inspection and cleaning to keep it looking its best. Be careful not to knock or scratch the ring on hard surfaces.

Key Takeaways

Sapphires make a gorgeous alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings with their brilliance, color, and vintage vibe.
They rank high on hardness, making sapphire a durable option for daily wear.
Sapphires come in a variety of beautiful blues as well as other colors like pink, yellow and green.
Halo settings, solitaires, three stone, and vintage/antique styles are popular sapphire ring designs.
Choose a high quality sapphire and expertly crafted setting to showcase it.
Natural and lab created sapphires offer comparable beauty at different price points.
Meaningful sapphire symbolism includes trust, loyalty, wisdom, honesty, and purity.
With proper care, sapphire rings can last a lifetime and become true family heirlooms.