The short answer: a sapphire ring looks best in a setting that suits the stone's rich colour and protects it from knocks, such as a classic claw solitaire, a halo, a three stone ring or a bezel. Sapphire is very hard and durable, so it suits everyday wear and a wide range of designs.
Sapphire is a form of corundum, the same mineral family as ruby. It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond, so it resists scratches well. Blue is the best known colour, but sapphire also comes in pink, yellow, green, white and more. A sapphire engagement ring has a long tradition, and it suits people who want colour and strength. See sapphire engagement rings: everything you need to know.
Choosing the colour
Blue sapphires range from soft, pale blue to deep royal blue. Look at the stone in different lights, because colour can shift between daylight and indoor lighting. We can show you stones on video so you can judge the colour for yourself. Fancy colour sapphires, such as pink, yellow or teal, give a distinctive alternative. See padparadscha sapphires and Montana sapphires.
The best settings for a sapphire
| Setting | Look | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Claw solitaire | Classic and clean | Lets the colour lead |
| Halo | Glamorous | Diamonds add sparkle around the blue |
| Three stone | Meaningful | Diamond side stones contrast with the colour |
| Bezel | Sleek and secure | Protects the edges |
| Cluster | Vintage | A ring of diamonds around an oval sapphire is a timeless look |
Dark stones and open settings
A deep blue sapphire can look almost black in dim light. An open setting that lets light in from the sides and below helps a dark stone glow, while a closed setting can make it look darker still. A pale stone behaves the other way, and a slightly closed setting can deepen its colour. We look at your stone and suggest the setting that shows it best.
Metals
White gold and platinum make a blue sapphire look crisp and cool. Yellow gold gives a warm, classic contrast. Rose gold is softer and more modern, and it suits pink sapphires especially well.
Shapes
Ovals and cushions are the most popular sapphire shapes, since they keep a lot of the stone's weight. Emerald cuts show the colour in broad, glassy planes, and rounds add sparkle. Step cuts show more of the inside, so clarity matters more.
Treatment
Many sapphires are heated to improve colour and clarity, which is common and stable. A report should say whether a stone has been heated or treated in other ways, and we tell you what we know. See heated vs unheated sapphires.
Natural or lab grown
Both are real sapphires, with the same chemistry and hardness. Natural stones form in the earth, and lab grown stones are made in a laboratory. We label every stone clearly. See lab grown sapphire, ruby and emerald vs natural, and browse diamonds for accent stones.
Daily wear
Sapphire is tough enough for everyday wear, but no stone is indestructible. Clean it with warm soapy water, and have the setting checked regularly. Our guide to cleavage and chips explains how stones can still be damaged by a hard knock.
Sapphire or diamond?
A sapphire brings colour and often costs less than a diamond of the same size. A diamond is harder and offers a different sparkle. Many people combine them, with a sapphire centre and diamond accents. See our guide to setting types.
How to choose
- Choose the colour you love on video.
- Pick the shape and setting.
- Choose the metal.
- Approve the design in writing before anything is made.
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Is sapphire good for daily wear? Yes, it is one of the hardest gemstones.
Are lab grown sapphires real? Yes, they have the same chemistry and hardness as natural ones.
Does sapphire change colour? It can look different in different light, so view it in several settings.
Is my sapphire heated? Many are, and the report should say so.
Can I choose a different colour? Yes, sapphire comes in many colours.