Few stones compare to the opulence and impact of a sapphire ring. Perhaps this is why they continue to remain popular despite engagement emerging trends and while sapphire exists in many colours, the most popular colour continues to be blue.
It has been one of the most adorned stones by royalty for centuries, perhaps the most iconic ring being Princess Diana’s which is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
If you have been looking for a sapphire ring for yourself or someone special, this thorough guide will provide all the detail you need to make a confident decision.
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Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sapphire Rings
A sapphire ring is timeless and will forever remain sought after making it the perfect engagement ring. However, before buying a sapphire ring, there are some things you need to consider including the following:
1. Choose a Colour
Did you know that the sapphire stone is available in a variety of colours other than blue? Well, the sapphire stone is originally white, but when it interacts with other materials and metals, it changes colours. Hence, you can find sapphires in an array of colours ranging from pink, teal, yellow, and so on however blue continues to be the most popular shade.
Moreover, even the intensity and saturation of the colour of sapphire vary so it is important to consider if the stone is fully saturated or not. If it is oversaturated, it runs the risk of being too opaque, which can decrease its value. However, if it is too light and under-saturated, it will also lose its value. The perfect shade of blue sapphire is a richer-looking, more velvety blue.
2. Consider the Carat Weight
This is one factor that many people tend to overlook when shopping for sapphire rings, however the cost and carat weight of a sapphire ring should be considered in tandem. Coloured gemstones are much denser than plain or white ones which is why they will appear smaller even if they have the same carat weight. The larger the carat, the more expensive the ring will be and even beyond the carat weight, the dimensions of the stone are important. If the stone has a larger length and wider dimension, it will look big but will have less carat size and in turn will visually appear big.
3. Find the Perfect Cut
The cut is an important consideration, especially if you are getting a sapphire stone with a lighter colour. The right cut adds more shine and lustre to your stone. You should get a shallow, deep cut on a darker-coloured sapphire, adding more dimension and size to your stone.
Since sapphire is a popular stone for rings, there are many cuts and shapes to choose from such as cushion, heart, pearl, or the classic square or round. When you know the shape of the sapphire ring you want, you can considerably narrow down your search.
4. Understand the Clarity Grading
Another point to factor in is to understand the clarity grading which refers to the number of imperfections and inclusions in a stone.
It should be noted that most coloured stones will have inclusions within them so you will need to check their clarity at eye level. However the more flawless a sapphire stone will look to the naked eye, the more valuable and expensive it will be. Naturally the more inclusions and imperfections there are, the less expensive and durable it will be.
5. Treated or Untreated Sapphire
Many people believe that the level of sapphire treatment is also a significant consideration so an untreated sapphire can make all the difference in the purchasing decision. However, a treated stone is not typically a bad thing as it only affects its value and not its look. Untreated sapphires are much rarer and for this reason, they are also quite expensive.
Consider untreated sapphire rings if you are looking for something valuable and rare however, if you don’t have a big budget to work with, a treated sapphire ring is a worthy consideration.
6. Ask Questions
The last tip is don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are not clear on the intricacies of sapphire stones. A good jewellery salesperson will be able to effectively guide you with whatever you need to know and help you choose the right sapphire ring for your style and budget.
Final Words
At Paul Sheeran Jewellers, we provide all of our customers with expert guidance to help them choose the perfect sapphire ring. We offer a variety of styles in varying price points ensuring there is a sapphire ring to suit every taste.