Shop Smart for Sapphire Engagement Rings

Buying an engagement ring involves many big decisions and everyone has their own budget considerations among others. Sapphire engagement rings are perhaps one of the more expensive options but they are an excellent investment. Should you decide on buying one, you will need to consider your purchase carefully and this step-by-step guide to buying sapphire engagement rings aims to help.

Set Your Budget

It is a good idea to set your budget before you even look at any sapphire engagement rings. You need to set it and stick to it. Sapphires vary greatly in price and you can buy stones that range from £30 per carat to £6000 per carat. The most famous sapphire on record was sold at £80,000 per carat, well out of most peoples’ price range. Jewellers will often ask you what your budget is before you start to look for your ring and it is wise to be honest with them so that they can help you get the best for your money.

The prices of sapphires vary in order of importance starting with the cut, then the transparency of the stone, the number of inclusions or clarity and finally by the colour. Size is not so important when it comes to prices, as larger sapphires with a lower quality of the four Cs will be worth less than a smaller, higher quality stone.

Choose a Complementary Metal Setting

Because of the huge range of colour varieties of sapphire, the choice of metal band used in sapphire engagement rings needs to be carefully considered. The band must complement and not conflict the stone and metals such as silver and white gold are often used to accentuate the natural blue of the traditional sapphires. Yellow gold settings are commonly used for the orangey-pink Padparadscha sapphires whereas pink sapphires suit all of the metal settings. Of course setting is a matter of personal choice and you need to think about what you want from your ring and what appeals to you most.

Potential Fakes

Unfortunately, there are jewellers out there who will try to sell fake stones if they think they can get away with it. Blue spinel and blue tourmaline are often passed off as true sapphires, so be careful when you make your purchase. The more you know the less likely it is that you will get ripped off.

Work with Reputable Dealers

It is always safer to begin your shopping with a high-street chain jeweller if you are not confident that you won’t be taken for a ride. These high profile jewellers are the most scrutinised and you are least likely to be duped. If, however, you want to go down the independent bespoke line, make sure you ask for certification of any sapphire you purchase. Any jeweller worth their salt will have all the necessary documentation to hand.

Buy Loose, Wholesale Sapphires

Many retailers need to put the price of their jewels up because they need to make a profit. If you buy from a wholesaler, however, you can buy loose stones for a much cheaper price. You can then take these stones to a bespoke jeweller who will set them into the ring just as you want. This allows for more flexibility in design and more individual elements being incorporated into the final piece.

Shop Around

There is a great advantage to shopping around. Talk to jewellers and glean as much information as you can before making your purchase. Most jewellers have many different sapphires in their collections so there are many stones to compare and consider. Prices vary widely and by shopping around you can consider many sapphire engagement rings and make a more informed choice that suits your budget and your design ideas.

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.