Sapphire is one of the world's most well-known engagement rings. You're probably imagining the engagement ring that was presented to Princess Diana and is currently worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. It began a romance with sapphire engagement rings that continues today. Vintage sapphire engagement rings have been royally approved, and not just by the British royal family.
For your special day, a sapphire engagement ring might be the "something blue." Sapphires are regarded as one of the "big four" gemstones and are a perfect substitute for a ring set with diamonds. These gemstones are hard and resilient enough to be passed down to future generations. We're offering our comprehensive buyer's guide to help you in selecting the ideal GIA sapphire ring.
The Symbolism of Sapphires
The name Sapphire is derived from the Greek word 'sappheiros', which means blue and symbolizes the history of this gemstone. It is the September birthstone and has traditionally been connected with aristocracy and royalty, even in ancient times.
Sapphires were believed by the Greeks and Egyptians to be symbols of fidelity and honesty. Giving someone a blue sapphire represented a commitment. The Persians thought the Earth rested on a sapphire, which gave the sky its blue hue. It's a historical component that adds to the allure of sapphire engagement rings.
Where Do Sapphires Come From?
Sapphires were first mined in Ceylon, modern-day Sri Lanka, as early as 500 BC. These gems appear in ancient manuscripts ranging from the Old Testament to Marco Polo's writings in 1292 when he visited Sri Lanka.
Some of the rarest sapphires are from Kashmir and have a velvet hue with silk-like clarity. They were discovered in the Himalayan mountains in 1881, and only a few were collected. Sapphires from Kashmir that have been confirmed by a professional or have a GIA certificate can fetch a premium in the luxury jewelry market.
Burma is also well-known for its sapphires, which are usually clearer and have a deeper colour. Furthermore, because Burma is known for producing some of the world's greatest rubies and sapphires, these stones are more expensive.
Not Every Sapphire Is Blue
It is a frequent misperception that sapphires are completely blue. Sapphires don't just come in blue; they may also be found in a variety of colours, ranging from royal blue to sky tones. Sapphires can be any color, however, red sapphires are referred to as rubies. Non-blue sapphires are commonly referred to as 'fancy sapphires' by jewellers.
How to Choose a Sapphire Engagement Ring Stone
When selecting a sapphire engagement ring, there are a few factors to take into account that will affect the ring's appearance and cost. While sapphires may be graded using the traditional "four Cs," there are a few particular characteristics to consider while looking for an antique or vintage engagement ring.
Colour:
Your sapphire's colour will make it stand out. A blue sapphire might appear pure, royal blue, or more violet. Green colours can sometimes appear on blue sapphires, but the majority that make it to the market have a medium or dark blue tone with a saturation that does not detract from the stone's brightness and propensity to dazzle.
If you want a more unusual or feminine design, a pink sapphire engagement ring is an excellent choice instead of the typical blue. Pink sapphires are considerably rarer than their blue counterparts.
Clarity:
When liquids and gases become trapped inside the stone, sapphires can have noticeable inclusions. However, unless they detract from the sapphire's overall appearance, these imperfections have no bearing on its value. Certain inclusions can cause a ' star stone' look in sapphire, which is regarded as unusual.
Proportion:
You should evaluate the dimensions of your sapphire. Stones that are too thin, thick, or lengthy may appear misshaped. Sapphires with longer or thinner silhouettes may become more brittle over time. Choose a sapphire with a distinctive form that highlights the stone's brightness.
Buy an Antique or Vintage Sapphire Engagement Ring
Exotic Gold Jewelry sells a variety of antique and vintage sapphire engagement rings. Each ring is hand-selected to assure quality and professionally validated for further peace of mind. Fall in love with our sapphire engagement rings or explore other antique gemstone rings to get inspired for your big day.
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