Sapphire Wedding Rings: A Unique And Meaningful Choice

Sapphires are a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings due to their association with royalty, romance, wisdom and purity. They are durable gemstones that can last a lifetime and be passed down for generations. The deep blue gemstone is often sourced from Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with commercial-quality sapphires typically coming from Thailand. The Natural Sapphire Company and Tacori are examples of companies that offer sapphire wedding rings.

Sapphire's royal history

Sapphires have a rich history with royalty, with the gemstone being associated with royal families for centuries. The allure of sapphires for royalty dates back to the Middle Ages, when the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolise Heaven, and common people believed the gemstone attracted divine acts. Ancient kings and queens of Greece and Rome believed sapphires protected them from harm and envy, and in the Middle Ages, sapphires were worn as amulets to ward off evil.

The gemstone's name, 'sapphire', comes from the Greek word 'Sappheiros', meaning blue colour. It has traditionally symbolised nobility, truth, sincerity, romance and faithfulness.

Queen Victoria of England, who regularly received sapphires from her husband, Prince Albert, was a noted sapphire lover. One of the most famous sapphires, the 1840 Prince Albert Brooch, was commissioned by Prince Albert and given to Queen Victoria on their wedding night. The brooch, featuring a large oval or cushion-shaped sapphire surrounded by 12 large diamonds, is now worn by Queen Elizabeth II and is estimated to be worth £8,000,000.

Sapphires have been used in a romantic sense by the British Royal Family, with Prince Charles proposing to Princess Diana with a bold blue sapphire and diamond ring. This ring was then used by their son, Prince William, to propose to Kate Middleton.

Sapphires have also adorned the crowns, gowns, jewellery and robes of royalty for centuries. The Imperial State Crown features two legendary sapphires: the St. Edward's Sapphire and the Stuart Sapphire. The St Edward's Sapphire is believed to have been in the coronation ring of Edward the Confessor, who ascended the English throne in 1042. The Stuart Sapphire is a striking 104-carat oval stone, which is part of the circlet of the crown.

Sapphires have been a favourite of other royal families, too. The French Crown Jewels included the Grand Sapphire, a 135.74-carat stone acquired during the reign of Louis XIV. The gemstone is now in the National Museum of Natural History. Another famous sapphire, the Ruspoli Sapphire, was acquired by the Grand Duchess Maria Pavlova of Russia and set in a Russian kokoshnik by Cartier.

The allure of sapphires for royalty is clear, with the gemstone being a symbol of nobility, truth and sincerity, as well as being associated with royalty for centuries.

Sapphire's durability

Sapphires are highly durable, making them a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. They are the third hardest gemstone, falling just behind diamonds in terms of toughness. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sapphires score a 9 out of 10, with diamonds being the only crystal harder than corundum (sapphire). This means that sapphires are inherently strong and resistant to scratching, breaking, chipping, cracking, and other forms of abrasion. They can withstand everyday wear and their polish is resistant to most chemicals.

Sapphires are also known for their beauty and brilliance, making them a desirable gemstone for jewellery. They come in a wide range of colours, including blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, green, and white. The blue sapphire is the most sought-after, known for its association with romance and royalty. Sapphires are also believed to symbolise truth, loyalty, and sincerity, making them a meaningful choice for engagement and wedding rings.

While sapphires are durable, they do require some care to maintain their brilliance. It is recommended to store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches and keep them in a cool, dark place to preserve their colour. Sapphires should also be removed during physical activities, when in contact with household cleaners, and when swimming, as chlorine can damage the gem's polish and finish.

Sapphire's colour

Sapphires are known for their variety of colours, ranging from the classic blue to yellow, orange, green, purple, black, and even white (colourless). The blue sapphire is the most common and well-known type, with its regal and rich colour, ranging from bright and vivid to darker and more velvety shades. Blue sapphires get their colour from the presence of trace amounts of iron and titanium in the crystal structure.

