Sapphire Engagement Ring

Sapphire engagement ring is a beautiful and delicate option of engagement ring. One can choose from a range of different sapphires types and get a wonderful and unique engagement ring for yourself.

Around the 1920s, the sales of diamond began to decline. There were many reasons, one of which was their price was very high. And for this reason, people slowly switched from diamonds to other alternative, which at that time were mostly sapphires.

Due to the strength and price of the stone, a sapphire engagement ring was considered the best choice at that time. Sapphire is a type of stone which by nature is very hard and durable, making it an ideal choice of stone for constant wear. The value of the sapphire stone is dependant on its size, color and transparency.

Where Does the Sapphire Stone Come from?

• Kashmir Sapphire gemstone is one of the most famous sapphire stones. It has set a standard for the most valuable sapphires in the world. As more heat-treated Kashmir sapphires are found in the market, the question of value differences between heated and unheated Kashmir stones becomes ever-more important. Fine Kashmir sapphires are distinctive in color, texture and inclusions and so can often be positively identified as to country of origin.
• Burma (Mogok).  Supplies of Mogok sapphires are as tight as for Mogok rubies. There is little fine material around. Prices are relatively stable, and those who deal in better sapphires buy all they can. Mogok sapphires are being heat treated with increasing frequency. Like their ruby cousins, heat-treated Mogok sapphires are worth less than unheated stones
• Sri Lanka.  Today, most Sri Lankan sapphires have been heat treated to improve their color. From about 1975–1985, the market heat treated stocks of geuda sapphire which had built up over the centuries. These stocks are now depleted. In addition, heavy rainfall in the early 1990s also hurt production.

This would be the traditional places of sapphire mining, but these days it is not just limited to these places. There are also other known sapphire mining taking place in Thailand, Australia, United States, and Madagascar.

Various Colors in which Sapphire Stone can be Found

Sapphires come in many colors. However the most natural and beautiful color is deep, royal blue. While selecting a sapphire one should see that the color of the sapphire should not change in varying light. Sapphires come in different colors like:

• Orange –these sapphires are considered to be the most expensive. Those with a darker, red-orange color are the finest of the lot.
• Yellow – selecting a yellow sapphire is a bit tricky. Be sure to know what you are going for. Its light appearance makes it more transparent, but a light-yellow coloring is what you will want.
• Purple – These sapphires are plum in color and are of light and dark shades. The lighter shades are almost closer to pink in color, especially when exposed to any light.
• Pink – many times pink sapphires are mistaken as pink rubies. So one should be very clear while selecting the sapphire.
• Padparadscha – The very rare pinkish orange padparadscha sapphire is found mainly in Sri Lanka and at Vietnam's Quy Chau mines. The stone should have both colors evident to be considered this type of fancy sapphire.

A Perfect Choice

When it comes to heavy wear, the sapphire engagement ring is certainly a very good selection. Sapphire or sapphirus in Latin means blue. Right after the diamond, this stone is always the best choice, and usually nowadays many people buy it together with platinum or white gold rings.

Traditionally, the sapphire engagement ring was worn according to the belief that it protects the marriage from all sorts of evil powers. This was a followed belief from the typical gemstone association with the sacred and divine.

Many people in those days wore rings with sapphires, believing that sapphires were used to ward off illness and bring peace, joy and wisdom.

From there, the sapphire engagement ring and the general acceptance of this belief have evolved. Sapphire is related with eternal loyalty and devotion. It is a very attractive stone by nature and comes as a substitute to diamonds usually.