Why you should choose Sapphires as gemstones for your Engagement Rings

Before you ask why people opt for this precious stone as their choice of engagement ring, let's see what sapphires are? Sapphires are gemstones that are derived from a mineral called corundum. Sapphires come in many colours. The blue sapphires, the most popular choice, get their colour by the presence of iron and titanium in them. The name sapphire has derived from the Latin and Greek words for blue: “saphirus” and “sappheiros” respectively. Sapphires have been used as precious stones for centuries, possibly longer. There are recognized for their beauty, durability and rarity. When choosing sapphire for your engagement ring, remember, that you are not alone.

Rarity- Yes, Sapphires are rarer than Diamonds

OK. I know what you’re thinking. Why should I go for a sapphire, rather than a diamond when buying the engagement ring for someone I consider to be special? Well, the answer may surprise you. Sapphires, along with rubies, emeralds and obviously diamonds are the four main types of precious stone. Whilst sapphires are not popular as diamonds, and not expensive as diamonds either; sapphires are actually rarer than diamonds. This is due to the availability of natural diamonds, despite being high, is one that is tightly controlled by major diamond suppliers. In the case of sapphire, this is not the case. As sapphire mining and supply are more decentralized. However, their availability in the market is lower. Especially the luxurious blue sapphire. Notable here is the highly vivid Ceylon Blue Sapphires. If pleasing your future spouse with a quality choice of stone for your engagement ring is your goal, then sapphires are a great choice.

Durability- Last for a Lifetime

Sapphires are extremely hard minerals and are second only to diamonds. Ranking at number 9 on the Mohs scale for mineral hardness. Their scratch-resistant character makes them a great choice of precious stones in engagement rings. Since such unions are intended to last a long/lifetime, the durability and toughness of sapphires is a natural choice for those who are seeking to seal their relationship with an engagement ring. With high resistance to scratches and rough use, a sapphire studded engagement ring is a purchase that you need not worry when it comes to wear and tear.

Sapphires Come with a Colour Range

Sapphires, unlike diamonds, come in a variety of colours. In addition to the famous blue sapphire, you can find sapphires in pink, yellow, white and a number of other colours. The red mineral version of the corundum, that the sapphire is made of, is the famous ruby. In addition one can find sapphires in varies unique colours. Depending on the country in question, sapphires can be found in many different shades, and even in a combination of colour tones. Like the Australian Parti sapphires. However, a single-colour tone is still the most popular type.

Sapphires-The Choice of Royalty

Sapphires have a long history of use in jewellery. Considered as a symbol of beauty and status. From the ancient Greeks to Romans, sapphires have been recognized for their special value. In more recent times, sapphires have been a popular choice of jewellery for Royals. The world-renowned Princess Diana, where her engagement to Prince Charles, featured a 12-carat oval blue sapphire. That was later closed off with a magnificent wedding on 29 July 1981, at St Paul's Cathedral, A ring, which was passed onto Kate Middleton, the wife of Princess of Diana’s son, Prince William. A Royal heirloom, desired by people all over the world. That is now priceless in value. Engagement rings are defined by financial and sentimental value. A choice of blue sapphire engagement ring, as it is a choice of nobility, could also be the choice of ring for you.

Beauty- You won't get enough of it!

What more can be said about this gemstone. Sapphires are wonderful to behold. For depending on the cut and clarity of the stone, a quality sapphire can even match a top-level diamond for glitter and luxury. Whilst this will depend on your stone of choice, sapphires as coloured gemstones are an unbeatable option when paired with the right ring design and stone placement. And if combined with the right accent stones, which could include diamonds, then you have a top-quality engagement ring that can win over almost anyone.

Value for the money

This is a tricky question. For the value of sapphire engagement rings rests on a number of factors. So when it comes to buying decisions, it is important to think expansively. Given the wide availability of sapphires, there is some competition in the area of supply. Second, since sapphires are viewed not as the main option when it comes to engagement rings, some high-quality stones can be gotten for a good bargain. Next, since sapphire engagement rings, depending on the design of the stone: whether it is a solitaire engagement ring, halo engagement ring or halo engagement one, your choice of design will affect the final price of the ring. For it will depend on the size and cut of the centre stone or stones. And other factors like the metal of choice and accent stone. Overall sapphires, one to one, are a better option from a cost perspective, in contrast to diamonds.

Heard about the 6Cs Sapphires?

Sapphires, like Diamonds, can be vaguely graded according to the four main criteria of Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. But there is no universally accepted grading system. However, there are additional factors one should consider in understanding the value of sapphires, other than the famous 4Cs. Brilliyond, as a first in the industry, has introduced two additional factors, to make the 6Cs of sapphire: These are the country of origin and curing to the list.

Curing

This refers to the various techniques for treating sapphires to increase their value. The most common method of curing is heating. Heating is used to burn out inclusions and to get a better colour tone. This is a common practice that is used in the gemstone industry. Curing methods that are other than heating (known as treatment), are not advisable. For these may involve the addition of other chemicals and even other minerals to the stone’s structure. Heating is an accepted practice in sapphire treatment. Since heating can be used to enhance sapphires in most of the circumstances, unheated sapphires are very rare. However, it is important to note that heating practices also differ from country to country. However, if you are seeking unheated sapphires, you should explicitly ask your jeweller for that.

Country of Origin

When it comes to the country of origin, sapphires from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) are a top choice. Especially for the world renowned blue sapphires. With a long history in the gem trade, Ceylon sapphires are famous for their deep intensive cornflower blue colour sapphire gemstones and other rich shaded stones. Also, when it comes to the heating of stones, Ceylon sapphires undergo a special heating process that is carefully carried out. For not all sapphires can be heated to produce the needed effect. Since sapphires come in a variety of different colours. And in terms of shades, the choices are almost limitless. However, the Ceylon version of this gemstone comes with solid colour tones.