Things to Know When Buying a Yellow Sapphire Engagement Ring

If you and your partner are one of those couples who have made a conscious decision to eschew a diamond engagement ring in favour of something more offbeat, unique and original (while no less beautiful), a yellow sapphire engagement ring just might be the perfect jewel for you. Sapphires are exotic-looking, sophisticated stones, and will look elegant on any finger, especially with the right setting and band to complement them.

When buying this kind of stone and ring, however, it is important to be as aware and informed as when buying a diamond. Just because yellow sapphire rings are not as popular or in-demand as diamond ones, it does not mean there are not people out there looking to capitalise on your lack of information on the subject. As such, there are a number of useful bits of information you and your partner should have in mind when shopping for your perfect yellow sapphire engagement ring.

First of all, it is important to be aware that a yellow sapphire engagement ring should be significantly cheaper than rings with other types of stones, including blue sapphire rings. This is because the yellow variant of this stone, while extremely beautiful, is less in-demand than the traditional blue kind, which allows rings set with it to be sold at a more affordable price. So be careful not to let anyone overcharge you for this type of ring. Ask for a quote on both yellow and blue sapphires from the jeweller – if the prices are approximate (or even higher for yellow sapphire), find another jeweller.

The second important thing to know is that the yellow sapphire is a considerably durable material, second only to diamonds when it comes to hardness. So if the stone set in a yellow sapphire engagement ring looks a little bit flimsy or breakable, beware – it may be a fake. Also try to make sure that the stone you are buying is of "AAA" grade. As with diamonds, sapphires (both yellow and blue) are graded on a scale of purity, and "AAA" is the highest possible ranking they can achieve. By aiming for stones of this calibre, you can therefore be sure to purchase the highest possible quality sapphire for your engagement ring. Natural stones are also preferable to synthetic ones, since they are more durable, more consistent in colour, and still relatively cheap.

You should not necessarily be put off, however, if the stone you are looking at is not perfectly round. Just because a sapphire does not have an exactly symmetrical shape, it does not mean it is automatically a fake. Yellow sapphires come in all shapes and sizes, and you should treat this, not as a source of suspicion, but as a bonus point – the fact that there are so many options available means you are far less restricted in the choice of centre stones for your ring.

Once you are armed with these items of knowledge, the hunt for your perfect yellow sapphire engagement ring should be much easier and hassle-free.

Laura L Bolick is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From yellow sapphire engagement rings to princess cuts and engraved bands, 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.