- Sapphires are a popular alternative to diamonds for couples wanting a colourful, symbolic centre stone.
- Beyond the classic blue, sapphires come in fancy colours including pink, yellow, green and the rare padparadscha.
- Sapphire quality is judged using the 4Cs: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
- A one-carat sapphire typically costs between $700 and $10,000, considerably less than a comparable diamond.
- Browse the sapphire ring collection at Vinny & Charles or design a custom piece with our team.
While diamond engagement rings are a no-brainer for some, not everyone is keen to stick with tradition. If you want to stand out from the crowd and wear something with a pop of colour, sapphires are a popular choice.
Why Sapphires Are the Ultimate Alternative Engagement Ring Stone
Sapphires have been a staple of the jewellery world for centuries. In the Middle Ages, they were thought to represent heaven, and were first used as protective talismans and a symbol of nobility and loyalty. In recent years, they have become synonymous with royalty, with both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton wearing 12-carat Ceylon sapphire engagement rings.
Today, sapphires are often chosen by engaged couples wanting a colourful centre stone. A sapphire is simply a gem-quality variety of the mineral corundum, prized for its hardness and rich colour. Sapphires lend themselves to many different cuts, with ovals, pears and emeralds being popular choices for engagement rings.
Understanding Sapphire Colours: Beyond the Traditional Blue
Traditionally, sapphires have a strong reputation as a blue stone, and while this classic colour looks beautiful on any ring, it is far from the only option available. Sapphires of other colours are referred to as fancy sapphires, and they vary in colour intensity from weak to vibrant shades, offering plenty of options for buyers.
- Padparadscha sapphire: exceedingly rare and collectible, with a distinct pink and orange colour.
- Pink and purple sapphires: softer, romantic tones popular for engagement rings.
- Yellow and orange sapphires: warm, golden shades that suit vintage-inspired settings.
- Green sapphires: uniformly green stones with vivid colouring are very hard to come by, making them highly sought after.
- Colour change sapphires: these stones look different depending on the light conditions, shifting from blue or purple in daylight to violet or reddish purple under incandescent light. Green to reddish brown varieties also exist.
- Star sapphires: a beautiful option that displays a six-pronged star effect known as asterism, caused by needles of titanium in the stone. Asterism can occur in sapphires of any colour.
The one colour of sapphire that does not exist is red. This is because, despite being made of the same mineral, we refer to red corundum as a ruby instead.
Evaluating Sapphire Quality: Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat
Just like diamonds, sapphire quality is assessed using the 4Cs: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. These factors determine the value of the stone. The Gemological Institute of America is a widely trusted authority on gemstone grading standards.
Colour
Colour is the most important aspect of a sapphire's value. The best gemstones feature vivid colour without looking opaque or dark.
Clarity
Clarity refers to inclusions, or internal flaws, and blemishes on the stone's surface. Naturally occurring stones often contain a network of inclusions, which is generally seen as a sign of authenticity rather than a defect.
Cut
Cut judges how well the facets of the stone are polished and angled. The most precise cuts maximise the gemstone's brilliance and sparkle, and can enhance colour by deepening pale tones or bringing light to a darker stone. Poor cuts make a stone look flat or allow light to pass straight through the bottom.
Carat Weight
Carat weight measures the mass of the gemstone, with one carat equal to 0.2 grams. Different gemstones have different densities, so a one-carat sapphire will be sized differently to a one-carat diamond. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the higher the quality and cost of the stone.
Sapphires occur naturally and can also be grown in a lab, with lab grown stones costing less. Many Australians choose ethically sourced sapphires mined on the continent.
Best Precious Metals and Settings to Secure a Sapphire Ring
Some precious metals that pair well with sapphires include:
- Platinum: hypoallergenic and highly durable, with a white sheen that complements sapphires.
- 14k white gold: similar to platinum in complementing the sapphire, while being more affordable.
- 18k yellow gold: creates a warm contrast and a traditional look.
- 14k rose gold: pairs particularly well with pink, peach, teal or green fancy sapphires.
In terms of setting, here are some options to help maximise your sapphire:
- Prong: uses four or six claws to secure the stone, allowing high levels of light into the sapphire.
- Halo: circles the sapphire with small white diamonds or other stones for extra sparkle.
- Bezel: features a metal rim around the stone for the highest level of protection.
- Three-stone: features a centre sapphire flanked by two alternative gemstones on either side.
Budgeting for a Sapphire: Cost Comparison vs Traditional Diamonds
Regardless of whether it is natural or lab grown, a sapphire remains far cheaper than a diamond of comparable size.
| Stone | Approximate Price (1 Carat, High Quality) |
|---|---|
| Diamond | $7,000 to $41,000 |
| Sapphire | $700 to $10,000 |
Find the Perfect Sapphire Engagement Ring With Vinny & Charles
Browse our collection of sapphire rings online, or get in touch with our team for custom design options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sapphire engagement rings popular in Australia?
Yes. Sapphires are a growing choice among Australian couples who want a colourful, symbolic alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring, particularly given Australia's own natural sapphire deposits.
What is the most valuable sapphire colour?
Vivid, evenly saturated blue sapphires are traditionally the most valuable, though rare colours like the padparadscha and fine green sapphires can also command high prices due to their scarcity.
Are sapphires durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes. Sapphires are one of the hardest natural gemstones, making them well suited to the daily wear an engagement ring receives.
Is a lab grown sapphire a real sapphire?
Yes. A lab grown sapphire has the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a natural sapphire. The only difference is that it is created in a controlled lab environment rather than mined from the earth.
