Wondering how to buy a blue sapphire engagement ring that will leave your partner awe-struck? We’ve got your back. The vivid color of blue sapphire is one of the world’s most beautiful blues, rivaling the stunning hues of sapphire skies and seas. With its rich history of romance and royalty, it’s no surprise that blue sapphire engagement rings remain a top choice for many.
One of the most iconic examples is the diamond and sapphire ring, first worn by Princess Diana and later by Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. This captivating ring showcases the irresistible charm of blue sapphire, and you can find one just as stunning. But first, it’s important to understand this blue gemstone and learn the best way to buy a blue sapphire engagement ring that your partner will love and cherish for a lifetime. Who knows? It may also become a treasured heirloom.
This blue sapphire engagement ring shopping guide will help you find a ring that says everything you want it to say.
Read: How to Tell if a Sapphire Is Real
What Does a Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring Symbolize?
A blue sapphire engagement ring symbolizes truth, loyalty and faithfulness. It is a gift given to a partner with the promise to be true in everything and every way. In some cultures, blue is considered lucky and is said to foster love and harmony in a relationship, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. It is also associated with calmness and serenity.
Also Read: Sapphire Engagement Rings Meaning
All About the Stone: History & Origin of Blue Sapphire
The name sapphire is derived from the Greek word “sappheiros” (or “Saphirus”). It is the most popular and valuable gemstone of the Corundum mineral family and the second hardest mineral used for jewelry.
The history of blue sapphires dates back to the 13th Century BC in Sri Lanka, where Marco Polo discovered abundant sapphires. The association of sapphires with royalty began in ancient Greece and Rome, where kings and queens believed that blue sapphires protected the wearers from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, people thought the blue gemstone attracted heavenly blessings.
The royal family’s association with blue sapphires was reinforced in 1981 when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana Spencer a blue sapphire engagement ring – an iconic piece of jewelry still revered today.
Read More: Blue Sapphire Origin: Everything You Need to Know
How Are Blue Sapphires Graded?
The best way to buy a blue sapphire engagement ring is to assess the quality of the gemstone based on the 4C’s: color, cut, clarity and carat. The Gemological Insitute of America (GIA) developed this grading system to evaluate the quality of gemstones. These factors determine the price and value of blue sapphire rings.
1. Color
The color is the most important factor in determining the value of a blue sapphire. The vivid color comes from trace elements such as titanium and iron, ranging from pure “cornflower” blue to blue with hints of green or purple. If a blue sapphire has more apparent hints of green or purple, it becomes less valuable.
When checking the different types of sapphire colors, here are some tips to consider:
- Tone: This refers to how light or dark a gemstone’s color is. When it comes to Sapphire, a balanced tone is neither too light (which can appear washed out) nor too dark (which can look almost black). The middle range is the most desirable.
- Saturation: Sapphires of the highest quality typically have a rich, vivid and consistent color with no brown or gray areas.
2. Cut
The cut of a blue sapphire refers to its physical outline (shape), facets, width, and depth. A symmetrical cut is considered one of the best cuts for sapphires because it reflects light at all the right angles, enhancing the stone’s appearance and luster.
3. Clarity
A blue sapphire’s clarity refers to the presence and visibility of inclusions or imperfections within it. Sapphires generally contain rutile needles (a type of inclusion), making flawless sapphires–one without any blemish or inclusion–extremely rare to find.
Read: Types of Blue Sapphire
4. Carat
The carat is the weight of the stone and has a major impact on the price. Blue sapphires are heavier than diamonds, so a one-carat blue sapphire may look slightly smaller than a diamond of the same carat weight.
Hardness & Durability
In gemology, a gemstone’s hardness refers to how scratch-resistant it is. Durability is key when choosing an engagement ring, especially since your partner will wear it daily. Blue sapphires are a fantastic choice because they rank 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This high hardness means they are incredibly resistant to scratches and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Read More: Blue Sapphire Hardness and Mohs Scale
Rarity & Price
When you’re considering how to purchase a blue sapphire engagement ring, understanding the rarity and price of these gemstones is important. Blue sapphires are valued not only for their stunning color but also for their scarcity, especially when it comes to untreated stones.
Most sapphires undergo heat treatments to enhance their color and clarity, but natural, untreated blue sapphires fetch a premium price. For example, high-quality untreated blue sapphires of 1-2 carats can cost between $800 and $1,200 per carat, while larger or exceptionally fine stones can command significantly higher prices.
The origin of a blue sapphire also greatly impacts its value. Sapphires from regions like Kashmir, Burma (Myanmar), and Sri Lanka are highly sought after due to their superior color and historical significance. Kashmiri sapphires, for instance, can fetch up to $60,000 per carat due to their unique beauty and extreme rarity.
Something to know before buying blue sapphire engagement rings is that while treated blue sapphires are common, stones that have undergone certain treatments, like fracture-filling and lattice diffusion treatment, are best avoided. These treatments lower the stone’s durability and value. Hence, untreated or traditionally heat-treated sapphires are the better choice.
Also Read: Can You Wear Sapphire Everyday?
Popular Cuts & Shapes For Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings
Choosing the right cut and shape for a blue sapphire engagement ring enhances the stone’s natural beauty and brilliance. While blue sapphires don’t have standardized cuts like diamonds, several popular shapes and cuts are favored for their aesthetic appeal and ability to highlight the gemstone’s unique characteristics.
- Round cut: The round cut is one of the most popular choices for blue sapphire rings for women. Its symmetrical shape maximizes the stone’s brilliance and sparkle by allowing light to enter and reflect evenly from all angles. This timeless classic cut suits various settings, making it a versatile choice for engagement rings.
