As the go-to symbol of long-term love and commitment, a diamond has been the engagement ring gemstone of choice for decades and continues to be the most popular option today. But as values and priorities shift, some couples are beginning to explore their options beyond the traditional diamond. A sapphire engagement ring is one option that some brides-to-be are turning to if they’re looking for something unique and eye-catching. Interested in exploring the possibility of a sapphire engagement ring? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Sapphire?
A sapphire is a naturally formed precious gemstone known for its striking blue color. Although blue is most popular, sapphires also come in pink, purple, yellow, green, white and more. Made from the mineral corundum, sapphires are extremely hard, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, second only to diamonds which come in at a perfect 10. Historically, sapphires have been used in jewelry for centuries and have been popular among royalty and the upper class.
What to Look for in a Sapphire Engagement Ring?
Choosing the best diamond is all about the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat). The same is true for sapphires with a few key differences. Sapphires only need to appear “eye-clean”, which means they have no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Sapphires are also heavier than diamonds, so they often appear smaller than a diamond of the exact same carat weight. Overall, the most important thing to consider when choosing a sapphire is the color. There is no standardized color-grading system for colored gemstones but considering the following will help guide your choice:
- Hue: the stone’s balance of color as it relates to neighboring colors on the color wheel. Variations include blue, slight green, strong green, slight purple and strong purple. The closer to “true blue”, the more valuable the sapphire will be.
- Tone: how light or dark the color is ranging from very light to very dark. Anywhere in the medium to dark range is ideal.
- Saturation: how vibrant the color is ranging from dull/weak to pure vivid. The closer to pure vivid, the better.
Popular Sapphire Engagement Ring Styles
Just like diamonds engagement rings, sapphire engagement rings can come in a range of different styles that can be customized to meet your preferences. From vintage-inspired to sleek and modern, the sky is the limit. Here are a few popular sapphire engagement ring styles:
Accent Stones
Give your diamond ring a little color with sapphire accent stones that can be customized to fit the style you're going for.
Halo
A border of small diamonds around an oval or emerald cut sapphire is an eye-catching way to show off a unique stone.
Three Stone
Diamonds and sapphires complement each other perfectly in a three-stone style that you won’t see every day.
Jewelry Education
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Style Spotlight: Sapphire Engagement Rings | Jared