Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings

Blue Sapphire History & Symbolism

• Long a tradition of European royalty, blue sapphire engagement rings have been surging in popularity thanks to Kate Middleton's sapphire engagement ring from Prince William. The 18-carat oval blue sapphire ring was originally Princess Diana's ring.
• Sapphire is the gem of truth, symbolizing fidelity and the soul. This tradition makes sapphire engagement rings the perfect symbol of a promise to wed.
• Sapphire is the September birthstone, the fifth and 45th wedding anniversary gem, and the Virgo zodiac gem.

Judging the Quality of Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings

• The most important value factor for blue sapphire engagement rings is the color of the sapphire, which should be a saturated medium blue, known as "cornflower." Baby blue and dark navy are more affordable.
• Gemvara's sapphire is a royal blue natural sapphire from Sri Lanka with cutting so exceptional that it dances with brilliance.
• Almost all sapphires, including the ones Gemvara sells, are heated to almost 2,000 degrees to see if the color and clarity will improve. You should assume every sapphire has been heated without a report from a respected lab like GIA or AGL that says otherwise.
• Some sapphire on the market is diffusion-treated: chemicals are introduced into the top layer of the gem to create a rind of more intense color. These stones are less rare and so less valuable. Gemvara does not sell diffusion-treated sapphires.

Learn More

• Learn more about sapphire in our Gem Library.
• Read about Kate Middleton's ring, royal sapphire engagement rings, and sapphire birthstones on our blog.