Today we're taking a closer look at blue sapphire engagement rings and everything you might need to know if you're considering one for a special proposal.
Are blue sapphires good for engagement rings?
A sapphire is an excellent choice of stone for an engagement ring, and blue sapphires in particular are a popular option that work with many different designs. They're a stone that is highly durable, which is always an important consideration for a special piece of jewellery that will be worn daily.
Blue sapphires can look just as stunning as traditional diamond rings; the sparkle of a blue sapphire might be more subtle, but a good quality stone in the right cut will still catch the light beautifully. A blue sapphire engagement ring is both a timeless option that will never feel dated, and an option with plenty of personality.
Sapphires come in many colours, but blue has always been particularly beloved - in part thanks to high profile gems like Princess Diana's famous ceylon sapphire ring.
Remember that if you're feeling torn, you can include both blue sapphire and diamond in your engagement ring - they pair beautifully together!
Is blue sapphire too soft for an engagement ring?
Sapphire is rated at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale rating, the scale that measures a gemstone's resistance to scratching. It's an extremely durable gemstone that will stand the test of time and not at all too soft for an engagement ring - in fact of all of the non-diamond engagement ring options, a sapphire is our top pick.
Because they are so strong, blue sapphires can be set in lots of different ways in an engagement ring, which offers plenty of flexibility in terms of design.
You can propose with a blue sapphire ring safe in the knowledge that it will stand up to being worn on a daily basis for a lifetime to come!
Should blue sapphire engagement rings be made with gold or silver?
We would always recommend the solidity and durability of gold for engagement rings over silver, but blue sapphire engagement rings work beautifully with white or yellow metals, so white gold or platinum are also great choices. Pairing the blue stone with yellow gold gives a warm feel, with white metals showcasing the cooler tones for a contemporary look.
Blue sapphire engagement ring meaning
Blue sapphire engagement rings are considered to have several different meanings. Honesty is a popular meaning given to blue, with the colour symbolising loyalty, truth and trust. This is why blue sapphires have been a common symbol of faithfulness throughout history. Similarly, blue sapphires are thought to be an indication of devotion and commitment, making them a meaningful option for an engagement ring.
Some also consider blue sapphires to be a symbol of wisdom, peace, security and sincerity. The stone is the birthstone for September, so can be particularly appropriate if one of you was born in that month.
Blue sapphire engagement ring history
Blue sapphires have a long history and have been treasured for hundreds of years - the Romans even called them 'the gem of gems'. Before then, the stone was a sign of luck and prosperity in ancient Greece.
A stone with such a rich history also naturally also comes with superstition in some parts of the world. Many of these throughout the centuries have been to do with the concept of luck. For example, there is one such superstition that a blue sapphire engagement ring brings good luck (and we can get on board with that!). In other cultures, it is said to bring bad luck.
It's not just wedding rings that these superstitions apply to; another focuses on sapphires in a wedding band, which is thought to bring a happy marriage.
How common are blue sapphires in engagement rings?
Blue sapphires are certainly not as commonly used in engagement rings as diamonds, but they are still a well-loved stone and have been popular throughout history.
Blue sapphire engagement ring pricing
Blue sapphire engagement rings can come with a wide range of price points, since there are many factors that influence the cost of the gemstone. Characteristics such as their clarity, colour and size can affect the price, as well as their origins and specifics related to their sourcing. It is therefore important to consider these elements when considering a blue sapphire engagement ring or when comparing it to other options.
Ethically sourced sapphires can be more expensive than those that are less traceable, and where there is no guarantee that the miners are working in safe or fair enivronment. At Wild Fawn, we source our sapphires from small, family-run mines that operate ethically, helping us to ensure that our engagement rings are ethically made from start to finish.
How long do blue sapphire engagement rings last?
Being a sturdy stone with excellent scratch resistance properties, a blue sapphire engagement ring should comfortably last you a lifetime. Naturally it is always advisable to take good care of special jewellery pieces, but if it is well looked after (this needn't be overly cautious) then there is no reason it should not be with you for life - and able to be passed to others in the future, should that be what you choose to do with it.
Why choose a blue sapphire engagement ring
People wear blue sapphire engagement rings for a number of reasons. Some choose them for their meaning, if there is a specific energy or quality that is associated with the stone that they feel resonates with them or reflects the relationship.
Others are drawn to the colour, or more specifically the colours; blue sapphires come in a range of shades and tones, meaning you can find really beautiful unique hues. Some sapphires even have more than one shade in the same gemstone.
They also offer something different, which appeals strongly to some couples. While the stone is a popular one, it is far less often used than diamond. If you don't see yourself with a classic or traditional ring, blue sapphires (and other colours too!) can be used to add something that feels more 'you' to your ring.
Of course, there are also some very simple benefits that make them a fantastic choice; they are beautiful stones and highly practical. There's no particular need to have any special reason beyond those ones when it comes to choosing an engagement ring stone!
What to look for when choosing a blue sapphire engagement ring
If you think a blue sapphire ring could be the right choice for you and your partner, there are a few things we'd recommend looking out for when you're browsing.
Colour
There is a huge range of depths of colour, shades and tones in the blue sapphire family, from lighter, softer shades to deep, dark blues. The brillantly blue shades in the medium to dark tones are generally considered to be the most valuable and are strongly sought after - but this isn't to say that it is necessarily the most beautiful, or the best choice for you.
Look for a shade that you love, whether it's a lighter blue like the one seen in our Cluster Cornflower Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring or a deeper hue like our Geometric Blue Sapphire and Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring.
Cut
The cut of a gemstone is the element that truly brings it to life. It is the primary factor that impacts how light reflects and refracts, which is what allows the stone that appealing sparkle.
Ethical sourcing
Make sure that any blue sapphire engagement ring you consider buying has been created using a stone that is traceable and sustainably mined. If you aren't sure where to find this information or can't see it displayed anywhere, just ask where and how the stone has been sourced. The jeweller or brand should be able to give you some information about the country of origin and mines that their stones are sourced from.
Interested in exploring blue sapphire engagement rings? We're pleased to have a range of stunning blue shades and ready-to-wear designs in amongst our collection of ethical engagement rings. Our rings are made with ethically sourced gemstones and sustainable recycled gold.
We also have a bespoke engagement ring service; we can source a gemstone (whether it's a blue sapphire or something else!) that's perfect for you and create a unique custom ring, made right here in our London studio.
