An engagement ring is a symbol of love and eternal commitment. Among the many options available, sapphire stands out as an elegant and sensible choice. Find out why more and more couples are choosing a sapphire engagement ring and what unique benefits this gemstone has to offer.

1. Sapphire: A Precious Stone of Prestige

Sapphire joins the ranks of diamonds, rubies and emeralds as one of the most select of gemstones. This distinction makes it a prime choice for an engagement ring.

Sapphire is composed of aluminium oxide, and its characteristic blue colour comes from the presence of titanium. The iron content influences the intensity of the colour, offering a range of shades from light blue to deep blue.

A little history

Sapphires have a rich and fascinating history. In ancient times, the stones were believed to protect their owners from evil and deception. Medieval kings often wore sapphires in the belief that they would protect them from injury and envy.

2. Exceptional durability for everyday wear

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is the second most durable stone after diamond. This makes it an ideal choice for an engagement ring that will be worn every day.

The durability of sapphire ensures that your ring will retain its beauty for years to come and will withstand the scratches and knocks of everyday life.

3. Unmatched aesthetic versatility

Sapphire goes wonderfully well with all types of frames and precious metals:

• White gold for a sleek, modern look
• Yellow gold for a more classic look
• Rose gold for a touch of romance
• Platinum for unparalleled luxury

Whether you prefer a solitaire ring, a diamond pavé setting or a more complex design, sapphire is perfect for all creations.

 

Popular Styles of Sapphire Engagement Rings

• Pompadour ring with an oval sapphire set with diamonds
• Solitaire ring with a cushion-cut sapphire
• Trilogy ring combining sapphire and diamonds
• Vintage design inspired by Art Deco

4. A Dazzling Palette of Colours

Contrary to popular belief, sapphires are not all blue. They come in an amazing variety of colours:

• Blue (the most recognisable and popular shade)
• Pink (an elegant alternative to pink diamonds)
• Yellow (reminiscent of the warmth of the sun)
• Green (a unique and trendy option)
• Violet (for a regal and mysterious look)
• Padparadscha (a rare orange-pink shade)

This variety of colours means you can choose a sapphire engagement ring that perfectly reflects your loved one's personality and style.

5. Value for money

Compared to diamonds of similar size and quality, sapphires often offer better value for money. This means you can get a bigger or better stone for your budget.

The price of a sapphire depends on a number of factors :

• Colour (intense blues and padparadschas are the most valued)
• Carat size and weight
• clarity
• Treatment (unheated sapphires are rarer and therefore more expensive)

For more information on the latter, see 'Why choose unheated sapphire? 

 

Coloured sapphires, even unheated, are still affordable and an excellent alternative to blue sapphires.

Tips for Buying a Sapphire Engagement Ring

When buying a sapphire engagement ring, colour should be your main consideration. A bright, saturated colour is generally more desirable than a larger, dull-coloured stone.

Famous Sapphires in the History of Royal Engagements

Sapphire engagement rings have a long history with royal families, reinforcing their status as a prestigious choice.

• Princess Diana received a sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince Charles, now worn by Kate Middleton.
• Princess Eugenie of York wore a magnificent 2 carat padparadscha sapphire.
• Queen Victoria received a sapphire snake ring from Prince Albert.

These examples illustrate the enduring popularity of sapphires in royal circles and their association with enduring love and commitment.

Care and Maintenance of a Sapphire Engagement Ring

Although sapphires are durable, regular maintenance will ensure that your ring stays sparkling for years to come:

• Clean your ring gently with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Avoid harsh chemicals
• Remove your ring during strenuous exercise
• Have your ring checked by a professional jeweller once a year.

For more information on caring for sapphire rings, see the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) guide.

Conclusion: Sapphire, a dazzling choice for your engagement ring

Choosing a sapphire engagement ring means choosing a stone that combines beauty, durability and significance. Whether you're drawn to the classic blue or tempted by a more unique colour, sapphire offers a range of options for creating a truly personal and meaningful ring.

Browse our collection of vintage sapphire engagement rings to find the perfect piece to symbolise your love and commitment. Our experts are on hand to guide you through this important choice and help you find the ring that will keep your heart beating for years to come.

We are also available for any free expertise of your sapphire jewelry, for that you can send an email with your photos to contact@lespierresdejulie.com.

Whether you're interested in buying a piece of jewellery or a stone, a free jewelry appraisal or jewelry resale, Pierres de Julie welcomes you to its Parisian boutique in the Village Suisse, a stone's throw from the Ecole Militaire and the Esplanade des Invalides.