The Growing Trend in Sapphire Engagement Rings
If you are looking for something more than a run-of-the-mill diamond engagement ring, consider a sapphire one. In recent years there has been a growing trend in the popularity of sapphire engagement rings. Let us take a closer look at how the trend came about.
The Most Famous Engagement Ring in the World
There is one reason above all others why sapphire engagement rings have become so popular in recent times. It has to do with what is probably the most famous engagement ring in the world. Yes, the ring in question belonged to Princess Diana. And in 2010, her son Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the ring. The 12-karat blue sapphire is surrounded by 14 diamond accents and set in 18-carat white gold, and it is simply stunning. It may sound like an incredibly luxurious item, but many people do not know that Princess Diana was actually criticized at the time for selecting a “common” sapphire ring with a 1981 price tag of only £28,000 (GBP). But ever since it was placed on the finger of Kate Middleton, sapphire rings for women have soared in popularity. And today, that ring of Diana’s is worth a staggering £300,000.
Sapphires Are Strong
It is clear that blue sapphires are much sought-after as engagement ring stones due to their connection with royalty and the magic of princesses. But they have also become more on-trend due to practical matters. Sapphires register nine out of ten on the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness, which means they have superb robustness and will not scratch easily. Seeing as an engagement ring is such a treasured possession, it makes sense to purchase one that will last the test of time.
Sapphires Are Affordable
In the US, the average price someone pays for an engagement ring is around $2,000. Indeed, couples have been spending less on engagement rings in recent years, preferring to put the money towards things like furnishings and mortgages. And most sapphires are much more affordable than diamonds. Although they can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, most jewelers stock sapphire rings at prices that fall between $100 and $5,000. The higher the carat and the clearer the stone is, the more it will cost.
Sapphires Come in Many Colors
Although the trend in sapphire rings has tended to be toward blue sapphires, reflecting that of Kate Middleton’s ring, sapphires actually come in more than one color. Pink sapphire engagement rings are particularly gaining attention, especially after Nicole Richie’s ring caught the eye of brides-to-be. Other colors sapphires come in are yellow, orange, purple, green, colorless, and even black. Pretty much the only color sapphires do not come in is red. With so many sapphire colors to choose from, they make ideal engagement rings. Because you can tailor specific colors to someone’s birthstone color or a specific-meaning. For example, pink symbolizes love, while blue sapphires are the birthstone of September.
The Meanings of Sapphires
Sapphires have other meanings, making them ideal as engagement rings. For instance, they are associated with attachment, fidelity, and creating a lasting bond. The ancient Persians held the sapphire in great esteem. In fact, they believed the sky was blue because it reflected the blueness of sapphires! And many other cultures over the ages have revered sapphires and claimed they have spiritual healing properties. Today, sapphires are often associated with wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. So, if you want an engagement ring that is not only beautiful and affordable but also loaded with appropriate meaning, sapphires should be your first choice.
