Opening your jewelry box and gazing upon the sapphire engagement ring given to you by your beloved can fill your heart with a warmth and joy that is difficult to describe. This beautiful piece of jewelry is so much more than an accessory – it represents the promise of a lifelong partnership and a love that is as enduring as the precious gemstone itself.
In this article, we will explore the history, meaning, and significance behind sapphire engagement rings. From their regal beginnings to the science behind these stones, you’ll learn why sapphire rings have captivated couples for generations.
The History Behind Sapphire Engagement Rings
While diamonds are the most common stones for engagement rings today, that wasn’t always the case. Sapphires, with their stunning blue hues, were once the preferred gem for betrothal jewelry.
This tradition has regal roots, beginning with the British royal family in the 1840s. Queen Victoria was proposed to with a sapphire engagement ring, opting for the gemstone over a diamond. Other royal brides, including Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, also wore blue sapphire rings, creating a tradition that continues to this day.
Beyond British royalty, sapphires symbolized fidelity, trust, and commitment. Their blue color was thought to represent the heavens. For these reasons, medieval Europeans believed sapphires were ideal for romantic partnerships.
By the early 20th century, diamonds gained prominence in the West. However, sapphires remain a top choice for engagement rings in many parts of the world. Their deep symbolic meaning makes them perfect for marking such a meaningful milestone.
The Allure and Significance of Sapphires
What makes sapphires so special that they have adorned the hands of brides for centuries? This classic gem has qualities that make it ideal for celebrating romance.
Durability
With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sapphires are an extremely durable stone. This means sapphire jewelry can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. An engagement ring will be worn for decades to come, making durability an important factor. A sapphire’s hardness ensures it will brilliantly sparkle forever.
Beauty
While many people think of blue when they hear sapphire, this gem actually occurs in a rainbow of hues. Blue is the most common, ranging from pale sky tones to deep midnight navy. Fancy sapphires also come in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and green.
The vibrant color of a sapphire has a beauty all its own. But when cut properly, sapphires also exhibit an exceptional brilliance. Light dances across the many facets of a sapphire, giving off a fire and luster that adds to its appeal.
Meaning
As we discussed earlier, sapphires hold symbolic significance that makes them well-suited for engagement rings. Throughout history, the sapphire’s blue color has represented fidelity, trust, wisdom, and commitment.
Sapphires are also associated with mental clarity and inner peace. Ancient civilizations believed the gem could focus the mind, encourage self-control, and unleash creative expression. What better qualities to imbue a relationship?
Affordability
While large, high-quality sapphires can be quite valuable, they are generally more affordable than diamonds of the same size and cut. This makes it possible to purchase a sizable, brilliant sapphire ring while sticking to a budget.
For all of these reasons, sapphire engagement rings have captivated brides-to-be for generations. The beauty, durability, meaning, and affordability come together to create a ring that symbolizes everlasting love.
How Sapphires Are Formed
The geological processes that create sapphires lend themselves nicely to symbolizing enduring love. These gemstones form deep within the Earth over the course of billions of years.
Sapphires belong to the corundum family of minerals. Both sapphires and rubies are corundum, with trace elements providing their color. For sapphires, it is the presence of iron and titanium that produces blue hues.
Corundum forms under intense heat and pressure at least 5 kilometers underground. Temperatures well over 1000°C are required to grow these crystals. As the corundum forms, trace minerals are incorporated into the structure, creating color variation.
Over vast lengths of time, the corundum crystals grow and are eventually brought closer to the surface through geological activity. Sapphires are extremely tough and durable, enabling them to withstand this journey from the depths.
Finally, shallow pockets of sapphire-bearing rock are mined, cut, and polished to reveal their inner radiance. The sapphires that adorn our jewelry boxes are truly wonders billions of years in the making.
Just like a sapphire, a loving relationship takes time, dedication, and perseverance to grow and thrive. The sapphire engagement ring honors this bond that can weather any storm and is meant to last forever.
How to Choose a Sapphire Engagement Ring
Ready to look for the perfect sapphire engagement ring? Keep the following tips in mind while shopping:
- Consider the cut – Well-cut sapphires exhibit more brilliance through their precisely angled facets. Common cuts include oval, round, cushion, emerald, and asscher.
- Look at color saturation – More saturated blues tend to be more desirable and valuable. Evaluate color in different lighting.
- Examine clarity – Inclusions can affect transparency and durability. Loupe magnification can help assess clarity.
- Review carat weight – Higher carat sapphires are rare and pricier. Consider size along with budget.
- Choose the setting carefully – Prongs and metal should be sturdy enough to secure the sapphire.
- Buy certified – Accredited gem labs like GIA issue certificates verifying a sapphire’s quality.
- View in person – Seeing a sapphire ring in real life can prevent unwelcome surprises.
- Trust your eye – Pick a sapphire you find enchanting based on your preferences.
The search for the perfect sapphire ring should lead you to jewelry stores and sites you can trust. Established jewelers have access to a range of certified sapphires to help you find the ideal fit based on your budget and style.
The gifted artisans at Melissa Tyson Design can help make your sapphire ring dreams come true with their custom designed, handcrafted jewelry. Schedule a consultation today to get started creating a sapphire engagement ring that will be treasured for generations.
A Sapphire Ring for Your Everlasting Love
For centuries, sapphire engagement rings have united couples in the bonds of love, commitment, and fidelity. Their stunning beauty and enduring strength make them the perfect symbol of a lifelong partnership.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your relationship, consider honoring your devotion with a sapphire ring. The journey to find the perfect one, from the mines to the jewelry store, parallels the quest to find a perfect partner.
Let the sapphire’s deep blue hues remind you both of the vastness of your love, more beautiful and precious than any gemstone. Your lives and love will only grow richer and more brilliant with each passing year.