Sophisticated and Spectacular Sapphire Rings

Sapphire rings are one of those jewelry items that not everyone owns, but I wish that weren’t the case.  Ever since Princess Diana received a sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince Charles in 1981, sapphire rings have grown in popularity.  Sapphires are both sophisticated and spectacular, and what may surprise you about them is the fact that not all sapphires are blue.  That’s right, I’m sure when you think of a sapphire, you think of a rich dark blue gemstone.  I’d like to talk about the most common types of sapphire rings and tell you a little bit about them.

Blue sapphire rings

As I mentioned, blue sapphires are the most common type of sapphire.  Sapphires are composed of the mineral corundum.  Titanium and Iron mixed with the corundum is what gives the blue sapphire its blue color.  Vivid medium blue sapphires are the most desirable, and are sometimes described as being a cornflower blue.  Blue sapphire rings look stunning when paired with peridot jewelry, such as a peridot ring, that is worn next to the sapphire ring.   Blue sapphires are also often paired with aquamarine rings.  A high quality natural sapphire ring of any size, say over 1 carat, can cost upwards of $10,000.  Blue sapphire rings with natural sapphires that are considered “highly included” are more opaque, and have been heat treated (but are still beautiful in appearance!) sell for under $1000 and are a good alternative to think about.

Pink Sapphire Rings

It is interesting to note that blue sapphires and rubies are very closely related.  Both have corundum as their base.  When chrome is present in the corundum, the result will be a ruby.  So actually a pink sapphire is the middle ground between a blue sapphire and a ruby, and are sometimes even referred to as a pink ruby.  A deep pink sapphire will be very valuable.  Many pink sapphires are heat treated to improve their appearance.  A heat treated pink sapphire should not cost a much as a natural, vivid pink color one will, so make sure to ask about that before you purchase a pink sapphire ring.  Pricing for pink sapphires follows that of blue sapphires.  If you are willing to purchase a heat treated stone that may have more inclusions, you can find beautiful pink sapphire rings for $1000 and under in 14K gold settings.

A beautiful sapphire and diamond ring much like Princess Diana's

Yellow Sapphire Rings

Look for deep yellow stones with no “orange” hues when looking for yellow sapphire rings.  As with most sapphires, heat treatment is common to increase clarity and color, but heat treated stones are less valuable than naturally deep yellow ones are.  Untreated Ceylon Sapphires from Sri Lanka, as yellow sapphires are sometimes known as, are priceed from $100 to $400 per carat, depending on the clarity of the stone.  Of course, larger ones with exceptional clarity and deep yellow color will be priced in the tens of thousands of dollars.  Yellow sapphires are breathtaking when set in white gold or platinum, as the silvery color of the setting makes the yellow color of the stone “pop”.  Just think how beautiful a yellow sapphire ring would look in the springtime paired with a beautiful purple tanzanite necklace or bracelet!

White Sapphire Rings

White sapphire rings are sometimes used as a substitute for diamond rings.  White sapphires, or colorless sapphires, are very durable but don’t have quite the brilliance and fire that a diamond has, however.  Some white sapphires actually have a slight blue, pink or yellow tinge to them.  White sapphires are wonderful used as accents in jewelry, as they are less expensive than diamonds but will give much the same look as a diamond will.  Heat treatments are common in white sapphires, also.  Large white sapphires are very rare, and will be very expensive if they are also high quality, with few inclusions and are truly “colorless”.  Lesser quality stones that are still beautiful to the eye are very affordable for most people.  Always insist in seeing the certificate of authenticity for a white sapphire, as with any precious gemstone.  It will tell you the quality rating of the gem as well as if it has been heat treated.

My advice is always to shop at quality stores when shopping for gemstone jewelry, either online or in person, and this is no exception.  A salesperson who refuses to show you a gemological certificate for sapphire rings is hiding something, so you should just go elsewhere.  Sapphire rings, in whatever color you like, will always be a sophisticated, spectacular addition to your jewelry collection.  I highly recommend getting one (or two) for yourself…today!

Happy Shopping!