Of all the colored gemstones, sapphire is the most durable.īut while sapphire's durability will appeal to your practical side, it is the choice of exciting colors that draw buyers away from the sameness of white diamonds. Sapphire is an excellent gem for a ring that will be worn every day because of its superior hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), lack of cleavage and high refractive index. Many well-known actresses have shown off sapphire engagement rings, including Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The same ring ws used by Prince William for his engagement to Kate Middleston in 2011. Prince Andrew, the younger brother of Prince Charles, also gave his fiancee Sarah Ferguson an engagement ring with a colored gemstone in 1986 - a pigeon's blood ruby.

For many buyers, it is rather the opportunity to buy a unique gem with vivid color, and in a larger size.Ĭelebrities have also helped to make sapphire and ruby engagement rings a fashion trend, starting with the blue sapphire ring that Prince Charles gave to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. While sapphire is generally less expensive than diamond, it is not the cost alone that entices buyers to sapphire.

Sapphire has become increasingly popular for engagement rings.

Sapphire engagement rings