Sapphire Engagement Rings Australia

Sapphire is the gem-quality variety of corundum (aluminium oxide). All corundum that is not red is classified as sapphire. The classic blue comes from trace iron and titanium. Other colours come from different trace elements, including chromium for pink and vanadium for purple. Lab-grown sapphire is the same material with the same hardness and the same optical properties, grown in a few weeks rather than over millions of years.

Blue sapphire runs from pale sky blue to deep velvety royal blue. The most prized blue is a medium-deep, slightly violetish blue with strong saturation. Pink sapphire ranges from soft pastel to vivid hot pink. Padparadscha is a rare salmon-pink to pink-orange. Yellow sapphire is warm and sunny. Green sapphire reads more teal than emerald green. White sapphire is colourless and sometimes used as a diamond alternative, though it lacks diamond fire.

Sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale with very good toughness. Only moissanite (9.25) and diamond (10) are harder. That makes it one of the few coloured stones that genuinely suits everyday engagement rings. It resists scratching, holds a polish for years and handles knocks better than softer coloured stones. Heat-treated and untreated sapphires both wear well. Stones with significant fracture filling should be treated more gently.

Colour is the main value driver. A vivid, saturated blue with good clarity and a well-cut shape is what to look for. Most sapphires have some inclusions, which is normal for a natural corundum. Cut matters because poorly cut sapphires can look dark or windowed. Carat weight is straightforward, but a 1 carat sapphire sits a little smaller than a 1 carat diamond because sapphire is denser.

Most blue sapphires are heat treated to deepen the blue and remove silk. Heat treatment is stable and accepted in the trade. Unheated sapphires command a premium. Beryllium diffusion can change colour more dramatically and should be disclosed. Kashmir sapphires set the historical benchmark, though deposits are largely exhausted. Today, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, Montana and Tanzania supply the market. Lab-grown sapphire offers the same colour at a much lower price.

Excellent for engagement rings and daily-wear rings because of the hardness. The blue sapphire engagement ring is the most famous example, made iconic by the ring Princess Diana wore. Also suits earrings, pendants, tennis bracelets and eternity bands. Pink and yellow sapphires are an affordable alternative to pink or yellow diamond.

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires. Avoid for stones with visible fractures or fracture filling. Store away from softer stones so sapphire does not scratch them.

Sapphire is one of the more attainable precious gemstones. Kashmir and fine unheated Burmese stones reach extreme prices for collectors. Heat-treated commercial sapphires from Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Thailand are widely available at sensible prices for engagement rings. Lab-grown sapphire is the cheapest path to a vivid, large coloured centre stone.