Sapphires
Chosen for colour, shaped for brilliance, and made to be worn with ease.
A fine sapphire is defined by its colour and its life. The best stones show strong saturation, an even face up appearance, and a bright return of light in everyday conditions. At À Vie, we source sapphires for beauty and performance, then design settings that protect the stone while keeping the profile refined. If you are considering a sapphire engagement ring or commissioning a bespoke piece, we will guide you through the choices that influence appearance, durability, and value, so you can buy with confidence.
What makes a sapphire exceptional
Colour leads, but balance matters just as much.
The most desirable sapphires show a rich, well balanced colour that holds its presence in different lighting. For blue sapphires, look for vivid saturation without looking inky or overly dark. For other colours, the aim is the same, a clean, confident hue with even distribution across the stone. Cut quality matters because it drives brightness and prevents dull areas that can flatten the colour.
Clarity, in practical terms
You want character without distraction.
Natural sapphires often contain inclusions, and many are not visible without magnification. What matters is whether the stone looks crisp to the eye at normal viewing distance and whether inclusions reduce brilliance or create haziness. We prioritise sapphires with strong transparency and a lively face up look, so the colour remains the centrepiece.
Treatments and transparency
Clear information supports confident buying.
Some sapphires are treated to improve appearance, and this can influence rarity and pricing. We explain what is known about treatment for each stone and what it means for value and long term expectations. Where certification or supporting documentation is available, we recommend keeping it with the piece as part of the sapphire’s provenance.
Settings that protect and flatter
Elegant design should still be practical for daily wear.
Sapphire rings should be designed around the stone’s shape and depth so they sit comfortably and remain secure. Protective details such as well placed claws, supportive galleries, and considered halo proportions help reduce snagging and protect exposed edges. Metal choice also changes the overall impression. Yellow gold can add warmth, while platinum and white gold can create a cleaner contrast and a more contemporary finish. We will guide you to the combination that suits your sapphire and your lifestyle.