A Guide to Sapphire Rings
What are sapphires?
In particular, Sapphires are beautiful gemstones recognized for their deep blue hue. Other than that, they have a long history, have been used in jewelry by royalty and celebrities for many years, and have been a goldmine for custom jewelers to create works of art, no pun intended.
Other than that, there are many famous sapphire jewels to admire, from the Duchess of Cambridge's exquisite sapphire engagement ring to the Blue Giant of the Orient, the world's largest detailed blue sapphire.
The History of Sapphires
Sapphires were first discovered in India in the 1800s and have eventually been found all over the world. Sapphires are now mostly mined in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Australia. During a search for gold in Montana in 1865, Sapphires were in the findings; thus, they gave the nickname Montana.
For ages, clergy members and monarchs adorned their garments with sapphires, often considered a mark of nobility. Moreover, some think that Sapphires are to safeguard kings and queens from conflict and injury in ancient Greece and Rome. People also believed that blue sapphires symbolized heaven and attracted divine blessings throughout the Middle Ages.
Additionally, due to their rich history and symbolism, Sapphires are still connected with good fortune, royalty, and protection today. Most people are unaware that sapphires come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. When we say "sapphire" in jewelry, we talk about blue sapphires.
Sapphires are available in various colors (excluding red), including purple, pink, orange, and brown. A sapphire's color is determined by how and where the production is; however, blue sapphires are the most common.
Why Sapphire Might Be A Good Option For An Engagement Ring?
1. Sapphires Make The Most Unique Engagement Rings
Nevertheless, no two sapphires are comparable, even if they are the same hue. Due to shade variations, they ensure a one-of-a-kind ring, as unique as the relationship you share with your significant other.
In addition, sapphires are available in a wide range of colors, each with symbolic value. Hence, when you buy a sapphire ring, you receive a one-of-a-kind piece.
Furthermore, sapphire gemstones come in a variety of shapes and cuts, and they have price tags. Well-balanced sapphires in particular forms, cut to maximize their brilliance and shimmer, are significantly more affordable than their diamond counterparts.
Subsequently, while opting for Sapphire gemstones may prove an unconventional choice, your engagement ring will be one-of-a-kind. Sapphires make the ring extra meaningful since it is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
2. Sapphires Are More Affordable & Rarer Than Diamonds
Rarity was not what kept diamond prices afloat. Still, a mixture of De Beers' consumer demand and marketing methods like "A Diamond Is Forever" did.
On the other hand, businesses never monopolize because Sapphires are more affordable.
The sapphire industry employs many employees who do not report to a single institution that controls the price for all stones.
Hence, the situation allows for organic sapphire demand and pricing, making these valuable stones more accessible to the public.
3. Sapphires Are The Ethical Choice
Sapphires are produced by a small family or community-owned mines, making it easier to track who profits from gemstone sales.
Different Types Of Sapphire
Blue Sapphires
The most famous and well-known sapphire color is blue. They grade Blue sapphires into different sub-color categories - Royal blue, cornflower, and peacock are premium colors with higher value. Sapphire engagement rings, earrings, and pendant necklaces are always popular.
Fancy Sapphires
When a sapphire is not blue, it is termed "fancy colour," according to the Smithsonian. Yellow, pink, and purple sapphires are among the most popular fancy colours. Pink sapphires have been on the rise for several years and are expected to fill many sapphire engagement rings in 2020.Yellow sapphire engagement rings have been on the rise since the early 2000s and are still regarded as one of the most popular gemstone colours.
Padparadscha Sapphires
Padparadscha sapphire is one of the rarest sapphire colours, and it has been seen on some of the world's most renowned women as engagement rings. It is also a member of the corundum gemstone family, like rubies and sapphires. The hue of each gemstone is determined by the presence of trace elements. While blue sapphires and rubies are naturally tinted by iron and chromium, padparadschas are coloured by both. This gem is one of nature's greatest achievements. The gem's name comes from the Sanskrit term "Padma raga," which means "lotus flower colour." When Princess Eugenie, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, received an oval padparadscha engagement ring from her long-time lover, padparadscha attracted a lot of attention.
Ruby
As previously mentioned, a ruby is a red sapphire. Rubies were given the name "ruby" before scientists discovered that they were sapphires, meaning that rubies belong to the same Corundum family as Sapphires. When chromium enters a corundum, the gemstone turns red and then gets the name ruby.
Here is a little fun fact: did you know that red sapphires are known as ruby? And because they are much rarer and valuable, a special name was coined for it. Just like the padparadscha.
Customizing A Sapphire Ring
It is simple to make a one-of-a-kind sapphire engagement ring by following the steps below:
- For your bespoke ring. Decide if you have a particular preference for its shape, colour, and size.
- Decide on a comfortable budget. As the quality of sapphires vary vastly, a budget will help us optimise all your preferences, and present you with suitable options that fit your budget.
- Hand-pick your one-of-a-kind natural sapphire from the options presented. With the main sapphire, you will work with our designer for a design that is unique to your lifestyle and preferences. Choose your gold hue, finish, band texture, and stone setting, as well as the size of your ring.
- Trust the rest of the process and leave it to our artisans to handcraft your dream design to life. This process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Things To Know Before Getting A Sapphire Ring
1. Reasons For Price Ranges
When it comes to blue sapphires – or any sapphire for that matter – there is a vast price range. This is according to the specific stone's quality. To establish its value, each sapphire is evaluated separately.
Top quality natural and untreated stones are more difficult to come by, and as a result, they are more expensive than heated natural stones. Because no two stones are alike, the price might vary greatly.
It is worth noting that sapphires from well-known sources, such as the old Kashmir mines, can fetch higher rates than stones from other places, even if they are of comparable quality. Buyers should be warned, however, that origin does not equal value.
The sapphire itself must be of extraordinary quality for a stone to earn value because of its legendary origins. A sapphire with a well-known origin can increase in value, but not a low-grade stone.
2. Available Shape And Cut
You have a lot of options when it comes to the form and cut of your blue sapphire. When it comes to selecting a shape, you want to select one that is appropriate for you. You can get a round stone or even a heart-shaped stone.
Our cuts are made to your specifications while also bringing out the greatest qualities in our stones. You should inspect a sapphire as thoroughly as possible before acquiring it. These are significant decisions, and we want you to be completely satisfied with your stone.
Therefore, rather than using a stock photo, we take real, and unedited photos and videos of each stone we sell. This guarantees that you are getting a true portrayal of a stone.
To obtain a better concept of what your stone will look like, we recommend you visit us and view the gem in person. You can make an appointment with our showroom if the sapphire is available for viewing.
3. Ask Questions
The last piece of advice we have for buying a blue sapphire is to simply ask questions. If you are unsure about something, consult our expert.
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Gems Origin is a private bespoke jeweller in Singapore that handcrafts unique customised jewellery with
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