Our Engagement Rings-The Sapphire Ring

When Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, was engaged back in 2010, woman all over the world were curious about the ring Prince William gave to her. Much to the surprise of many people it was not a diamond ring; it was a blue sapphire engagement ring she enjoyed. Making it even more special was the fact that it was the very same ring that Prince Charles had given the Princess Diana when they were engaged back in 1981.

Sapphire engagement rings are not new, neither are they a fad that will quickly disappear. Thanks to the engagement and wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this particular type of engagement ring has become even more famous and admired around the world by soon to be betrothed lovers.

History of Sapphire Rings

Even before diamond engagement rings became the norm, couples had already been using various gemstones, particularly Sapphire, as symbols of their love, devotion and intention to share their lives together. In fact, it was only toward the middle of the 20th century that diamond rings became the standard for engagement rings. In part, this was due to the overwhelming supply of diamonds discovered in Africa and Brazil. An extensive marketing campaign by a gentleman named De Beers really made the diamond famous and Mr De Beers coined the phrase "A Diamond is Forever".

Sapphires have long been used for engagement rings as they symbolize the core values of love, romance, honesty, and commitment. People believed that Sapphires protected them from harm and that terrible emotion called envy. They also believed that Sapphires sent the owners blessings from Heaven.

Sapphire Engagement Rings-A Test of Fidelity

The Sapphire ring has long been held as representatives of purity and fidelity. It is interesting to note that crusaders of the 12th century gave Sapphire rings to their wives as a means for them to evaluate whether they had been faithful or not. It was believed that if the color of the Sapphire ring faded, then the woman who wore it had been unfaithful and is impure.

Of course, today this belief is viewed as absurd. But nonetheless, its meaning remains true.When a man gives his lady a Sapphire ring, it symbolizes his intentions that she remain faithful to him through thick and thin.

Sapphire Engagement Rings-Perfect Alternative to Diamond Rings

Although Diamond Rings continue to be highly desirable, they are becoming overrated and many young couples are starting to realize this. In fact many lovers nowadays are opting for other gemstones, particularly Sapphire, as a way for them to celebrate their love. One thing that makes Sapphires more exciting than their Diamond counterparts is color. Sapphires come in many different colors. The most common is blue, however, you can find purple, violet, green, orange, white and even pink.

Purple and Violet Sapphires

Many people believe purple and violet are the same. Of course, they are not. They are two different hues. Purple is produced by mixing red with blue while violet is produced when blue and purple are mixed together. What makes these two colors even more interesting is that they shift in color depending on what kind of light hits them. Under florescent light purple will look violet. Violet rings, on the other hand, look purple under incandescent lights.

Green Sapphires

Green Sapphires are very rare. Because of their rarity, many people don't think they exist. Green Sapphires are very brilliant: even more so than an Emerald. They are more durable than most other Sapphire's and are a little more pricey.

Orange Sapphires

There was a time that Orange Sapphires were quite under valued. In recent years Orange Sapphires have become highly desirable and have become a bit pricey.

White Sapphires

White Sapphires are really not white. They are colorless or transparent. There is less demand for White Sapphires making them very affordable.

Pink Sapphires

Many woman would love to have a Pink Diamond Engagement Ring. However, rarely can one be found under $10,000. Pink Sapphires are the perfect alternative. They are just as stunning and wont be half as pricey.

Is Sapphire for you?

At the end of the day, the question of which engagement ring to get depends on you and your lover. After considering preference, budget, and taste you cannot go wrong with Sapphires.

waswas engaged back in 2010, women all over the world were curious about the ring Prince William gave to her - See more at: http://ourengagementrings.com/sapphire-engagement-rings/#sthash.1oyuuDf6.dpuf

My name is Michelle Stockmam and I love to write.It has been a pleasure writing about Sapphire engagement rings.