When it comes to engagement rings, who would have predicted that the September birthstone would become so popular? Diana, the Princess of Wales, had a feeling. As a result of Prince William's engagement to Kate Middleton with his mother's 18 carat blue sapphire engagement ring in 2010, the blue sapphire trend has flourished.
Princess Diana was criticized for her 1981 purchase of a £28,000 "commoner's sapphire" ring, which some called the "commoner's sapphire." The ring, which is estimated to be worth $300,000, is the inspiration for the meteoric rise in popularity of sapphire engagement rings.
The sapphire is an excellent alternative to a diamond ring if you're looking for something a little more daring and unique. Before you buy, there are a few things you should know.
What color comes to mind when you hear the word "sapphire"? It's blue to most people. If you want to buy a sapphire, one of the most important aspects of the Four C's is color.
Aside from blue, sapphires come in a variety of colors, many of which are becoming increasingly popular. Many would-be brides are smitten by pink sapphire engagement rings, like Nicole Richie's, which features an inverted cushion cut gem. Yellow, green, purple, and red sapphires are also valuable, but blue sapphires are by far the most common and popular.
A vibrant, velvety blue hue is the mark of a truly valuable blue sapphire, not a dark or light blue. A blue sapphire's color can be studied using these terms:
You may be wondering why round cut sapphire engagement rings are so pricey. Nature provides the answer. Sapphires are so rare that cutters go to great lengths to preserve as much of the gem's original rough as they can while cutting it.
Compared to smaller cuts like ovals and cushions, circle cut sapphires are more expensive because they require more rock to be removed. Keep in mind that a smaller round sapphire can cost more than an oval or cushion cut, even though it may seem counterintuitive.
For sapphires, there are no "ideal" cuts, as there are for diamonds. As a result of each sapphire being so unique, cutters must consider which cut shape best accentuates the color and brilliance of each stone. In some cases, a princess cut is the best shape for a rock, while in other cases, an emerald cut is the best shape.
Sapphires that are darker in color will be cut into shallower gems so that more light can be reflected off of them. There are many factors that go into cutting and polishing a gemstone, such as its color, clarity, and carat weight.
In addition to its uniqueness, the sapphire's setting will be determined by its rarity. It is well known that Princess Diana's diamond-encrusted ring was a huge hit. If you're deciding between sapphire engagement rings, it's possible that you'd prefer to leave the stone alone. Classic blue sapphire and diamond jewelry can be dressed up or down depending on your personal taste.
It doesn't matter what style of ring you choose, you can rest assured that your sapphire ring will be the talk of the town. The more you know about sapphires, the more confident you should feel about your ability to find an enticing sapphire engagement ring. Just follow these guidelines and you'll have no problem making the right choice. The sapphire engagement ring trend may have been revived by Kate Middleton, but it is one that has endured and will continue to endure.
