While diamonds are often the ‘default’ option for engagement rings, there’s one other gemstone variety that’s a strong favourite for engagement rings: Sapphire. This incredible coloured gemstone variety is an increasingly sought after option for engagement rings, particularly for Australians looking for a locally sourced gemstone.
Here’s why.
1. Sapphires are one of the strongest coloured gemstones.
For a ring you’re going to wear on your hand every day, you want a gemstone that’s strong. It’s this ‘strength’ factor (rather than any ‘rarity’ factor) that makes diamond the most popular gemstone option for engagement rings.
While no other gemstone is quite as strong as a diamond, the threshold for what makes a gemstone “strong enough” for an engagement ring isn’t exclusive to diamonds. Sapphires are one of the strongest coloured gemstones around, and they typically hold up well in an engagement ring.
The infamous Sapphire is one of the few coloured gemstones that are strong enough for engagement rings.
2. Sapphires are found in a huge range of colours.
While “Sapphire” is synonymous with the colour blue, “Fancy Sapphire” encompasses so many more colours than the traditional deep blue we’re all familiar with. The world’s sapphires includes colours from pale pastels through to bold colours in every shade you can imagine (except red, because a red gemstone with Sapphire’s chemical makeup is classed as a Ruby). There are even ‘colour shift’ or ‘colour change’ sapphires that display different colours in different lights as you go about your day.
If there’s a colour you love, there’s almost always a Sapphire around to suit you perfectly. Locally in Australia, sapphires for engagement rings can be found in blues, greens, yellows, teals, and unique combinations of these colours known as the infamous ‘Parti Sapphire’. Other sought after favourites around the world include the peachy pink Padparadscha Sapphire, and the pastel ocean-like colours of Montana Sapphires.
Sapphires can be many colours other than the familiar Blue Sapphire, including peachy pink shades of the rare Padparadscha Sapphire.
3. Each Sapphire is wonderfully unique.
If you’re looking for a ring that’s unique, a coloured gemstone like Sapphire is a wonderful way to know that no one has a ring exactly like yours. Natural Sapphires have subtle yet powerful variations in the colour, colour distribution, and patterning that gives each one its own unique character - this uniqueness goes even further when you add your choice of shape and faceting style.
It’s a true joy making each and every Sapphire engagement ring we create here at Harlequin Jewellers, and seeing how the uniqueness of the gemstone creates a uniquely personal piece for each client.
Colour variations in Natural Sapphire, especially Australian Parti Sapphires, make each gemstone wonderfully unique.
4. Sapphires are one of the few Australian gemstones suitable for an engagement ring.
If you’re looking to support Australia’s local industries instead of choosing an engagement ring with a gemstone from overseas, an Australian Sapphire engagement ring is a wonderful way to achieve that. Australian Sapphires are one of the few gemstone varieties found in our beautiful country that are strong enough for an engagement ring. We’re so lucky that the colours of Australian sapphires are breathtaking as well.
Choosing a local Australian jeweller to create the piece for you goes even further to support our local industries, and leave you with a unique, beautifully made piece to celebrate such an important chapter in your life. At Harlequin Jewellers, we make our Sapphire engagement rings by hand right here in our Canberra studio.
Australian Sapphires are exceptionally beautiful, unique, and one of the few local gemstone options strong enough to consider including in an engagement ring.
Looking to bring a unique, Australian made, Sapphire engagement ring to life? Book an appointment directly with our jewellery maker, to explore some incredible gems, and get all the advice you need to create a practical and beautiful design.
