Are Sapphires Good For Engagement Rings?
When many of us think of engagement rings, our minds turn immediately to the icy glitter of traditional diamonds. Interestingly, though, while there are records of diamond engagement rings going back to the 1400s, they didn’t achieve the universal popularity they have today until the 1930s, thanks to some savvy marketing from global diamond mining giants.
One of our sapphire engagement rings
We are all intimately familiar with the blue sapphire engagement ring with which Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana, and which now sits on the third finger of the Duchess of Cambridge. But contrary to popular opinion, this didn’t kick off a trend of sapphire engagement rings – the idea of a sapphire alternative for an engagement ring had been popular long before this.
The Romans are thought to be the first to have used engagement rings, to signify the groom’s good intentions (even the Romans were like your future father-in-law!). Sapphire-coloured stones were a popular choice amongst the Romans, and later with European royalty. Many early societies believed that the stone’s colour would fade if an impure or unfaithful person wore it.
So now you’ve had a history lesson…
With that in mind, if you have found yourself asking “are sapphires good for engagement rings?”, we completely understand the turmoil of being torn between a diamond or a sapphire, as an engagement ring is probably the most important jewellery purchase you will make. You will be relieved, in that case, to know that the answer is, yes! Absolutely. In fact, they are a very popular choice, and the variety of sapphires might surprise you. Ready to go back to school again?
Not just baby blues
Although the word sapphire comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning "blue colour”, these stones actually come in a wide array of colours. Sapphire-coloured stones can be found in a rainbow of colours, from warm pink and yellows, to deep, enchanting greens. It’s even possible to find rare, colourless sapphires, which to the naked eye are almost indistinguishable from diamonds
Presently, there is one colour that trumps them all. Whilst the peach sapphire engagement ring recently enjoyed a renaissance, even a cursory search for sapphire engagement rings will undoubtedly yield any number of results for teal sapphire engagement rings. They are an extremely popular choice at the moment and a very common request for clients thinking about making an engagement ring with a
Making an engagement ring. Green, purple and cinnamon-coloured sapphires ready to be set.
Another important factor when considering whether to choose a sapphire engagement ring is that sapphires are the second-hardest natural stone used in precious jewellery, after diamonds, and so make an ideal engagement ring as they are particularly resistant to wear over long periods of time.
What makes a good sapphire?
Like all coloured gemstones, sapphires are rated on certain characteristics of their appearance. The price of a stone will be influenced by its rarity, the quality and consistency of the colour, and whether the colour is naturally occurring or has been artificially enhanced.
Heat treatment of sapphires is commonly used to remove impurities in the stones, as well as improve and distribute the colour more evenly. Most of the sapphires you will see have had some heat treatment.nt.
A natural sapphire is typically a reference to one that has had no treatment. Be careful though, some people will say something is natural meaning that it is not man-made (synthetic)! It may still have had some kind of treatment.
Which ring styles work best for sapphires?
We may be biased, but… all of them! Sapphires are a truly eye-catching stone, and work beautifully in everything from a vintage engagement ring style such as a Victorian cluster, to linear Art Deco designs, as well as the very modern. The beauty of bespoke sapphire engagement rings is that you can select the stone and the style that perfectly suit the wearer.
Vintage style sapphire and diamond cluster engagement ring.
Which ring styles work best for sapphires?
We are often asked this question by clients looking to create sapphire engagement rings. However, the truth is there is no correct answer. Conventional wisdom dictates that you should consider smaller stones for smaller hands but, as is the case with most people making an engagement ring, beauty is firmly in the eye of the beholder. We would of course be on hand to offer advice during the ring making process to ensure you take home the engagement ring of your dreams.
The meaning of sapphires
If you still find yourself asking “why are sapphire engagement rings popular?” The truth may lie in their significance. Sapphires are thought to symbolise romantic love, truth and commitment. They are also associated with royalty, hope and faith. Many believe sapphires to bring protection, good fortune and wisdom, which is why they were worn by ancient Greeks seeking wisdom at the Oracle of Delphi, and why Hebrew lore holds that the Law given to Moses on the Mount was inscribed on tablets of sapphire.
(You didn’t think we’d let you out of school that easily, did you?!)
Be sure to follow our Instagram page to see a selection of some of our stunning custom sapphire engagement rings, as well as diamond letter pendants and teal tourmaline engagement rings.
Contact us today to
schedule an appointment
Start your bespoke engagement ring journey today
