Bespoke Sapphire Engagement Rings
Sapphire and diamond engagement rings are the perfect alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings.
The most recognisable sapphire and diamond engagement ring is the ring Prince Charles proposed to the late Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge after their son Prince William proposed with the same ring.
The sapphire, after a diamond, is the hardiest of stones scoring nine on the Mohs scale and is the perfect choice as the centre stone in an engagement ring as it is very well suited to withstand the daily wear and tear an engagement ring is subjected to.
The sapphire popularity can also be explained by the fact that they are priced very attractively compared to the other most popular engagement ring stones, diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Unlike diamonds, Sapphires are rarely certified, and even when they are, they are not graded against the universally accepted criteria of colour, clarity, and cut in the same way as diamonds are.
Bigger Does Not Mean Better
The sapphire, like all gemstones, is expressed in terms of carat weight, with 1 carat equal to 0.2 grams. Sapphire gemstones are denser than a diamond, so if the two stones were of the same weight, the sapphire would be smaller in appearance.
Like a diamond, a bigger stone does not necessarily mean better, and larger stones may be impractical for a ring to warn daily. The cost, of course, will also be a consideration, as the price of sapphire will increase exponentially as the size increase.
The most popular colour for sapphire is blue, but it is also available in the colours of the rainbow, pink, yellows, mauve, oranges and green. Most sapphires have experienced heat enhancement, a widespread technique, and this centuries-old process improves the colour and clarity of a sapphire.
Deep rich blue sapphires are the most popular and look beautiful under various light sources. Paler stones, however, can look a little washed out in bright daylight. You might also wish to consider the colour’s hue, with many people liking the hint of violet behind the dominant blue.
Sapphires Do Have Inclusions
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) defines sapphire as a ‘Type 2’, meaning that most sapphires are not entirely free of natural inclusions and blemishes.
However, when choosing a diamond, the most important thing is how the stone looks with the naked eye, and again if you are looking for a flawless stone, sapphires such as a flawless diamond will be expensive.
Be Aware Of Zoning
When the colour of a sapphire is not spread evenly, this creates patches of light and dark, giving the stone a stripy appearance. A stonecutter will do its very best to make shaw the zoning is not visible when you view the stone from its top perspective.
Cut Of Sapphires
Most sapphire crystals in their rough form have an elongated shape, and stones cut as ovals or rectangle shapes will retain the most weight. Because of this, there is usually a good selection of top-quality stones in these shapes, although sapphires are available in most shapes and sizes.
In Summary
Bespoke Sapphire and diamond engagement rings can be designed and made in various colours, and their hardiness makes them the perfect stone choice for your unique engagement ring. To find out more about these fantastic stones and my unrivalled design process, call me today at 0800 024 8940
