The Best Engagement Ring Cut for Your Sapphire

There are no standard ‘ideal’ cuts for sapphires, unlike diamonds and their famous round cut; instead, each individual sapphire must be custom cut in order to help the finished gemstone display the best colour and brilliance. The engagement ring cut for a sapphire is a lot more complicated than it is for diamonds due to the broad variety of sapphires’ colours, each with its own unique properties. As a result there is no standardisation of sapphire cuts, and jewellers usually set their own standards when it comes to the cut.

Ideally, a well-cut sapphire will display the colour, the most important factor when determining value, of the gemstone to its best ability, while also enhancing the gem’s natural lustre and brilliance. Often a lighter coloured sapphire will be cut more deeply to add dimension and intensity to the colour, while a very dark sapphire will be cut shallower to allow more light to reflect within the gem, softening and brightening the colour.

Regardless of the shape, the engagement ring cut of a sapphire should always be symmetrical and even, with the facets on the top of the gem also even in size, shape and location. The largest facets on the top of the crown – the table – should be well-centred and symmetrical so that when a sapphire is rocked or tilted, it will produce flashes of bright colour with no dull spots.

The most classic engagement ring cut for a sapphire is the emerald cut, with its favoured clean lines and regal simplicity. Because of its facet structures, though, sapphires cut in this shape have to be of extremely high quality and so are not the best choice if you’re on a budget. The round brilliant cut tends to be the most preferred sapphire cut because, although ideally suited for diamonds, the optical brilliance of its 360 degree symmetrical shape is also ideal for sapphires. A cushion cut sapphire is relatively rare as a choice for an engagement ring but is therefore perfect for those people who prefer something more unique. And, of course, the largest cut sapphire in the world, the Logan Sapphire, is a cushion cut.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring cut for your sapphire, although in some cases it does largely depend on the quality of sapphire you can afford. Primarily, it is a matter of personal preference – if you think it looks best, then it doesn’t matter what anyone else says.

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.