However, sapphires come in almost every colour of the rainbow, including pink, rose, violet, yellow, orange, green, blue-green, and white. The special combination of pink-orange or orange-pink is known as Padparadscha sapphire, the rarest and most valuable type of sapphire. Padparadscha sapphires are named after the Sinhala word for "lotus flower" in Sri Lanka and are famed for their unique play of colours.

Yellow sapphires range from light to medium and vivid yellow hues, with the latter sometimes called "Canary Yellow". Orange sapphires can be a bright orange hue or have an additional strong red coloration, in which case they are known as "Red Sapphires". Green sapphires, on the other hand, come in light, dark, and blue-green varieties, with the "Montana sapphires" being a unique silvery-green colour.

Purple sapphires also offer a range of shades, from light to medium and vivid purple. The rarest purple sapphires are deep purple shades, known as "Deep Purple" or "Dark Purple", resembling an intense lilac colour. Pink sapphires, from light to vivid pink, are also popular, with the "Hot Pink" variety being quite rare due to their unique colour composition.

White sapphires, or leucosapphires, are completely colourless and are an alternative to white diamonds. They can also have a delicate hue, sometimes called "Champagne-coloured" sapphires, which can range from light yellow to orange or pink.

The wide range of colours in sapphires, along with their durability and hardness, make them a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings, allowing individuals to choose a stone that reflects their unique personality and taste.

Sapphire sourcing

Sapphires are sourced from all over the world, with some of the best stones coming from Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The source of origin often impacts the price of the sapphire. Commercial-quality sapphires are typically sourced from Thailand.

Sri Lanka is known for producing some of the highest-quality sapphires in the world. The country's sapphires are mined using sustainable methods that focus on reducing environmental impact and ensuring the safety and well-being of workers.

Australia is another country that is working towards ethical sourcing of sapphires. The Australian sapphire industry is largely focused on small-scale, artisanal mining operations, which tend to be more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible than large-scale industrial mining. Australian sapphire mines also operate under strict environmental regulations.

Madagascar has also made efforts to improve ethical sourcing in the sapphire industry. Some mining operations in the country are now certified as being socially and environmentally responsible, and there are ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and reduce child labour.

Canada is also involved in the sapphire industry, with companies like Sorbet Sapphire sourcing sapphires from Australia.

Sapphire with diamonds

Sapphires with diamonds are a stunning combination, offering a unique twist on traditional diamond rings. The deep blue sapphire, often associated with royalty, trust, and wisdom, is a popular choice for engagement rings. When paired with the sparkle of diamonds, it creates a breathtaking piece of jewellery.

When considering a sapphire and diamond ring, there are several factors to keep in mind. Firstly, sapphires come in a variety of colours, including the classic blue, as well as yellow, pink, purple, and even white. Selecting a colour that appeals to your personal taste and complements your skin tone is essential. The cut of the sapphire is also crucial, with popular choices being round, oval, cushion, and emerald. Each cut highlights different facets of the stone, so choosing the right one will enhance the sapphire's beauty.

The Brilliant Earth Sapphire Valencia Diamond Ring is a stunning example of a sapphire and diamond ring. This ring can be customised with your choice of a round, cushion, oval, or emerald-cut sapphire, surrounded by a gallery of micro-pavé diamonds. The metal can also be selected from yellow, white, or rose gold, or platinum, to suit your preference.

Another exquisite option is the Trumpet & Horn Braswell Ring, a Victorian-inspired piece. This one-of-a-kind ring features a midnight blue sapphire surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds, set in yellow or rose gold, or platinum. The Barbela Sapphire Stellan Ring is a more understated choice, with a 14K yellow gold band, a sapphire stone, and two diamonds for a touch of elegance.

When it comes to caring for your sapphire and diamond ring, it is important to clean it regularly using a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals and store the ring separately to prevent scratches. Additionally, consider having a professional jeweller inspect the ring every 6-12 months to ensure its longevity.

Sapphire and diamond rings offer a unique blend of colour and sparkle, making them a meaningful and captivating choice for engagement or wedding rings. With their rich symbolism and timeless beauty, sapphires paired with diamonds create a stunning expression of love and commitment.

Frequently asked questions