Sapphire Rings | Sapphire Ring Fundamentals

Sapphire rings are remarkable for their vivacious blue tones and elegant brilliance. Because of their beauty and resplendence, sapphire rings have been valued for thousands of years as some of the most luxurious and valuable jewelry possible. The heart of any sapphire ring is, of course, the gemstone at its center. Without a high-quality sapphire gem, a magnificent sapphire ring is practically impossible. Discovering perfection in this type of jewelry requires both an excellent precious gemstone and a flawless metal band. The combination of polished white gold with the deep and vivid tones of a sapphire creates a singular wonder which is always appreciated and fondly loved. Sapphire rings are incredible pieces of jewelry and are appropriate for any occasion as an excellent gift.

Featured Sapphire Rings

The products below represent some of the more exceptional sapphires rings available on the market today. Click the picture to directly purchase the ring that you like best. If you’d like to read a more in-depth review of a particular sapphire ring, please click on the link directly next to the image. If you’d like more information on the most important aspects of sapphire rings, feel free to scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Click here to see a selection of Sapphire ring settings and their prices.

Sapphire Ring Fundamentals – Finding the Perfect Sapphire

Since the sapphire centerpiece is what truly defines this type of ring, it’s prudent to put a great deal of effort into choosing a gem of quality, elegance, and beauty. Like most other precious gem rings, the look of a sapphire ring ultimately depends on the cut, clarity, carat weight, and color of the gemstone. What separates an excellent sapphire ring from a decent one often comes down to the specific gem used.

As the sapphire gem’s color deepens, the value and beauty of the sapphire ring increase. Because of this, many sapphire rings use gemstones which have been heated treated to achieve a more desirable color. This does not detract from the look or feel of the ring in any way. Natural sapphires which are just the right color and clarity are far rarer, and as such sapphire rings incorporating these gems are incredibly expensive.

When searching for a sapphire ring, pay attention to the origin and quality of the sapphire gemstone. Less reputable merchants may try to fool you by using colored cubic zirconia or glass instead of sapphire. This leaves you with a complete disappointment of a piece of jewelry. If the merchant will not be upfront about the sapphire ring, it is generally best to leave and find one that will be.

Sapphire Engagement Rings

It’s become more common to see sapphires used in engagement rings as people tire of using diamond solitaires. Sapphire engagement rings are incredibly lovely. They have the benefit of being rare, unique, and exquisitely beautiful. Many engagement rings choose to use sapphire as a mere accent instead of as the centerpiece gem. These are still beautiful rings, but they would not strictly be referred to as sapphire engagement rings.

Pink Sapphire Rings

While most people choose a sapphire ring for the strong blue tones of the centerpiece gemstone, others are looking for something slightly different. A pink sapphire ring suits the needs of these people as it retains the brilliance and structure of a traditional sapphire ring while capturing the essence of a, particularly unique color. Pink sapphire rings are just as exquisite as their blue cousins – they simply focus on a different tone. While not for everyone, a well crafted pink sapphire ring can look absolutely dazzling.

Choosing a Band Material for a Sapphire Ring

In order to have an amazing sapphire ring, you need more than a good sapphire gemstone. You also need a good band material. Because sapphire rings use precious gems, it is most common to see them crafted with the best in precious metals. White gold is the most common band material used for this type of jewelry since the deep blues fit perfectly with the austere luster of a polished white gold band. Platinum attains the same effect but generally costs a significant amount more. Sterling silver is not typically used for sapphire rings, although a few designs do exist. Yellow gold also makes an excellent sapphire ring band material. Blue and gold are two colors which fit together very nicely, creating a singular piece of jewelry that’s always pleasing to look upon.

Sapphire Rings

Sapphire is a magnificent gemstone that is both captivating and astonishing; a true visual feast.  Sister stone to the ruby, the sapphire is alluring with its many colors and uses.  This gemstone is not tied down to one specific color; in fact, it comes in a variety of breath-taking colors.  It carries shades of blues varying in saturation from pale crystal to deep royals that capture the mind.  Brilliant yellows and mesmerizing oranges and even immaculate clear mimicking the faces of diamonds can also be found. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings are often encrusted with this enthralling gemstone so vivid in both color and presence.

Sapphires are often paired with diamonds.  The shimmering faces of these precious beauties brighten and compliment the overall design and layout of these monumental pieces of jewelry.

The price of sapphires ranges from purity, color, and cut.  Sapphires whose hues are in the blue and violet ranges are considered highly valuable if the blue-violet hue is not muddled with gray and green hues.  The clearer or more purely hued the sapphire, the more stunning the gemstone becomes.  Blue is the most recognized color of sapphire and the most common of the hues.  There are rarer colors that occur naturally in this gemstone family that is considered “fancy”.  These normally carry quite a higher price tag than most sapphires.  Hues pink increase in value and price the darker and purer the shade of the gemstone and also the clarity of the hue.  When pink gemstones reach upward peaks of rich salmon color, the price immediately increases as well as the value.  These sapphires normally surpass the appraisal of even the most brilliantly cut blue sapphires.  More commonly found sapphires, mainly yellows and greens, are also considered fancy but do not carry such a high demand.

