Sapphire Engagement Rings - The Meanings, Styles, and Comparisons

Looking for unique engagement ring ideas? You don’t have to get one made of diamond! In fact, here at Love & Promise Jewelers, we offer many non-diamond, alternative engagement rings and gemstones - and one of our bestselling engagement rings just happens to be made of sapphire. This beautiful blue gemstone has gained quite the following over the years for its vibrant color as well as its hardness.
Let’s explore the reasons why this gemstone has become a favorite in recent years.

The symbolism of sapphire

Why sapphire? What hidden meanings does this special gemstone carry? Some believe that the word sapphire was derived from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning "blue stone", while others believe its origin to be the Sanskrit word sanipriya, meaning "sacred to Saturn". During the Renaissance, people believed sapphire was able to cure anger and stupidity. One Italian superstition is based on the idea that it cures eye problems and melancholy. Still, other sources believe sapphire is a gemstone used for mental and physical protection.
Today, sapphire is considered the September birthstone and is often gifted on 45th anniversaries in addition to being an alternative engagement ring gemstone.

Differences between white sapphire and diamond

Although people to think that sapphire engagement rings all feature a blue gemstone, the sapphire gem can actually take on many different colors. Specifically, white sapphires have been considered a popular alternative to the diamond; with the similarity in appearance, many tend to wonder what exactly distinguishes a white sapphire from a traditional diamond gemstone.
Perhaps most noticeable is the difference in gemstone brilliance. White sapphires do not have the same scintillation as a diamond. Under close scrutiny, white sapphires are slightly "cloudier" or "milkier" than diamonds. If you’re considering purchasing a white sapphire, keep in mind that it may not have the same sparkle as a diamond.
When it comes to hardness, diamonds are unrivaled, achieving a perfect 10 rating on the MOHS scale of hardness. Corundum, the family which sapphires come from, holds a 9 rating on the scale, which means that while they don’t have the same invulnerability as the diamond, sapphires are still harder than most other gemstones. It should be noted that although both diamonds and sapphires are high on the MOHS scale, both gemstones can potentially chip when enough pressure is applied the stone's weak points.
Finally, there’s the comparison of price. For 1.50cts, a diamond gemstone would be priced around $6,500 - $14,900, while its white sapphire counterpart would cost around $1,110 - $1,500. Generally speaking, when considering the differences between the two precious gemstones, the savings from a sapphire are a no-brainer if you’re trying to achieve a similar look at a more affordable price point.

Examples of a sapphire engagement ring

Here are a few real-life examples of sapphire engagement rings from our own collection. To start, we love showing our beautiful Rosados Box Ready to Ship Mae 2.31cts 14kt Rose Gold Oval Peach Champagne Sapphire and Diamond Halo WITHOUT Milgrain Engagement Ring. This peachy pink champaign color is something you won’t see in traditional sapphire engagement rings.

Looking for a sapphire wedding set with slightly cooler tones? The Rosados Box Ready to Ship Jessica 2.95cts 14kt Rose Gold Oval Icy Lavender Silver Sapphire Diamonds Halo Wedding Set features a stunning, Sri Lanka sourced sapphire with an icy lavender. Matched with a rose gold band, this ring would be the prized possession of any jewelry collection.

The Rosados Box Ready to Ship Maris 0.92cts 14kt Yellow Gold Oval Jungle Teal Sapphire and Diamonds Star Halo Wedding Set features a unique halo setting and a brightly colored sapphire — the brilliant jungle teal gemstone is sure to capture both the eyes and the heart of the fun-loving, adventurous girl.

Want to explore our other sapphire engagement rings? Visit our sapphire ring collection on our website.

Sapphires — A Unique and Unforgettable Center Stone

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a traditional diamond or moissanite engagement ring— they’ve been timelessly popular for good reason. However, if you would like to stand out and carve your own path, a sapphire engagement ring is one of the best alternatives you can get. The gemstone isn’t just beautiful but carries many of the same characteristics that make diamonds so universally adored. On top of that, natural sapphires can feature an array of different colors - from a classic rich blue, to a brilliant white, to a beautiful peach hue - just to name a few. Regardless of what color or cut chosen, the sapphire gemstone is sure to hold a special meaning depending on your birthday, your personal preference, and your personality.
Whether or not you go with a sapphire, you can find an engagement ring uniquely suited to your character and history. Explore our rings today.