In the world of engagement rings it is not only the traditional diamond that is attracting attention. More and more sapphire rings are being chosen by soon to be married couples as the ring to signify their betrothal. Sapphires are less expensive than diamonds but their increasing popularity is deemed to be down to their stunning color rather than their price.

Today, many couples are looking for something a little bit different and emerald sapphire rings offer just that. Many celebrity brides have been seen wearing sapphire engagement rings and this also adds to the appeal. This articles details the reasons for the rise in popularity of the sapphire.

 

The trend for sapphire engagement rings really began when, in 1981, Princess Diana was presented with one as a token of her engagement to Prince Charles. This very same ring was then given to Kate Middleton when Prince William proposed in 2011. There are many celebrity actresses and other ladies of status who have also been seen wearing the stunning sapphire.

 

Sapphires may hold significant status in the engagement ring world because of the famous ladies whose fingers they adorn, but they also make fantastic choices for engagement ring stones because of their durability. The combination of the high density, the high refractive index and the lack of cleavage makes the sapphire one of the toughest gemstones. This makes it ideal for everyday wear as well as a good stone of choice for a ring that you may see as being passed on through the generations.

Practically speaking, sapphire engagement rings make a sound choice, but the real appeal of a sapphire has more to do with the stone's variety and richness of colors. It is this element that attracts buyers who want something a little less conventional than the white diamond. A shade of blue range from baby blue to navy, and it is the rich Royal blue that holds the most value.

 

Many people are unaware, however that sapphires come in all manner of colors, including a stunning yellow color that gives the stone a look similar to that of a canary diamond. The yellow sapphire is very affordable and you can often purchase a good size stone because of the affordable price range when compared to canary diamonds or blue sapphires. Pink sapphires, created by the chromium present in the stone during the formation process, are also increasing in popularity, and the shades that range from salmon pastel to dark purple offer the buyer a completely different look to blue sapphire engagement rings.

 

The rarest of all sapphires is the light orange Padparadscha sapphire that comes from Tanzania, Madagascar or Sri Lanka.