Sapphire as Engagement Ring Meaning

Sapphires have long been highly desirable gems for engagement rings. Historically, they were used by royalty to symbolise their promise of everlasting love, and now they’re top choices for their engagement jewellery by modern, fashion-forward brides-to-be. 

In addition to their mesmerising colour, the different types of sapphire are desired for their rich meaning. In the past, the gemstone symbolised protection, healing, and spiritual communication, and was usually worn by royalty or warriors. Today, sapphires still carry much of the same meaning but are also often associated with the values of love, sincerity, and truth, making them ideal symbols of engagement.

What Does a Sapphire Engagement Ring Mean?

A sapphire engagement ring has deeper meaning than many other types of rings, owing to its colourful history. Here are some of the values that sapphires are believed to represent:

Romance

Sapphires are thought to symbolise love, truth, purity, sincerity, and faithfulness—a worthwhile combination for an engagement ring. This is why couples choose sapphire engagement rings, because they believe in the values the stones represent. The gem comes to symbolise the promises made between two people in their marriage.

Healing and Protection

Historically, sapphires were ground up and used as medicine to heal certain ailments. They were also used as talismans to ward off evil spirits and energies, as well as worn by warriors as they were believed to give virtue, strength, honour, and immortality.

Spiritual Connection

In the past, some healers believed that sapphires gave you psychic abilities. They were thought to help open up your third eye, allowing you to communicate with spirits and the unseen world. They were also believed to enable you to receive better karmic energy from the universe.

Famous Sapphire Engagement Rings

The striking colour of sapphires–particularly blue sapphires–made them the choice stones for some historic engagements.

Napoleon’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

In 1796, Napoleon proposed to his future bride Josephine with a spectacular toi et moi (you and me) blue sapphire and diamond ring. The ring was sold at an auction in 2013 for a whopping US $1.17 million.

Princess Diana’s Ceylon Sapphire Engagement Ring

The late Princess Diana’s Ceylon sapphire engagement ring is one of the most famous pieces of jewellery in history. The stunning twelve-carat oval blue stone was purchased by Prince Charles in 1981 and worn by Princess Diana throughout their marriage.

Kate Middleton’s Ceylon Sapphire Engagement Ring

Princess Diana’s Ceylon sapphire engagement ring was later passed on to Kate Middleton during her engagement with Prince William, extending the piece’s time in the limelight and inspiring a trend of sapphire engagement rings in the mid-2010s that continues today.

Why Choose a Sapphire Engagement Ring

Nowadays, more people are looking for sapphire engagement rings, preferring them over traditional diamonds. There are a number of reasons why soon-to-be brides are breaking convention:

Durability

Sapphires are some of the hardest precious stones. They’re second only to diamonds, scoring nine on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes them incredibly strong and scratch-resistant, so you can be sure they will last for ages.

Affordability

“How much are sapphires worth?” is a common question when buying engagement rings. There’s good news for the budget-friendly bride—sapphire engagement rings are more affordable than diamonds. Thanks to the unique conditions that form the stone, no two sapphires are ever the same. So, if you have a sapphire engagement ring, you can be confident that you have a one-of-a-kind piece.

Uniqueness

While diamond engagement rings will always be classic, sapphire engagement rings pose a unique take on tradition. They’re ideal for vogue brides who want to stand out.

Choosing a Sapphire Engagement Ring

Perhaps the most important thing to pay attention to when buying a sapphire engagement ring is the gem’s colour. Sapphires come in every hue of the rainbow, although the blue varieties are the most coveted. Whatever colour you choose, consider its hue, tone, and saturation. You’ll want a vivid stone and, in the case of blue sapphires, a medium or medium-dark tone.

That said, don’t forget to mind other characteristics as well, such as the stone’s clarity. The finest sapphires will be eye-clean, in that any inclusions (sapphires will always have inclusions) aren’t visible to the naked eye. Consider the carat and cut of the stone, too, as these will also affect the ring’s appearance and price. Finally, pick the right metal band for the setting, as this will help emphasise and complement the sapphire’s colour.

Sapphire Engagement Rings From Holloway Diamonds

The best way to choose the right sapphire engagement ring is to seek help from the expert jewellers at Holloway Diamonds. We can guide you through the ins and outs of picking the finest sapphires and assist you in putting them into a beautiful setting to symbolise your marriage in the best way possible.