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The Rise of Sapphire Engagement Rings

Mar 9, 2022

And the Celebrities That Made Them Famous

Long associated with royals and Hollywood A-listers, sapphire engagement rings are making their mainstream debut in 2023, proving these regal, blue-hued beauties are an affordable engagement ring option for modern-day couples.

What is a sapphire?

One of the Four Precious Gemstones (alongside diamonds, emeralds and rubies), sapphire is the September birthstone and gem of choice for celebrating 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Belonging to the corundum family of minerals, sapphire is available in blue, red (known as rubies), and ‘fancy’ colours, including violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and intermediate hues. They can even be found in grey, black and brown.

Like diamonds, sapphires are formed deep below the earth’s surface over millions of years. Both blue and fancy sapphires have been discovered in a variety of exotic locations including Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, as well as here in Australia.

Sapphire is often cut with a brilliant pattern on the crown and a step cut pattern on the pavilion.

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The History, Myths & Meaning of Sapphire

“Sapphire” comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning ‘blue’. Ancient Greeks wore sapphires as a show of respect to the Sun God, Apollo, and as a symbol of wisdom.

Both Greeks and Romans believed sapphire to have protective qualities, bringing good luck and protecting wearers from misfortune.

Medieval Europeans believed sapphire to be an antidote to poison and capable of curing eye diseases, while clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires as a symbol of heaven.

Perhaps the most fanciful folklore belonged to Ancient Persians, who believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, which gave the sky its colour.

Nowadays, sapphire has come to symbolise love and commitment, complemented by diamonds to create magnificent gemstone engagement rings for those seeking something unique that better reflects their individuality.

Is sapphire ok for an engagement ring?

Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs Scale - a relative hardness measurement of minerals indicating the stone’s resistance to scratching, or how the gem’s surface responds to contact with a sharp point.

Second only to diamonds and Moissanite, sapphire’s hardness makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings; particularly for women with active lifestyles and hands-on occupations.

While sapphire engagement rings are graded by factors such as cut, clarity, colour and carat, sapphire quality is predominantly determined by its colour and shape.

Given its durability and rich colour varieties, sapphires make beautiful heirloom jewellery and engagement rings to be passed down for generations to come.

What do sapphire engagement rings look like?

Sapphires make for stunning engagement rings in any cut, though an oval cut is most effective for showing off the gemstone’s vibrant colour, as it allows maximum light to filter through the stone.

An elevated claw setting and halo of pavé-set diamonds create an eye-catching display of colour, contrast and sparkle easily paired with diamond and sapphire earrings of the same halo shape.

Which metal is best for a sapphire engagement ring?

For a more contemporary look, white gold or platinum are ideal metals for sapphire engagement rings. 18kt rose gold or yellow gold is preferable for a more classic, vintage-inspired engagement ring style.

Why choose a sapphire engagement ring?

Sapphire engagement rings typically cost less than diamond engagement rings, carat for carat. They are a non-traditional choice of engagement ring for those born in September, lovers of the colour blue, and anyone who wants something a little different to an iconic solitaire diamond engagement ring.

Celebrity Sapphire Engagement Rings

Royals, actors and singers are amongst the recipients of the world’s most famous sapphire engagement rings…

Kate Middleton’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

The most recognisable of sapphire celebrity engagement rings is the 12-carat beauty once belonging to Princess Diana, now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

Source: @dukeandduchessofcambridge

Victoria Beckham’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

Victoria Beckham’s oval-cut sapphire on a platinum pavé-set diamond band is just one of the 15 engagement rings gifted to her over the years by her equally extravagant hubby.

Victoria Beckham Sapphire Engagement Ring

Source: @victoriabeckham

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

Gwyneth’s engagement ring from Glee co-creator and husband, Brad Falchuk, is an eye-watering round-cut sapphire estimated to be around 12 carats.

Source: @gwynethpalthrow

Penélope Cruz’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

Given to her in 2010 by Spanish actor and husband, Javier Bardem, Penélope’s vintage ring features a 3-carat blue sapphire with a halo of diamonds.

Source: @penelopecruzoficial

Liz Hurley’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

For her 2-year engagement to Australian cricket larrikin, Shane Warne, in 2010, Liz wore an estimated 9-carat, square-cut sapphire flanked by trillion-cut diamonds.

Source:@shanewarne23 & @elizabethhurley1

Find Your Own Exclusively Designed Sapphire Engagement Ring or Sapphire Wedding Band

If you’re looking for unique sapphire engagement rings Australia or sapphire wedding bands, SH offers an exclusively designed range with a price match guarantee and diamond quality 3-4 grades above industry standards and 7-8 grades above most chain retailers.

Enjoy free delivery with 30-day exchange on all online orders, and complimentary resizing for unmodified rings ordered online within 6 months of purchase.

Shop sapphire engagement rings online, or visit our Springvale showroom to view our entire diamond and sapphire jewellery range, just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.