Color, hue, and shade of these marvelous gemstones are not the only set of rules deemed in figuring the worth and value.  The cut, size, and region where the sapphire was obtained also highly affect value.  The most abundant areas of sapphire deposits are found in Australia, Sri Lanka, Africa, and parts of the United States.  These are well known and are trustworthy locations in finding large, quality, amounts of the gemstone.

The value of the sapphire can be greatly diminished if there is any sign of alteration to the gem or treatments in which the purest color is revealed by the extraction of impurities.  By law, it must be told to the potential customer whether or not the sapphire naturally occurred as presented, or if it was altered in any way to improve or enhance.

Sapphires are popular and found in many forms of jewelry.  Sapphire rings adorn the fingers and accent the elegance of the hand. Necklaces encrusted with sapphires bring attention to the gentle curves of the neck, while sapphire bracelets embrace the wrist and charm the eye.

With such praise being placed upon this majestic precious gemstone, sapphires are commonly given as gifts for highly momentous occasions.  Sapphires have been so rightfully named as the gift for the 45th wedding anniversary.  For such a highly momentous occasion, who could argue with the immaculately present of such exquisite beauty and undeniable presence? Receivers of this gift will become enthralled by such a display of beauty evoked by the love and bond of 45 years of dedication to one another.  It is quite beautiful to place the sapphire necklace on the neck of your loved one or place the glowing sapphire ring upon their finger.  A gift such as this should be displayed fervidly and proudly.  The reason behind the sapphire makes the gift that much more spectacular and astounding, reminding you of the love and devotion of the one who revealed this stunning gift.

Sapphires are simply gorgeous creations.  They are magnificent offspring that only the earth can produce.  Gemstones such as these hold within them real meaning; the symbolization of dedication, devotion, and perpetual love.  Their beauty is pure and enchants the beholder with a sense of awe at such a marvelous work of art brought forth by nature alone.  Those who receive the gift of a sapphire will never forget it.  They are truly fortuitous to have such an astounding gift bestowed upon them.

Most Common Types of Sapphire Rings

Sapphire rings are one of those jewelry items that not everyone owns, but I wish that weren’t the case. I’d like to talk about the most common types of sapphire rings and tell you a little bit about them.

• Blue sapphire rings

As I mentioned, blue sapphires are the most common type of sapphire. Sapphires are composed of the mineral corundum. Titanium and Iron mixed with the corundum is what gives the blue sapphire its blue color. Vivid medium blue sapphires are the most desirable and are sometimes described as being a cornflower blue. Blue sapphire rings look stunning when paired with peridot jewelry, such as a peridot ring, that is worn next to the sapphire ring. Blue sapphires are also often paired with aquamarine rings. A high-quality natural sapphire ring of any size, say over 1 carat, can cost upwards of $10,000. Blue sapphire rings with natural sapphires that are considered “highly included” are more opaque, and have been heat treated (but are still beautiful

in appearance!) sell for under $1000 and are a good alternative to think about.

• Pink Sapphire Rings

It is interesting to note that blue sapphires and rubies are very closely related. Both have corundum as their base. When chrome is present in the corundum, the result will be a ruby. So actually a pink sapphire is the middle ground between a blue sapphire and a ruby, and are sometimes even referred to as a pink ruby. A deep pink sapphire will be very valuable. Many pink sapphires are heat treated to improve their appearance. A heat treated pink sapphire should not cost a much as a natural, vivid pink color one will so make sure to ask about that before you purchase a pink sapphire ring. Pricing for pink sapphires follows that of blue sapphires. If you are willing to purchase a heat treated stone that may have more inclusions, you can find beautiful pink sapphire rings for $1000 and under in 14K gold settings.

• Yellow Sapphire Rings

Look for deep yellow stones with no “orange” hues when looking for yellow sapphire rings. As with most sapphires, heat treatment is common to increase clarity and color, but heat treated stones are less valuable than naturally deep yellow ones are. Untreated Ceylon Sapphires from Sri Lanka, as yellow sapphires are sometimes known as, is priced from $100 to $400 per carat, depending on the clarity of the stone. Of course, larger ones with exceptional clarity and deep yellow color will be priced in the tens of thousands of dollars. Yellow sapphires are breathtaking when setting in white gold or platinum, as the silvery color of the setting makes the yellow color of the stone “pop”. Just think how beautiful a yellow sapphire ring would look in the springtime paired with a beautiful purple tanzanite necklace!

• White Sapphire Rings

White sapphire rings are sometimes used as a substitute for diamond rings. White sapphires, or colorless sapphires, are very durable but don’t have quite the brilliance and fire that a diamond has, however. Some white sapphires actually have a slight blue, pink or yellow tinge to them. White sapphires are wonderful used as accents in jewelry, as they are less expensive than diamonds but will give much the same look as a diamond will. Heat treatments are common in white sapphires, also. Large white sapphires are very rare, and will be very expensive if they are also high quality, with few inclusions and are truly “colorless”. Lesser quality stones that are still beautiful to the eye are very affordable for most people. Always insist on seeing the certificate of authenticity for a white sapphire, as with any precious gemstone. It will tell you the quality rating of the gem as well as if it has been heating treated.

