Uniquely Coloured Sapphire Engagement Rings

The traditional choice of diamonds for engagement rings can sometimes feel commonplace and routine; if you, however, desire something more unique, then consider sapphire engagement rings, which come in a collection of unusual and rare colours.

Purple and violet sapphire engagement rings are often confused, but they are actually two distinct shades. Purple is, in fact, a blended hue of red with a mixture of blue, while violet is a blend of blue with purple. Securing such rare coloured sapphires may seem rather pointless, given the availability of other purple and violet gemstones, but sapphires are far more durable and brilliant than any stones of the same colour. The colour of violet and purple sapphires is also much more stable, compared to an amethyst’s sensitivity to heat and light. Similarly, the lustre of sapphires alone can be enough for experienced jewellers and gemologists to distinguish this superior stone from other gemstones of the same colour. What makes sapphires of such colour even more unique is their tendency subtly to shift in colour under different kinds of lighting, and will, for example, appear violet under daylight and distinctly purple under incandescent lights.

Green is a rare colour for a sapphire, but because this type of sapphire is not yet widely known to the public, you can still expect to find reasonable prices. Naturally coloured green sapphire engagement rings will range from light yellow-green to blue-green; however, they do not bear much resemblance to emeralds, being more similar in colour to peridots or tourmalines. Nevertheless, green sapphires have a unique beauty of their own and are, in fact, far more brilliant than emeralds, as well as harder and more durable than any similarly coloured gems.

While many sapphires shift colour under different lighting conditions, colour-change sapphires are particularly exceptional and rare. Such sapphires change colour dramatically, for example, from greenish-blue in daylight to brownish-red in incandescent light. Such rare stones are valued, not for the attractiveness of their alternating colours, but for how dramatic and complete the change of colour is. Though such sapphires tend to be rather small, their brilliance and uniqueness more than make up for it.

Until recently, brown sapphires were not considered to be gem-quality stones, but a new appreciation for their beautiful hues of honey brown, terra cotta and cognac has emerged. These warm, earthy toned sapphire engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular due the growing appreciation for fancy coloured gemstones.

As you can see, there is no need to feel compelled to choose a diamond for your engagement ring, especially when there is such a wide selection of rare and exquisitely coloured sapphires which are relatively unknown.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From a diamond to a sapphire engagement ring from a princess cut to a platinum band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.