Over the past few years, brides-to-be have started looking beyond the traditional solitaire diamond engagement ring. This shift has increased demand for other precious stones, resulting in a revival of emerald and sapphire engagement rings.
While emerald has a delicate texture that can more easily chip and display damage, sapphires are harder, durable and come in a diverse range of colors. Learn about the growing interest in sapphire engagement rings.
Celebrity Culture
Social media, paparazzi photos and red carpet appearances have sparked demand for colored gemstones, as well as unique cuts or arrangements like toi-et-moi rings.
The current interest in sapphire engagement rings goes back over a decade, specifically to when Princess Kate wore Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring during her wedding to Prince William.
Fueling demand for sapphires back in the 1980s, Princess Diana’s ring had a large deep-blue stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds to amplify the sparkling effect.
Since then, sapphires have graced the engagement rings of other stars, including Princess Eugenie, Penelope Cruz and Gwyneth Paltrow. Beyond the traditional blue, Lady Gaga and Nicole Richie have both worn engagement rings with pink sapphires.
Color and Hardness
Color and hardness work hand-in-hand as couples seek colored gemstones with hardness approaching diamond levels. Sapphires bring together both attributes, standing out with deep blue or another intense shade and holding up to repeat wear with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale.
Considering these factors:
- The popularity of sapphire jewelry has waxed and waned. Ancient civilizations prized the stone for its supposed healing and calming properties. It’s also a birthstone for September.
- As with diamonds, inclusions and chemical alterations transform the appearance of sapphires. Along with the familiar deep blue shade, this precious gemstone can be found in warmer tones, including pink, orange, red and yellow, as well as other deeper varieties, including purple, brown and green. Nearly clear or “white” sapphires offer the visual appeal of a diamond at a lower price.
- Tone and saturation open the door to additional variations. For color saturation, sapphires get graded on a scale from medium and weak to vivid. Tone is graded from light to medium to dark, with medium often delivering the perfect balance of shade and brilliance.
Other Considerations
Sapphires further offer the following benefits:
- Multiple Cuts and Arrangements: Try out a halo combination or go with a different cut, including round and pear shapes.
- Cost: Diamonds cost roughly five times more per carat than sapphires. As such, sapphires present a more affordable option for a colored precious gemstone that withstands everyday wear and tear.
Looking for an alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring? Explore the possibilities in terms of gemstones and designs at Hannoush Jewelers today.
