When it comes to symbols of everlasting love, sapphires are some of the best gems around. Sure, diamonds may be the most popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only choice for engagement rings.
Sapphires are a perfect fit for the bride-to-be who embodies class and isn’t afraid to stand out. So if you’re looking to give your bride something a little different that she’s sure to love, here are some reasons why you should consider sapphire engagement rings.
The Symbolism of Sapphires
Sapphires have been valued for centuries. They have been used in jewelry since ancient times. Today, they are commonly known as the birthstone of those born in September.
Sapphires have long been considered a symbol of honesty and loyalty, making them a perfect stone for an engagement ring. They are also believed to bring the wearer good luck and prosperity as well as to protect them from evil. For more on the symbolism and beneficial properties of sapphire, see this post.
Tradition
Some people may gravitate toward diamond rings because they are considered traditional, but sapphires have their place in tradition, too. Sapphires were a popular choice for engagement rings during the Victorian Era. In fact, diamond engagement rings have only been popular since the late 1940s.
One of the most well-known engagement rings in the world is a sapphire that belongs to the English royal family. It was first worn by Princess Diana and later handed down to Kate Middleton.
Sapphires are also perfect as the traditional “something blue”. They can be considered a good luck charm for her special day.
Durability
Sapphires are a great choice of stone for jewelry that faces daily wear. They are nearly as hard as diamonds. Sapphires rank at a 9 on the Mohs scale compared to a diamond’s 10. This means sapphires are extremely resistant to scratching and shattering.
Sapphires are also very easy to care for. They can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. It’s recommended to keep sapphires away from harsh chemicals and to have them professionally cleaned once or twice a year.
Color
Sapphires are best known for having a deep blue color. The most highly-valued sapphires are a rich, cornflower blue with no imperfections or inclusions visible to the naked eye. The quality of a sapphire’s color is determined by three aspects: tone, hue, and saturation.
Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the stone. Hue is the specific color of the stone, and saturation is the vibrancy of the color. Assessing these qualities of a sapphire’s color will help you determine its value.
Sapphires come in many other colors besides deep blue. These include different shades of blue as well as yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, and even white. All sapphires are composed of gem-quality corundum, and the variation in color is caused by trace amounts of other elements.
The only color that sapphires do not come in is red. This is because red gem-quality corundum is classified as a ruby.
Treatments
Many sapphires undergo treatments to enhance their color. The most common is heat treatment, which makes the stone’s color more vibrant. Some people prefer untreated gems, but generally speaking, heat treatment is very common and widely accepted.
The process of diffusion (surface diffusion or lattice diffusion) changes the color of stones by adding certain elements. Stones that have been treated this way generally have a lower value. Be sure to check whether a sapphire has been treated before purchasing it.
Some More Reasons to Love Sapphire Engagement Rings
Sapphires have some great advantages that shouldn’t be overlooked. Keep some of these things in mind when shopping for the perfect ring for that special someone.
Cost-Effective
Sapphires tend to be a lot more cost-effective than diamonds. You can get a much larger sapphire for a lower cost.
If you like the traditional look of a diamond but want to make the most of this more frugal option, you can go with a white sapphire. Sapphires in colors other than deep blue are even more budget-friendly.
Sapphires have been a popular gem for hundreds of years, and their value is quite stable. This makes them a solid long-term investment.
Versatile
The popular deep blue sapphire is available in all different shapes and sizes, and the color fits well with any metal setting. White gold or platinum is favored for an elegant look that allows the deep blue of the stone to stand out.
Yellow gold enhances the warmth of the sapphire’s hue. Rose gold is very popular at the moment, and it creates a gorgeous contrast with bright blue sapphires. Since sapphires can be found in almost every color, there is no end to the different combinations you can create.
They also make a great accent stone. Sapphires of any color look beautiful next to a diamond center stone. They provide that little pop of color and personality.
Fashionable
Gemstone engagement rings are having a major moment right now. The trouble is, many other types of gemstones are not durable enough to stand up against daily wear.
Sapphires are some of the strongest gems around and therefore a great choice for an alternative engagement stone. And since they’re available in just about any color you could want, you can create the engagement ring of her dreams with a sapphire.
If there’s a particular gemstone she’s been eyeing, look for a sapphire in the same color. It will give her the look she wants, and you can be sure that the stone will endure the test of time.
Your Big Day Your Way
Getting married is such a special life event. Everything about it should suit the unique tastes of the couple, including the engagement ring.
A diamond ring is by no means a requirement. Sapphire engagement rings check all the same boxes as diamonds and then some. For more articles about how to get the most out of your special day, check out our blog.
