Hints And Tips To Find The Perfect Sapphire Engagement Ring

Many people choose to buy a sapphire engagement ring because they are available in a wide variety of colours and are more affordable than diamonds. Many people are attracted to the prospect of buying a larger sapphire on the same budget as a diamond.

It is still important, however, to be clued up about sapphires so that you make the best decision for your engagement ring in terms of the gemstone’s value, quality and appearance.

Because there is such an expanse of sapphires available on the market, it is difficult to choose the perfect sapphire. Unlike diamonds, which have the guidelines of the 4C’s to measure their value, sapphires are more difficult to categorize.

The most important things to consider when deciding upon the perfect sapphire engagement ring are the colour, shape and size of the gemstone.

Colour

Dark blue is the most popular and valued sapphire colour and is the gemstone that carries a royal status because it is worn by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Most people prefer this colour of sapphire as it is well-known, classic and elegant.

That said, sapphires range in all colours of the spectrum and all of them can create a beautiful and bespoke ring. Sapphires are also available in pink, purple, yellow, orange, green and white. Pink sapphires are becoming a more common choice for sapphire jewellery.

No matter which colour you choose, it is important to consider the colour saturation of the sapphire. Sapphires with an even colouring are of a better quality than those that a lighter (less saturated) or darker (inkier) appearance.

Most importantly, make sure the sapphire you select has no inclusions, or tiny imperfections, that are visible to the eye.

Shape and size

The next key consideration when choosing the perfect sapphire engagement ring is the shape and size of the gemstone. There are many shapes available for sapphire centre stones. The ring could be a single solitaire sapphire which is seen most often in engagement rings. The most popular cuts for these rings are round, oval and cushion cuts. The standard size for a round sapphire is 6mm which is equivalent to a 0.75 carat diamond.

Three stone sapphire rings are an alternative to the classic round, oval and cushion cut sapphire. More commonly seen in anniversary and trinity rings, a three stone sapphire engagement ring could make for a more unique engagement ring.

Sapphire cluster rings have become increasingly popular. They are made up of several small sapphires in a cluster formation and can be set with or without diamonds. These types of rings are more economical than the single solitaire sapphire because they weigh less and, from a distance, the cluster appears to be one large gemstone.

Whether you choose a pink sapphire cluster ring mixed with diamonds or a deep blue sapphire solitaire, it is important to consider the quality of your sapphire engagement ring based on its colour, shape and size.

Frederick Holm writes for the F&L Designer Guides, which hosts a thriving community of independent engagement ring designers in the UK. Inspired by their search for a distinctive, one-of-a-kind sapphire engagement ring, F&L now celebrates the works of their favourite designers and helps promote the notion of "Go Bespoke" as a more imaginative and interesting alternative to the limitations of High Street shopping.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.