What Is A Sapphire?

Sapphires are a precious gemstone that is part of the corundum mineral family, and most well known in royal blue coloring; the word sapphire derives from the Greek word for “blue stone.” Sapphires also occur in orange, green, purple, yellow, pink, white, and many colors in between. When red, they’re what we call rubies, also part of the corundum family. Some sapphires are color-change or bi-color and display different hues depending on the light. Padparadscha sapphires are the rarest type: a pink-orange hue. Sapphires are typically sourced from North America (specifically Montana), Sri Lanka, East Africa, and a few other locations. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and has long been associated with royalty, surging in popularity in the 14th and 15th centuries and said to symbolize love, truth, and commitment. Sapphires are also available in lab created options.

Is A Sapphire Engagement Ring Right For You?

Elegant and royal, blue sapphire engagement rings are a classic look. Any other of the wide range of sapphire colors will make your ring more alternative, but no matter the hue, sapphires are a durable stone choice for your engagement ring. Depending on your sapphire color and metal color, the combinations are endless. Watch the video to learn more about designing with sapphires. 

 

Browse Sapphire Engagement Rings

See some of the rings we’ve designed using sapphires to get inspired.

Sapphire Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Available in almost any color and in a wide variety of color saturation
  • Gemstone durability is rated from 1-10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, sapphires are a 9
  • Many sapphires are less expensive than diamonds, allowing more carat size for the same budget
  • An impressive royal history and storied metaphysical properties give sapphires a unique allure

Cons

  • Not as durable or hard as diamond or moissanite
  • Sapphires do not sparkle or have the brilliance of diamonds; a white sapphire will not look like a diamond 

Who Is A Sapphire Engagement Ring Right For?

Sapphires are not a good choice if you want a brilliant, sparkling stone: they do not have the look of a diamond, not even white sapphires. Sapphires are one of the most durable jewelry grade stones, second only to diamonds and moissanite, so they’re one of the best choices for an engagement ring. However, if you lead an extremely active lifestyle, work with your hands or are rough on your jewelry, a colored diamond in the shade of sapphire you like may be a better choice. Blue sapphires can create a classic look, but any other color will make your ring more alternative. If you want a non-diamond engagement ring, sapphires are a top choice.

Additional Resources

7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy an Engagement Ring

Become an expert with our free guide.

Sapphire Engagement Ring Meaning, Durability and Types

Take a deep dive into the history, symbolism, and properties of sapphires.

Montana Sapphires, Mermaid Sapphires and Peacock Sapphires

Learn about this magical, ethical gemstone that often has color-changing properties.

Ready to Start Designing?

We will work with you to help you take the first step toward designing a ring.