Updated: December 19, 2022
Sapphires have withstood the test of time, while growing in popularity during the most recent decades as the sapphire became the gemstone of royals - most notably Princess Diana's 12-carat oval sapphire engagement ring.
With this popularity comes questions such as, what is a sapphire? Are they only blue? What makes them valuable and are they more expensive than diamonds? These are all important questions and we will cover everything you need to know about sapphire jewelry below.
What is a Sapphire?
A sapphire is a precious gemstone, or in more technical terms, a variation of the Corundum mineral. It is composed of aluminum oxide with small quantities of elements including chronium, iron, magnesium, titanium, or vanadium.
What Makes Blue Sapphires Unique?
Blue sapphires are known as the birthstone for September, or the birthstone of Virgos. The rich, velvety blue color has captured the hearts of many. When incorporated into Royal Jewels, such as Princess Diana's engagement ring, it is said to represent wisdom, virtue, good fortune, and holiness. In a modern couple's engagement ring, a blue sapphire symbolizes faithfulness and sincerity. A beautiful sentiment of commitment and love for one another as you exchange your wedding vows. The meaning behind this gemstone in your wedding rings makes them that much more valuable.
Not to mention that a blue sapphire wedding ring is the perfect way to ensure you have your "something blue"!
The Bluesette Trio Ring set is designed with Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring in mind, and has created a cohesive his and hers matching set. The Bluesette engagement ring is crafted with an oval cut, blue sapphire center stone, surrounded by an oval, diamond halo. Paired with a delicate blue sapphire and diamond ladies band, this sapphire bridal set is perfectly matching with a classic gold men's band that incorporates both a blue sapphire and diamonds, connecting both him and her while they are together and apart.
What Color are Sapphires?
Though the most well known sapphire color is blue, sapphires actually come in a wide variety of colors; almost every color of the rainbow, except red. Sapphires come in 12 colors:
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- White sapphire
- Colorless sapphire
- Blue sapphire
- Green sapphire
- Yellow sapphire
- Orange sapphire
- Brown sapphire
- Pink sapphire
- Purple sapphire
- Gray sapphire
- Black sapphire
- Multi-colored sapphire
One of the most important things to know about this gemstone is that no two stones look the same, similar to the nature of a diamond. Each sapphire is one of a kind in terms of color, opacity, and/or clarity. When curating, for example, stones for our Blue Sapphire Collection, our experts hand select stones that to the naked eye are matching, within a single wedding ring and throughout a matching trio ring set.
How Durable is a Sapphire?
A sapphire is the second most durable stone, next to diamonds, according to the Mohs Scale of Hardness. A diamond is scored with 10 hardness in Mohs Units (the highest unit), while a Sapphire is scored at a 9 hardness in Mohs Units. This means that a sapphire is a good choice for an engagement ring as it can endure the stress and pressure of day-to-day wear. Therefore, wearing a blue sapphire engagement ring or wedding band will not be an anxiety inducing daily accessory. Sapphires are more likely to withstand forces such as common chemicals, heat, and light. Substances that will effect the integrity of a sapphire are boric acid powders and lemon juice. They will scratch the surface of the gemstone.
How Do I Take Care of My Sapphire Ring?
To clean your sapphire gemstone at home, you can use warm, soapy water. If your sapphire is untreated, heat-treated, or lattice diffusion treated, you can use an ultrasonic or an steam cleaner. If your sapphire is fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed, you should only use a damp cloth to clean the gemstone. The expert recommendation for making sure your diamond and sapphire wedding rings stay clean and sparkling is an extended protection plan, which provides services for annual maintenance over 5 years.