A Sapphire Engagement Ring or Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring – a truly “beautiful” choice!

A sapphire engagement ring or sapphire and diamond engagement ring is often considered a designer piece of jewelry — made with original people in mind!

A sapphire engagement ring is easily distinguished from other varieties of jewelry. Most people associate sapphires with the color blue however they do come in other colors such as pink, yellow and white. Often a sapphire and diamond engagement ring is laid in a setting and complimented with one or a few smaller diamonds, though sometimes the gemstone may be set by itself. The simple elegance of the sapphire engagement ring makes it the perfect choice for the consumer looking for something different. The sapphire and diamond engagement ring has been the choice of ring for many couples for centuries.

Princess Diana had a sapphire engagement ring surrounded by diamonds!

A sapphire engagement ring is often set in a white gold or platinum band, however, for the traditionalist, there are several styles of yellow gold settings available. Princess Diana’s ring had a huge blue sapphire in the center and was surrounded by rows of brilliant diamonds.

A quality sapphire engagement ring can be acquired for as little as $99 — though some varieties run $500 or more.

The savvy consumer should have no difficulty selecting a sapphire engagement ring that is elegant yet also economical. The sapphire and diamond engagement ring that you select can highlight an oval-shaped sapphire flanked by round diamonds. Alternatively, it may highlight a princess cut diamond stone surrounded by baguette cut blue sapphires or even pink sapphires.

A truly beautiful sapphire engagement ring can be fashioned in any style, depending on your unique interests and those of your partner. A sapphire and diamond engagement ring can feature a stone from 3.5 to 5 millimeters in diameter or more. A traditional setting for a sapphire is an 18k gold band. This style of the ring may run between $500-2000, a worthy investment for your future soul mate.

Interesting Sapphire Facts

1. Sapphire Originates from the Greek “Sappheiros”: Sapphire gets its name from the greek “Sappheiros” which roughly translates to “blue stone.” Much like the rich purple hues of Amethyst, the saturated blues in sapphires have long been associated with wealth and royalty. In ancient Greek times, rulers believed that sapphire would protect them from jealousy.
2. Sapphires Come in Almost Any Color Except Red: Sapphire is one of two gemstones composed of the mineral corundum. Corundum in its pure form is actually colorless, but trace amounts of other elements like chromium, magnesium, and copper add colors ranging from blue, purple, orange, green, pink, and yellow.
3. Red Sapphire (Corundum) is Actually Ruby: When trace amounts of chromium are found in corundum, the resulting color is either pink or red. This is where defining gemstones can get a little tricky. If the resulting color is a light pink shade, then the stone is considered a sapphire. If the resulting color is a deeper reddish pink shade, the stone is considered a ruby.
4. Sapphire is the Second Hardest Gemstone Next to Diamond: Just like ruby, sapphire is ranked 9.0 on the Mohs scale, making it equal to ruby in terms of durability and second only to diamond that ranks 10. The only other gemstone that would rank above sapphire would be moissanite which is mostly found in its synthetic form.
5. Sapphire is the Official Birthstone for September: Lucky you, September babies! Blue sapphire was named the official birthstone of September by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also considered the birthstone of the zodiac sign Taurus according to this astrological birthstone chart.
6. Blue Sapphires Most Desirable Color is Cornflower Blue: Sapphire is largely valued based on its color. The most desired shade of blue sapphire is a medium toned, rich violet/blue tone also sometimes referred to as cornflower blue.
7. Most Sapphires are Heat Treated: Most commercial grade sapphires have been heat-treated to enhance both color and clarity. The picture displayed here shows rough sapphire on the right prior to having undergone heat treatment. On the left, you can see rough sapphire after it has been treated. It is much lighter and brighter in color. Some really high-quality sapphire that has not been heated treated command very high prices per carat.
8. Color Change Sapphire is Similar to Alexandrite: Sapphires with strong color change capabilities are among the rarest sapphires in existence. These sapphires act very similar to alexandrite in that they appear blue in natural lighting and purple in incandescent (light bulb/lamp) lighting.
9. Synthetic Sapphire was Created in 1902: Simulated sapphires made of glass have been around for hundreds of years, but synthetic sapphires that have the same chemical composition as a natural sapphire were invented in 1902. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a natural and a synthetic sapphire, so if you plan on spending thousands on a sapphire, be sure it is accompanied by a gemological certification.
10. Sapphires are Mined All Over the World: Sapphires have been mined in so many different parts of the world, but jewelry lovers have their favorite spots because each mine produces sapphire with slightly different color variations and inclusions. Two of the most famous sapphire destinations are Kashmir, India and Sri Lanka.

Conclusions:

My advice is always to shop at quality stores when shopping for gemstone jewelry, either online or in person, and this is no exception. A salesperson who refuses to show you a gemological certificate for sapphire rings is hiding something, so you should just go elsewhere. Sapphire rings, in whatever color you like, will always be a sophisticated, spectacular addition to your jewelry collection. I highly recommend getting one (or two) for yourself…today!

Happy Shopping!