Quality Factors for a Sapphire Engagement Ring

Many precious gems have experienced a renaissance in the present-day engagement jewellery market. In a field which used to be almost exclusively dominated by diamonds, certain long-neglected stones have dared to raise their head, to the extent where owning an emerald, ruby or sapphire engagement ring is no longer seen as a downgrade in the same way as it might have been a few decades ago.

Still, just because owning this type of ring is now seen as a valid alternative to owning a diamond, it does not mean brides and grooms-to-be browsing for rings topped with precious gems should settle for just anything. On the contrary, actually; couples shopping for a sapphire engagement ring should be just as discerning and critical as those browsing for diamond jewellery must be, and apply very much the same criteria to ascertain whether or not a stone is worth buying.

The Four C’s

In fact, sapphire appraisal is regulated by the exact same principles used to verify the quality of diamonds, namely the ‘four C’s’: carat, cut, colour and clarity. While these factors are more readily associated with sapphire’s more valuable ‘cousin’, the diamond, future brides and grooms who wish to purchase a sapphire engagement ring should therefore not be misled into thinking they do not apply to that stone as well.

As far as pricing scales go, the one used for sapphires is also quite similar to the one usually applied to diamonds. The value tends to be higher to reflect the degree of perfection, clarity and attractiveness of the stone. ‘Fancy’ sapphires also tend to be more expensive than ‘regular’ ones – particularly Padparadscha sapphires. However, unlike the fancy diamond market, the price discrepancy between the regular and the unusual sapphire is not as pronounced.

The difference between these two stones therefore lies in the fact that, for sapphires, the most common colour (blue) is also the most valuable. While other sapphire colours do exist, they are nowhere near as expensive as the average coloured diamond; a high-grade blue sapphire, on the other hand, can set buyers back considerable amounts, the same way a particularly dazzling clear diamond would.

What to Look For

In terms of what couples browsing for a sapphire engagement ring should look for, it is important to note that stones usually considered ‘high quality’ by experts tend to have strong saturation, while not having their colour or brightness compromised as a result. Similarly, inclusions are frowned upon, and the number of ‘rays’ at the top of the stone should never exceed 12 or dip under four.

It is also important to note that – at least for commercial-grade sapphires – the difference in price per carat is not as high as for diamonds. For example, a 5-carat sapphire will normally only cost about twice as much as 1-carat sapphire. Couples in love with this type of stone can therefore get more value for money than those who insist on a diamond to top their ring.Still, it is important to not let oneself get carried away in deceivingly good deals; future brides and grooms should still strive to make sure that the stone they are buying is of the highest possible quality!

Frank L Orman is the founder 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.