While sapphires are largely varying shades of blue, there are alternative colours. Pink sapphire rings are scarcer than their blue counterparts; both are highly valued and sought after. Red being a colour not found as sapphire. A red stone with the same base mineral is a Ruby, which is an alternative variety of corundum.

Vintage sapphire rings containing 'coloured' sapphires can be mistaken for various gemstones. To ensure customer confidence, all jewellery set with sapphires and included within the AC Silver inventory are independently tested by a gemmologist and supplied with a full certificate or gemstone grading report card.

Sapphires are traditionally presented as a 45 or 65 year wedding anniversary gift. However, sapphires have become an increasingly popular choice as a gemstone engagement ring. The popularity and publicity of royal couple, Will and Kate have increased interest. Prince William proposed with the engagement ring of his late mother, Princess Diana, to his wife, Kate Middleton in 2011. Since this time, a proposal presenting a sapphire ring has seen a steady increase.

Birthdays are also an excellent opportunity to gift a sapphire. Traditionally, sapphires are the birthstone for September; sapphire jewellery would complete a very special birthday gift to a loved one.

Sapphire engagement rings have been seen as symbols of honesty, sincerity and faithfulness for many years. Sapphires are one of the toughest gemstones, ranked at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, just after diamonds at number 10. The strength of the gemstone is thought to contribute to the belief that a sapphire engagement ring will keep a marriage strong and healthy. The gem can be treasured for years and passed down through generations, keeping good fortune within marriage.

The gemstone is also linked to protecting the wearer against harm and illness. It was once believed that sapphires could protect against a number of illnesses and ailments. Ancient Egyptians use ground sapphires as a form of eyewash, whilst medical doctors believed wearing a sapphire could treat kidney and respiratory problems. In more recent times the sapphire is thought to protect against envy and bestow good health upon the wearer.

Often, people question the durability of a sapphire gemstone when compared to a diamond. Diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale and sapphires come in a close second scoring a 9. This means that they can resist scratching better than most gemstones, making the sapphire an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

A sapphire ring for an engagement isn’t a new phenomenon. In 1796 the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte offered a simple, yet beautiful, diamond and sapphire engagement ring to his first wife, Josephine. The ring itself is an example of a toi et moi ring, with a pear cut sapphire and diamond set in opposing directions to each other; both stones being around 1 carat in size.

Sapphire engagement rings are also popular with celebrities; if you are picking your engagement ring based on popularity, the sapphire is a good choice. Perhaps one of the most famous sapphire engagement rings is the one currently owned by Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Her sapphire cluster, which was previously Princess Diana’s, consists of a 12 Carat Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by diamonds.

Learn more on Princess Diana style engagement rings

Sapphires have been cherished for centuries, with origins tracing back to ancient civilizations. The name derives from the Greek word ‘sappherios’ and can be found in a number of countries. Sri Lanka produces the most sapphires each year in the world, with countries like Thailand, the United States, and Australia also sourcing many sapphires.

The gemstone gained popularity in the 1700s, becoming the favoured feature stone in an engagement ring due to their association with romance, fidelity, and protection against envy and harm. Sapphires became prominent in many European royal jewels, with Queen Victoria affirming the popularity when she adorned a sapphire and diamond engagement ring for her betrothal to Prince Albert in 1840.

The sapphire engagement ring trend was revived in the 1980s, when Prince Charles bestowed an iconic cluster engagement ring upon Lady Diana Spencer, who captivated the world with her integrity and charm. Now widely recognised as the most famous engagement ring in history, the 12-carat sapphire engagement ring was passed down to Prince William, who used it in his proposal to the new Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.

In recent decades the sapphire engagement ring has served as a departure from traditional diamond engagement rings, gaining popularity for their distinct beauty and rich colour. Sapphires offer a range of colours from traditional blue to vibrant yellow and pinks, allowing couples to select a gemstone that resonates with their personal style and symbolism.