- Oval Cut: The oval-cut sapphire is another popular shape known for its elongated form, which can make the stone appear larger than it is. Oval cuts are especially popular in vintage-style settings.
- Marquise-Cut: The marquise cut is an elongated shape with pointed ends, creating a dramatic and striking look. This cut maximizes the sapphire’s carat weight, making the stone appear larger and more impressive. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a distinctive and bold design.
Other popular cuts include cushion, emerald, pear, and princess cut. One of the top tips to consider before buying a blue sapphire engagement ring is keeping your partner’s style and preference in mind to ensure you pick a ring that truly reflects their personality.
Choose a shape for your love
Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring Settings
The setting of an engagement ring refers to how the stone is set into a metal band, affecting its overall appearance, style, and comfort. A traditional halo setting emphasizes the beauty of the stone, but you can choose other settings that best suit your partner’s style.
Wondering which metal is best for blue sapphire? We’ve got the answers. Blue sapphires look great in any metal, but they shine the brightest in white metals like white gold and platinum as they complement the sapphire’s deep blue color.
Tips for Buying Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings
Here are some essential tips for blue sapphire engagement ring shopping that you can make a note of:
1. Budget
Setting a budget will help you find a ring that suits your partner’s preferences without worrying about emptying your pocket. Various rules, like the three-month salary rules, dictate how much you should spend on an engagement ring. But we recommend you consider your financial situation and decide on a budget that works for you.
2. Ring size
Getting your partner’s ring size right is important when getting them an engagement ring. You want a ring that is neither tight nor loose but fits just right. You can check out our ring size guide to find the perfect fit for them. However, if you’re planning a secret proposal, you can read this guide about secretly measuring your partner’s ring size.
3. Personalization
Who doesn’t love personalized gifts? It shows just how much you care about your special someone. With our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature, you can customize your engagement ring from start to finish to create a one-of-a-kind one. That’s not all. You can add a sweet message to your ring with our free engraving service to take the personalization a notch higher.
4. Certification
Ensure you get an authenticity certificate with your ring that lists all the important details, such as cut, clarity, carat weight, etc. Doing so ensures you’re buying a genuine, high-quality ring.
The Angara Difference
At Angara, we meticulously select our gemstones, which are ethically and directly sourced from mines and manufacturers. These gemstones are expertly crafted by skilled jewelers to create masterpieces that tell your story perfectly.
Additionally, all our jewelry comes with an Angara Certificate of Authenticity certificate and a lifetime warranty so that you can shop with complete peace of mind. We also offer free shipping, easy returns and flexible payment options, making us the best place to buy your blue sapphire engagement ring online.
Read: Blue Sapphire Benefits
How To Care For Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings
Natural blue sapphires are stable under normal conditions such as light, heat, and common chemicals. However, avoid harsh chemicals; even mild acids like lemon juice can damage fracture-filled sapphires. Store them in a soft, dry, clean cloth or jewelry box to protect them from damage and scratches.
When cleaning them, don’t scrub them harshly or with excessive pressure. The best way to clean your blue sapphire ring is to soak it in a bowl of warm water with mild soap. Gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush and pat dry.
Interesting Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring Facts
Here are a few fun facts about blue sapphire:
- Blue Sapphire is the birthstone of September.
- Blue sapphire is made from aluminum oxide and forms naturally as liquid magma cools, crystallizing under intense pressure and temperatures.
- In some cultures, blue is considered a lucky color and is believed to bring love, loyalty, and happiness. Hence, it is traditionally gifted on a couple’s 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
- Buddhists believed that sapphires brought about spiritual enlightenment, Hindus used them in worship, and Greeks wore them for guidance from the oracle.
- Persian lore says the Earth is balanced on an enormous sapphire, and the sky is a reflection of its blue color.
Celebrate your love with color
Blue Sapphire FAQs
01. What to look for when buying a Blue Sapphire engagement ring?
Focus on the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The most valuable sapphires have a deep, vivid blue color, excellent cut, good clarity with minimal inclusions, and a size that fits your budget.
02. What to know before buying a Blue Sapphire engagement ring?
Consider your partner’s style preference, ring size, and whether the sapphire has been treated. Untreated sapphires are rarer and more valuable. Ensure you get a certification for authenticity and quality.
03. When to buy a Blue Sapphire engagement ring?
Plan your purchase at least three to four months before you pop the question.
04. How to buy a Blue Sapphire engagement ring on a budget?
Consider slightly smaller carat sizes or sapphires with minor inclusions to stay within budget
05. How to finance a Blue Sapphire engagement ring?
To finance a blue sapphire engagement ring, you can take a personal loan, apply for a 0% APR credit card or even utilize Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Affirm, Afterpay or Klarna.
06. How to insure a Blue Sapphire engagement ring?
You can insure your blue sapphire engagement ring easily. First, get your ring appraised to determine its value and the coverage you need. Then, you can get a quote from jewelry insurance providers and apply for jewelry insurance with your provider. Ensure the policy covers loss, theft, and damage.
07. How many carats should a Blue Sapphire engagement ring be?
Choose a carat weight that fits your budget and your partner’s preferences. There is no ideal size; it’s about what looks and feels right for you and your partner.
08. What does the Blue Sapphire engagement ring symbolize?
A blue sapphire engagement ring symbolizes truth, loyalty and faithfulness. It is considered a lucky color and is said to foster love and harmony in a relationship.
09. How to clean Blue Sapphire engagement rings?
Soak the ring in warm water with mild soap, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the stone.
10. How to care for Blue Sapphire engagement rings?
Keep the ring away from harsh chemicals and store it in a jewelry box or soft cloth to avoid scratches. Regularly clean and inspect the ring to ensure it stays in excellent condition
