Sapphire engagement rings, crafted especially for you
Start nowWhat is a sapphire?
A sapphire is an incredibly versatile gemstone. Most people assume that sapphires are blue, varying from deep indigo to fresh ocean spray, but the reality is that they come in a wide variety of colours. They come in black, white (colourless), orange, yellow, purple, brown, champagne, peach, pink and green. The variety of colours available makes a sapphire engagement ring an excellent choice for those after a splash of colour in their engagement ring design. Like most coloured gemstones, sapphires are often enhanced by heat or thermal treatments to permanently improve their colour and clarity. Sapphires make for a beautiful, unique engagement ring.
Sapphire Engagement Ring Gallery
Be inspired by our sapphire engagement rings, individually designed with love by you and crafted by us.
The Science
A precious gemstone, sapphires belong to the corundum mineral family, and consist of aluminium oxide, iron, titanium, chromium, copper and magnesium.
As part of the corundum family of minerals, sapphires are an incredibly durable gemstone, ideal for everyday wear. Sapphires score a 9 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale– a measure of the resistance of materials against scratches of harder materials.
The colour of a sapphire depends on the element that is most prevalent in the corrundum’s lattice structure. For example, a deep blue sapphire contains titanium and iron, while a pink sapphire contains chromium. Sapphires and rubies are both corundum and structurally identical but they have historically always had their own names.
Sapphires can display pleochroism: an optical phenomenon that causes the sapphire to display different colours at different angles. This is due to the gem’s crystalline structure.
An interesting characteristic of a sapphire is that they sometimes contain minor inclusions called rutile needles. These needles are almost like birthmarks, that develop naturally in the stone as it forms. Commonly known as silk, these decrease the transparency of the gemstone. Sometimes the rutiles can cause a star effect where a dense group of rutiles create the phenomena called asterism. Star sapphires can have either six ray or twelve ray stars.
Where do sapphires come from?
Jewellers tend to find the best sapphires in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Thailand, Cambodia, Tanzania, Australia and the US. The Kashmir region located in northern India was once a place where you could find the famous Kashmir ‘blue velvet’ sapphire, but since then the mine has been exhausted.
Sri Lanka is where you can find the famous “Ceylon” sapphires– a rich electric blue gemstone.
Why should I choose a sapphire?
Sapphires are an amazing choice for an engagement ring, as they are very durable. This makes a sapphire the perfect choice for an engagement ring, as it can withstand everyday wear and tear. A sapphire ring should last a lifetime, and can be passed down for generations.
Sapphires come in many colours which allows you to pick one that expresses your individuality. Unlike diamonds which are known for their fire and brilliance, sapphires are known for their variety of colours. Sapphires might not sparkle in the same way as diamonds, but it is their colour that makes this gemstone truly special. Of all the tones found in blue sapphires, the Kashmir & Ceylon blue sapphire are amongst the most coveted.
Amongst the rarest of fancy sapphires are Padparadscha, they are a delicate balance of orange and pink. Padparadscha translates to ‘tropical lotus flower’ in Sanskrit, reflecting it’s striking colour.
The variety and range of colour ensure that each gemstone has subtle differences, adding to the distinctive appeal of a sapphire. A sapphire is the perfect balance of a classic yet expressive choice for an engagement ring.
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What does a sapphire symbolise?
Sapphires are September’s birthstone, aligning with the planet Saturn. The word sapphire likely derives from the Latin word “sapphirus”, while some linguists argue that it derives from Sanskrit, “shanipriya” and “shani” translating to “Saturn” and “Priya” meaning: so dear to Saturn.
Throughout history, sapphires have always been prized for their spiritual qualities. To cultures across the world, the celestial sapphire was symbolic of wisdom, royalty, protection and good fortune. The Ancient Persians believed that the earth was created atop a large blue sapphire, and they believed the sky was blue because of the reflection of the gemstone. The Persians and the Catholics believed the gemstone was holy, and they believed the deep blue colour of the sapphire represented the heavens.
In Ancient Hebrew lore, King Solomon and Abraham both wore sapphires as talismans of protection and insight. The ten commandments were said to be engraved on a sapphire, and given to Moses. Buddhists believed that sapphires bought devotion, enlightenment and a calming presence that aided prayer and meditation. The Ancient Greeks associated the sapphire with the god Apollo, and they wore it for wisdom at Delphi when seeking answers from the Oracle at Apollo’s shrine. They believed it helped them connect to the spiritual world.
In modern times, the sapphire still carries spiritual meaning. The sapphire is seen to activate the mind, a stone of wisdom and learning. The gemstone stimulates the throat and third eye chakras, allowing one to access deeper levels of consciousness.
Who wears sapphire engagement rings?
Princess Diana & The Duchess of Cambridge
Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring is one of the most iconic engagement rings in the world. When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer, he presented her with a few options from the then crown-jeweller Garrard. Diana picked an oval Ceylon blue sapphire, surrounded by a halo of 14 round diamonds. The ring was a controversial choice as it was not custom made—a tradition in the royal family—but it was said that Diana was so fond of it that she wanted nothing else. Now worn by her daughter-in-law, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the ring was given to her by Prince William as ‘something blue’ for their wedding. Prince William said it was a ‘way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement’.
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Princess Eugenie & Victoria Beckham
Princess Eugenie’s sapphire engagement ring is particularly unique as it contains the rare Padparadscha sapphire. This salmon pink and light orange gem is highly prized for its unique colour. This gem given to the princess was oval shaped, surrounded by a halo of round diamonds and flanked by two pear shaped diamonds. The ring was given to her by Jack Brooksbank, her boyfriend of seven years.
Victoria Beckham’s sapphire engagement ring would make it her tenth engagement ring, part of a tradition with David beckham of receiving a new engagement ring every year. We think this sapphire could at least be 25+ carats in weight.
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How much is a sapphire engagement ring?
Sapphires generally come at a lower price point per carat than diamonds. Considered a precious gemstone, they are a substantial investment if a large, vibrant sapphire is desired. Sapphires are generally chosen for their colour, rather than a cost effective option.
How can you tell a good quality sapphire?
A sapphire’s quality is mainly evaluated from the colour and shape of the gemstone. Sapphire engagement rings vary in quality depending on the classic factors such as cut, clarity, colour and carat. Like most coloured gemstones, a sapphire’s colour and tone are the most important factors to consider.
Source of origin is usually a factor in price. Sapphires from Thailand, Sri Lanka and East Africa are some of the most renowned in the world.
What is the best shape for a sapphire?
The best shape for your sapphire is totally subjective–it depends on what you choose to reflect a certain style. However, within the industry it’s agreed that an oval shape truly brings out the best in a sapphire. The oval cut allows the light to transform the colour of the gemstone, making sure the sapphire does not appear flat.
Sapphires are extremely versatile gemstones, allowing you to select one that reflects your or your partner’s personality. A gemstone rich in history and emotion, your sapphire engagement ring will last for generations.