If you’re thinking of choosing a gemstone engagement ring over a traditional diamond style, a sapphire engagement ring is an exceptional choice. From their unique look to their uniquely excellent price point, there’s so much to love about sapphire rings— all of which we’re covering below. Here are the top reasons you should choose a sapphire engagement ring. 

Stunning Color 

Barkev's Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring BSC-7714LBS
Barkev’s Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring BSC-7714LBS

For most people, the main appeal of sapphire is its stunning color. Blue sapphires have been beloved for their mesmerizing blue hue for thousands of years. And, today, the appeal of the blue sapphire’s lush color is still going strong. But did you know that sapphires come in more than one beautiful color? 

Sapphire is a word used for gemstone quality corundum. Corundum is a naturally transparent mineral that can easily take on color when it’s exposed to materials during its formation. Because of this, sapphires come in virtually every color of the rainbow. Blue sapphires and pink sapphires are the most popular color varieties in the modern era, but there are many other stunning options. There are green sapphires, yellow sapphires, orange sapphires, white sapphires, purple sapphires, and more. There’s also a red form of corundum, but you’d see that called a ruby, rather than a red sapphire. 

With so many color options in the sapphire category, a sapphire engagement ring can be as vibrant as your heart desires. This color variety also means that it’s easy to find a sapphire that will pair beautifully with your favorite metal. Whether you love icy white gold and platinum, warm yellow gold, or romantic rose gold, there’s a sapphire gemstone that’s perfect for you. 

The Price Advantage

Sapphires are rarer than diamonds, so it may surprise you to learn that they’re usually much less expensive than diamonds. While the cost of gemstones can vary widely depending on their finer details (like their cut, clarity, color), sapphires are generally much more affordable than diamonds. On average, a one-carat diamond costs around $4,000, while a one-carat sapphire costs around $700. 

Larger Center Stone For Less

Barkev's 2 Carat Blue Sapphire Ring BSC-7839LBS
Barkev’s 2 Carat Blue Sapphire Ring BSC-7839LBS

Because sapphires are generally more affordable than diamonds, choosing a sapphire ring instead of a diamond ring can help you seriously maximize your budget. For many people, this means going for a much larger center stone, but you can use the extra room in your budget in other ways. For example, you could select a more glamorous diamond ring setting or opt for a three-stone engagement ring instead of a solitaire. 

Beautiful Meaning 

Over the ages, sapphires have been associated with a variety of beautiful meanings. For centuries, sapphires have been seen as a symbol of heaven, joy, prosperity, good health, wisdom, and inner peace. In engagement rings, sapphires are also thought to symbolize loyalty, truth, and trust, making it a fitting gem for a couple that’s starting their new life together. 

Heirloom Quality Durability 

Barkev's Vintage Blue Sapphire Ring BSC_8184L
Barkev’s Vintage Blue Sapphire Ring BSC_8184L

Sapphires have a timeless style— and they also have a durability level that makes them stand the test of time. The sapphire gemstone ranks at a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, second only to the diamond. In addition to being impressively hard, sapphires also don’t have what gemologists refer to as cleavage. Essentially, this means that sapphires won’t break easily when struck with force. Altogether, the impressive hardness and strength of the sapphire make it a gem that can be worn for many generations. 

An Elegant Accent 

As anyone who has ever seen a blue sapphire ring with a diamond halo setting can tell you, sapphires look beautiful when paired with diamonds. This makes sapphires a versatile center stone option that looks breathtaking in many different ring setting styles (including virtually every halo engagement ring style). Sapphires can also be used to wonderful effect when used as side stones. So, if you have your heart set on a diamond engagement ring but you also love the look of sapphires, you can have your cake and eat it too by selecting a ring style with sapphire accents. 

A Regal Legacy 

Barkev's Pear Shape Blue Sapphire Ring BSC-8219LBS
Barkev’s Pear Shape Blue Sapphire Ring BSC-8219LBS

Sapphires are considered regal gemstones, as they’ve long been associated with royalty. Kings and queens have worn sapphires since ancient times when Greek and Roman royals believed that sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. Royals continued to don sapphires throughout the ages and into the modern era, which brings us to one of the most famous pieces of royal jewelry of all time: Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring. 

Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire and diamond halo engagement ring helped usher sapphire rings into the modern era. Her ring sparked a sapphire engagement ring craze when it debuted in 1981, then again in 2010 when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the same gorgeous ring. 

A Ring That’s Uniquely Yours

Though they may trend from time to time, sapphire engagement rings are always a rare choice. Sapphire engagement rings, wedding bands, and bridal sets are far less common than their diamond counterparts, so a sapphire ring always looks unique. This makes this gemstone engagement ring the perfect choice for someone who likes to express their one-of-a-kind personality and stand out from the crowd. 

Discover Sapphire Engagement Rings 

Ready to discover your perfect sapphire engagement ring? Shop our full selection of women’s blue sapphire and pink sapphire engagement rings. We offer a range of finely made sapphire rings, with designs that range from vintage-inspired to strikingly modern. Browse our selection and discover halo diamond and sapphire rings, blue sapphire three stone rings, rose gold and pink sapphire band rings, and much more. Whether you’re searching for an on-trend best seller style or a ring that’s utterly unexpected, we’re here to help you find your dream ring.