Sapphire Engagement Rings - A Closer Look

It's an untraditional path...

Unique by nature of one of the most salient advertising campaigns in world history. The diamond giant De Beers, enlisted N.W Ayers ad agency for the genius creative approach to, "create a situation where almost every person pledging marriage feels compelled to acquire a diamond engagement ring."

This was 1938. Here we are today...

We don't opt for a diamond alternative to go against the grain. She doesn't choose a parti sapphire or demantoid garnet to be 'quirky'. The characteristics of her are evident within a sapphire. Individualistic traits that have an important variance - because, she is unique.

The Appeal of Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphires are a beautiful and durable alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. They come in a range of colours, from deep blue to pink, yellow, and even green. Many people choose sapphire engagement rings because they want something unique and distinctive. In terms of hardness, sapphires are second only to diamonds, making them a good choice for daily wear.

However, some people wonder whether sapphire is a suitable stone for an engagement ring. The answer is yes! In fact, sapphire has been used in engagement rings for centuries. It's a symbol of loyalty, trust, and honesty. As the birthstone for September, it's also a popular choice for those born in that month.

Sapphire vs. Diamond

When it comes to price, sapphires are generally less expensive than diamonds. However, the cost of a sapphire engagement ring can still vary widely depending on the size, colour, and quality of the stone. Some sapphires, such as pink and padparadscha sapphires, can be even more expensive than diamonds.

Sapphire engagement rings have a long history of being chosen by royalty. Perhaps the most famous example is Princess Diana's engagement ring, which featured a large oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. This iconic ring was later passed down to her son, Prince William, who gave it to his wife, Kate Middleton, when they got engaged.

There are also some superstitions surrounding sapphires. For example, it's believed that wearing a sapphire will bring bad luck to anyone born in the month of April. It's also said that sapphires can protect against envy and harm, making them a popular choice for royalty and other powerful figures.

Design Options for Sapphire Engagement Rings

One of the benefits of choosing a sapphire engagement ring is the wide variety of design options available. Some popular designs include:

• Oval solitaire: A classic and timeless option that showcases the beauty of the sapphire.

• Marquise: A distinctive and elegant cut that elongates the finger and adds a touch of glamour.

• Any arrangement with emerald cut or baguette cut; A rectangular cut that creates a sleek and modern look - with the long step cuts, you are showcasing colour and clarity.

• Two-stone: A trendy and unique design that features two stones, such as a sapphire and a diamond, side by side.

• Sapphire trilogy: A classic design that features three sapphires, representing the past, present, and future.

• Cluster; A centred focal point with a unique sapphire, surrounded by a 'cluster' of diamond side stones.

Sapphires also pair well with a variety of diamond cuts, including radiant, cushion, and round cuts. There are also different styles of engagement rings to choose from, such as vintage rose gold and unique yellow gold. With so many options, you're sure to find a sapphire engagement ring that reflects your personal style.

Creating a custom sapphire engagement ring requires skill, expertise, and attention to detail. That's why it's important to work with a reputable and experienced engagement ring designer. At Lei è, we specialise in creating unique and bold engagement rings using sapphire and unique diamonds. We work closely with each client to ensure that their vision is brought to life in a stunning and one-of-a-kind piece.

Most Expensive Type Of Sapphire?

Sapphires are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, prized for their stunning blue hue and durability. However, not all sapphires are created equal. Some are much more valuable than others, and the price can vary based on factors such as colour, clarity, and size. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the most expensive types of sapphires.

This are the most expensive by market demand, however we'll take the approach of industry rarity and difficulty to source. As well, to be honest, the most special for us to design with.

• Australian Sapphire; Australian sapphires are mined in several locations throughout Australia, including Queensland and New South Wales. They are known for their deep blue colour and are often used in engagement rings and other types of fine jewellery. Australian sapphires can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per carat, depending on the quality of the stone. They are growing in popularity and in recent years are becoming more difficult to source due to the unique colour zoning that provides an individualism that is not seen in other singular toned sapphires mentioned below.

• Burmese Ruby Sapphire; Burmese Ruby sapphires are another highly coveted type of sapphire. They are mined in the Mogok region of Burma and are known for their deep red colour, which is caused by the presence of chromium. Burmese Ruby sapphires are rare, with only a few mines in the world producing them. They are also highly valued for their clarity and size. The most expensive Burmese Ruby sapphire ever sold at auction was a 15.99-carat stone, which fetched $50 million in 2015. HOWEVER, due to the labour conditions and unwillingness to cooperate with global ethical and sustainability standards, the supply of gemstones from Burma has been largely smothered in recent years. Sourcing stones from this region is considered an unethical industry practice.

• Ceylon Sapphire; Ceylon sapphires are another popular type of sapphire, named after the island of Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon). They are known for their rich, bright blue colour, and are often used as the centerpiece in high-end jewellery. Ceylon sapphires can range in price from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per carat, depending on the quality and size of the stone.

• Kashmir Sapphire; Kashmir sapphires are widely considered to be the most valuable and desirable sapphires in the world. They are named after the region of Kashmir, where they were first discovered in 1881. Kashmir sapphires are known for their rich, velvety blue colour and their exceptional clarity. They are also extremely rare, with only a few hundred known to exist. A top-quality Kashmir sapphire can fetch millions of dollars at auction.

The Most Valuable Sapphire In The World

Let us preface this with appreciating that it would likely be a head to head finish line call between Kashmir and who we consider the most desirable and expensive sapphire in the world, the Padparadscha Sapphire.

• Padparadscha Sapphire; Padparadscha sapphires are a unique type of sapphire that are highly sought after by collectors. They are named after the lotus flower, which is known as the "padma" in Sanskrit. Padparadscha sapphires are a pink-orange colour and are considered to be the rarest type of sapphire. They are mined in Sri Lanka and Tanzania, and a high-quality Padparadscha sapphire can fetch several thousand dollars per carat.
  
  

In conclusion, sapphires are a highly valued gemstone, and the most expensive types of sapphires can fetch millions of dollars at auction. Whether you're a collector or simply a lover of fine jewellery, these stunning gemstones are sure to captivate and inspire. From the velvety blue of the Kashmir sapphire to the unique pink-orange of the Padparadscha sapphire, each type of sapphire has its own distinctive beauty and character.

Lei è - The Unique Engagement Rings. A non-traditional approach of creating and highlighting the individualistic characteristics for your engagement ring.