Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphire engagement rings are a popular option for Irish brides. As a result, they are considered one of the, ‘big four,’ of precious jewels. Others are rubies, emeralds and diamonds. So whether you opt for a sapphire centre stone or a ring with sapphire accents it is definitely a gem worth getting to know.

Sapphires have been one of the most popular precious gem stones used in engagement rings for centuries. They are a natural choice for your, ‘something blue’. They have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale making them just one behind a diamond. These have a hardness of 10. So if you are looking for a durable centre or accent stone, this may be the precious stone for you.

Colour

Sapphires come in a myriad of colours. The blue sapphires being the rarest and most valuable. One of the most important factors in the quality of a blue sapphire is the richness of its colour. A perfect sapphire will be a cornflower blue without any muting colours. These would be grey, green or black, which could make the stone look haze or change it’s hue.

Cut

The cut of a sapphire is not as important as the cut of a diamond. As it is harder to see unwanted inclusions in the coloured stone. Regardless of the shape of your stone the colour should look even, with a consistent sparkle.

Clarity

There is no standardised grading system for coloured gemstones. As a result, it is extremely rare to find a natural sapphire without inclusions.

The hue for you

There is a sapphire for every type of skin. Sapphires with pastel undertones will compliment lighter skin-tones. The classic royal blue sapphire will ‘pop’ against olive skin. However, deep cobalt coloured stones create an amazing contrast against darker skin-tones.

Heat Treatments

Some sapphires, found close to thermal vents in the earth crust, have highly saturated colours. This is  thanks to natural heating. More commonly, sapphires are treated with heat in a lab to enhance their colour. Naturally vibrant sapphires that do not require any heat treatment are rare. And are much more desirable than treated stones. As a result they can command a much higher price.

Cleaning and Care

Though sapphires are durable they require special care. Use warm water, a mild soap and a soft bristled toothbrush for everyday cleaning. Take your piece to the jeweller for a deep cleaning once a year. If you own an estate piece (antique or heirloom) have your jeweller do a full check. You should ensure that the claws holding the gem in place are secure.