Sapphire has become a very popular diamond alternative in the realm of engagement rings. This stone has many attractive benefits that catch modern couple’s eyes. Bridal jewelry is easily one of the most important accessory purchases anyone will make in their lifetime. Selecting something that is appropriate in terms of value, appearance and meaning is necessary to keep both parties happy and satisfied. Before settling for anything else, consider the many reasons that sapphire has made itself a desirable gemstone for engagement pieces.
Nearly Limitless Colors for Every Personality
Sapphire comes in a rainbow of hues, which gives it nearly limitless design options. It’s easy to put together an original arrangement when there are so many vibrant colors to work with. Blue versions are very fetching and range from icy light blue to deep, dark azure. Yellows are the second most popular coloration and generally feature a bright, sunny tone that gives the setting warmth and richness that isn’t easy to come by elsewhere.
Pink sapphires are a third option. This hue also comes in very pale tones as well as darker versions that immerse the eyes in exquisite shades. There is actually a second pinkish version called Padparadscha. This stone is not well-known and has a unique pink-orange tint. A true Padparadscha is pricy to purchase because of their rarity.
Green is also not easy to find as well as dramatic color change sapphires which switch between hues in different lighting. Other variations include white (or colorless), purple, violet and lavender.
A Rock That Will Last
Appearance is important in engagement jewelry, but so is durability. Many brides wear their engagement ring with their wedding band each day. A fragile stone may be damaged when exposed to the rigors of daily life. Sapphires are recognized as a very tough gemstone, making it an excellent choice for use in items that will be worn every day. Diamond is given a 10 rating on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Sapphire comes in close with a hardness rating of 9.
Consumers should remember that a strong stone should still be properly maintained. Regular cleaning can help prolong the life of the piece. Contact with chemicals, rough surfaces or other factors can impact the way the ring looks over time. Even if the stone remains pristine, the setting may not.
Sapphire May Fit Better into Your Budget
There will always be price variation among stones, even when reviewing the same type of stone. Clarity, cut and color will determine the value of the gem. One sapphire may not be as vibrant or clear as another, which will reduce its monetary value. That being said, sapphire is generally cheaper to purchase than diamond. Many couples go with a white sapphire as a stand in for real diamond. The stones look similar and are both very hard. Of course it all comes down to the quality of the individual jewel. It is best to compare prices before choosing any gemstone to make sure that the price is right and the quality is as good as you can get within your price range.