We heard you’ve found the love of your life and can’t wait to begin the next chapter of your fairy tale. All you need to do now is plan a romantic proposal and find the perfect engagement ring. Well, we know you’ll pull out all the stops when it comes to the proposal. As for scoring the ring of her dreams, we’re happy to help. If you’d like to pop the question with a pop of colour, how about choosing a blue sapphire sparkler? Eager to know how to buy a blue sapphire engagement ring? This guide has all the answers!
If choosing an engagement ring for women seems like a daunting task, don’t worry. We’re breaking it down for you. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about picking the right ring style, setting and metal as well as choosing between a lab-grown blue sapphire engagement ring and a natural one.
All set to find the perfect sparkler for your lady love? Just dive right in!
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Blue Sapphires: Is There a Difference?
Well, the short answer is yes!
However, you should know that lab-grown blue sapphires are chemically, optically and physically identical to their earth-mined counterparts. While lab-grown sapphires are made in a lab, natural sapphires are formed inside the Earth’s crust. Also, since lab-grown blue sapphires are made using cutting-edge technology in a controlled environment, they typically have fewer inclusions or flaws as compared to earth-mined blue sapphires.
Lab-made sapphires are also easier on the pocket. So, if you’re wondering how to choose a blue sapphire for an engagement ring, do consider the budget you have in mind.
Also Read: The History and Origin of Blue Sapphires
So, How to Pick a Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring?
Whether you choose a lab-grown engagement ring or one with a natural blue sapphire, remember to consider the following points:
The 4Cs
The 4Cs play a vital role when it comes to evaluating the quality of a blue sapphire. These 4Cs are the colour, clarity, cut and carat weight of the gemstone.
1. Colour
One of the top tips on how to choose a blue sapphire engagement ring is to observe the colour of the gemstone. After all, its beautiful blue hue is what makes sapphire a sought-after gem for engagement rings. You can consider the three aspects given below when it comes to colour:
a) Hue
The hue is nothing but the colour of the gemstone. Sapphires come in many different hues including pink, yellow, orange, green and more. However, blue sapphire is one of the most popular varieties of this gem.
b) Saturation
Saturation is the intensity of the gem’s colour. It refers to how weak or strong the colour of a particular gemstone is. In the case of blue sapphires, the most sought-after ones typically display strong to vivid saturation.
c) Tone
The tone of the gem refers to how light or dark it is. Blue sapphires are available in light, medium and dark tones.
Also Read: 5 Remarkable Facts About Blue Sapphire
Did You Know?
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family and gets its blue hue due to trace elements of iron and titanium.
2. Clarity
Blue sapphires usually do have some inclusions. However, the finest quality blue sapphires are typically eye-clean with very slight inclusions. It’s important to note that a sapphire’s natural inclusions or flaws can impact its brilliance, clarity, transparency and lustre, luster.
Our Suggestion: Here’s a trick to finding a blue sapphire engagement ring with minimal to no inclusions. Select a lab-grown blue sapphire ring for your lady.
Also Read: Are Blue Sapphires a Good Option for Promise Rings?
3. Cut
Sapphires are typically cut in a way to emphasize their blue hue and minimize any colour zoning or inclusions. Usually, a brilliant cut is used for the crown or top of the sapphire while the pavilion or the underside of the gem features step cuts. The cut also influences the final weight of the gemstone.
4. Carat Weight
The carat weight is the physical weight of the gemstone. For engagement rings, blue sapphires could weigh anything from below 1 carat to well over 3 carats. What’s more, the size of the sapphire also impacts the overall price of the ring.
Our Suggestion: Here’s a tip to choose a blue sapphire engagement ring without breaking the bank. Pick one with a lab-made blue sapphire. This way, you can get a gemstone in a higher carat weight (aka a large rock on her finger) without going over budget.
Also Read: Blue Sapphire Astrological Benefits
Shape
We’re letting you in on a secret – your partner’s taste in fine jewellery reflects her personality and sense of style. And we know she’d want her engagement ring to do just that. So, picking the right gemstone shape is important.
If she values tradition and timelessness, a round blue sapphire ring will certainly sweep her off her feet (all over again). Does your S.O. love the classics but also enjoy keeping up with the trends? Then, you can’t go wrong with an oval gem. Is she someone with discerning taste who also has a bit of an edge? We’re sure she’ll be thrilled to flaunt an emerald-cut sparkler. And if classy is her middle name, the pear shape will match her vibe.
Also Read: The Different Types of Blue Sapphire Gemstone
Setting
1. Prong
The most popular setting for gemstone rings is the prong setting. It holds the gem in place without obscuring it. This setting could feature four or more round prongs, flat prongs, claws or V-prongs to ensure the gem sits snug on the ring.
2. Bezel
The bezel setting features a metal rim around the edges of the gem. It’s a protective setting and ideal for women with an active lifestyle. This setting can also protect the gem from accidental snagging and chipping.
Also Read: Aquamarine vs. Blue Sapphire: Which Stone Will You Choose?
Ring Style
1. Solitaire
This one’s a classic for a reason. The solitaire style has always been a sought-after choice for engagement rings. This style showcases a single gorgeous gem in all its glory and is perfect for women with a timeless sense of style. Moreover, the solitaire gem is a great way to tell her she’s your one and only for life.
2. Halo
As the name suggests, a halo ring features a centre gem surrounded by a glittering halo of, you guessed it, diamonds! If your lady loves to turn heads when she walks into a room, this stunning style is meant for her. Guess what? Princess Diana also flaunted this iconic style, and you already know your girl is nothing short of royalty either.
3. Vintage-Inspired
Is your love story one for the ages? Then, you must choose from blue sapphire engagement rings for women in vintage-inspired designs. This ring style typically features intricate detailing such as scrollwork, milgrain work and filigree details as well as extra diamonds and coloured gemstones, all reminiscent of the styles of yesteryears. If your S.O. swoons over the epic tales of the past, we’re sure she’ll love a vintage-inspired sparkler.
Also Read: Which Metal Is Best for Blue Sapphire?
Metal
This blue sapphire engagement ring buying guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t tell you about choosing the right metal that complements the beautiful blue sapphire. Thanks to their cool tone, platinum and white gold look amazing with this gem and bring out its rich blue hue.
However, if your partner has a penchant for the classics, you could always opt for yellow gold. The warm tone of this metal will serve as a stunning contrast to the intense blue hue of the sapphire. You could also choose rose gold to add that romantic touch to her sparkler.
Now that you know how to shop for blue sapphire engagement rings, we know you can’t wait to get started. But we also have another fun option for you. If you and bae have always been the creative types, you can simply design your own engagement ring with Create With Angara. You get to choose and customize everything, right from the gemstone to the ring setting, shank style, accent stones, metal and more. The result will be a stunner that’s a true ode to your love story.
Has this natural and lab-grown blue sapphire engagement ring buying guide made things easier for you? Well, you’re welcome! All you have to do now is kickstart your hunt for the ultimate token of love.
