Sapphire Engagement Rings: A Majestic Way to Celebrate Love

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”

There’s a reason why this Old English rhyme and tradition calls for brides to have something blue on their wedding day — the color symbolizes love and fidelity. And there’s perhaps nothing better than a blue sapphire engagement ring to represent this.

The word sapphire comes from the Latin “saphirus” and Greek “sapheiros” — both of which mean blue. Despite this, sapphires actually appear in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, orange, green, and yellow. The stone’s hue ultimately depends on its chemical composition, namely the trace elements that affect how it absorbs light.

However, as one might guess from its etymology, blue sapphires are the most popular and well-known type of sapphires. For that reason, we’ll focus on blue sapphire rings in this article. Below, find out why sapphires make for unique engagement rings and why they’ve grown so chic and desirable in recent years.

Like rubies, sapphires are formed from the mineral corundum. However, while rubies get their red color from chromium, the blue gemstones we most often think of as sapphires contain traces of iron and titanium. Both stones are mined all over the world, including in Australia, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the U.S., and Vietnam.

The most valuable sapphires are a deep and vivid color, and the fewer inclusions, the more desirable the stone. Apart from symbolizing love and faithfulness, sapphires are culturally significant as the birthstone for September and the anniversary stone for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. And thanks to the royal family, they’ve also gained a reputation for being regal and majestic.

In 1981, Prince Charles of England presented Lady Diana with a 12-carat sapphire engagement ring — what has become regarded as perhaps the most famous sapphire ring of all time. Nearly three decades later, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the same ring, inspiring another resurgence of interest in unique blue sapphire engagement rings.

Because of the sapphire’s elevated status as a noble gem, many jewelers today design and create modern sapphire rings that suit all kinds of tastes.

Compared to diamonds, sapphires are generally more affordable. Even better, they’re one of the most durable precious stones, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. In other words, a sapphire engagement ring isn’t only a stunning piece of jewelry — it’s also a piece that will endure for generations.

While sapphires are stunning as center stones, they also make tasteful accents for diamonds as ornate halos or elegant side stones. You can also find diamond engagement ring designs that feature sapphire bands — another unique way to get you the best of brilliance and color.

At Kwiat, we craft each of our diamond and sapphire rings with minimal metal to maximize their gemstones’ sparkle. To that end, our designs often feature delicate prongs and refined bezels.

There was a time when sapphire rings weren’t as popular for engagement rings. Of course, this all changed with Princess Diana’s iconic ring. Today, many opt for blue sapphire engagement rings to showcase their commitment. Below are just a few famous figures who have followed in Princess Diana’s footsteps.

• In 2010, David Beckham added to his wife Victoria Beckham’s engagement ring collection by giving her a show-stopping oval-cut sapphire ring with a thin pavé band.
• Rumors once swirled around Penelope Cruz when she was spotted wearing a 3-carat oval blue sapphire ring surrounded by a flower-shaped halo of diamonds — a stunning engagement ring from Javier Bardem.
• Knowing she was attracted to unique ring designs, Michael Wilding proposed to actress Elizabeth Taylor with a breathtaking domed sapphire and diamond ring.
• English actress Elizabeth Hurley wore a 9-carat step-cut sapphire ring with diamond side stones during her engagement to Australian cricket player Shane Warne.

Because of the gemstone’s symbolism and vibrant beauty, a sapphire engagement ring is the perfect way to celebrate your commitment to your partner.

To begin your search, consider reaching out to an experienced and trusted jeweler, like those at Kwiat. Our experts are happy to set up virtual viewings and answer any questions. Or, if you prefer to shop in person, find your “something blue” at Kwiat’s boutique on Madison Avenue.