Why are Sapphires Good for Engagement Rings?

What is a Sapphire?

Sapphires are crystalized rocks found in both igneous and metamorphic rock. Aluminum Oxide deep within the earth + pressure and heat of earth shifting with time + depending on the metal surrounding the area = A clear crystal named Corundum. Inside the stone may be natural birthmark-like inclusions such as iron, titanium, vanadium, and chromium.

There are also lab-grown Sapphire gems. Because of the simplicity of the methods involved in creating corundum synthesis, there may be a misleading label. Not all Sapphires are natural. At Midwinter Co., we do not use lab grown Sapphires unless it is specifically requested in a custom order.

Where do Sapphires come from?

Sapphires have been discovered all over the world. Significant Sapphire deposits are found in Australia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cameroon, China (Shandong), Colombia, Ethiopia, India Jammu and Kashmir (Padder, Kishtwar), Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United States (Montana) and Vietnam. 

Durability

Diamonds are the hardest minerals on Earth. Sapphires are the hardest colored gemstones on Earth. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Sapphires are highly durable and resistant to scratches, making them ideal for everyday wear. They are simple to keep clean, do not lose their color, and can always be polished if required. This durability ensures that your engagement ring can stand the test of time. 

Corundum is so durable it will scratch most other gems, and when it isn't gem quality, it is commonly used as an abrasive on sandpaper/tools.

Colors and Beauty

Hope you like the rainbow! While sapphires are commonly associated with their signature deep blue color, they actually come in every color. The color the stone is depends on how and where it grew in the earth. Since heat can affect the stone's color, heating the stone is a permanent treatment that will create the best deep tone quality that the stone can naturally have (those are called treated sapphires, not all are treated).

"Gem-quality corundum is quite rare. These factors make both varieties of corundum some of the most highly desired jewelry stones. Ruby is red corundum. All other colors of corundum, including colorless, are called Sapphires." - GemSociety Article

Some natural Sapphires can color change, and can shimmer with a star-shaped glow. Sapphires are absolutely magical and superior in the world of colored gems. They come in light and dark tones of every color of the rainbow. You will always find gem quality Sapphires collected in jeweler's personal vaults. The refraction index of a Sapphire is similar to a diamond, ensuring intense glimmer inside and out.

Affordability and Sustainability

Compared to diamonds, Sapphires offer an affordable alternative for engagement rings without compromising tradition, beauty, or quality. This makes sapphires a popular choice for most budget ranges.

Midwinter Co. Sapphires are mined in countries with strict labor and environmental regulations, and go through the Kimberley Process, ensuring that your stone has been responsibly sourced. 

Historical Value and Symbolism

September’s birthstone, the Sapphire, has been popular since the Middle Ages. Greeks wore Sapphire for guidance when seeking answers from the oracle and was associated with the god Apollo. Buddhists believed that it brought spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus used it during worship. Early Christian kings cherished Sapphire’s powers of protection by using it in ecclesiastical rings. Ancient Hebrews believed that the Ten Commandments were engraved on tablets of Sapphire (though historians now believe the blue gemstone referenced in the Bible may have been Lapis Lazuli). It was associated with chastity, as well as being seen as a sanctified gem. It is associated metaphysically with wisdom, truth, and protection.

Why are Sapphires good for Engagement Rings?