Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Blue Sapphires
For centuries, diamonds dominated the engagement ring market. That began to change in 1981, when Lady Diana Spencer showed the world her beautiful engagement ring, which had a vivid blue sapphire as the center stone. Since then, sapphires have been giving diamonds a literal run for their money- they’re less expensive and they come in a rich assortment of colors. In fact, many Keyzar customers looking for a special, one-of-a-kind engagement ring are choosing sapphires to say ‘I do.’
What are Sapphires?
Sapphires are precious gemstones renowned for their exquisite beauty and durability. They belong to the corundum mineral family, composed of aluminum oxide with trace elements of iron, titanium, chromium, or magnesium. Their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, makes sapphires second only to diamonds in terms of durability, making them ideal for everyday wear, including engagement rings.
While sapphires are traditionally associated with a deep blue color, they actually come in a spectrum of captivating hues. These gemstones can be found in shades of pink, yellow, green, orange, purple, and even colorless, with each variety holding its own allure.
Known for their allure and timeless elegance, sapphires continue to captivate hearts and stand as a symbol of beauty and royalty across cultures and generations. These gorgeous stones have adorned royalty, nobility, and esteemed individuals throughout history, symbolizing wealth, power, and elegance. During the Middle Ages, sapphires held religious significance, often adorning the robes and accessories of bishops and cardinals. They were associated with heavenly blessings, deep spirituality, and divine favor.
One of the most iconic sapphire jewelry pieces is the engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and now adorning the finger of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. This stunning ring features a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds, set in white gold. Its timeless beauty and association with royalty made it a symbol of elegance and romance, capturing the hearts of people worldwide.
How Are Sapphires Different From Diamonds?
Sapphires and diamonds are both stunning gemstones, but they differ in various aspects.
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Composition: Sapphires are primarily composed of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide, with trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium giving them their vibrant colors. Diamonds, on the other hand, are composed of pure carbon, created under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth.
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Color Range: While diamonds are renowned for their colorless brilliance, sapphires exhibit a wide range of captivating hues. The most famous and desirable color for sapphires is blue, but they can also be found in various shades of pink, yellow, green, purple, and even colorless (known as white sapphires).
- Value: Generally, diamonds are considered more valuable than sapphires due to their rarity and the association of diamonds with engagement rings and high-end jewelry. However, within the sapphire family, certain factors affect their value, including color, clarity, carat weight, and overall quality. Exceptionally rare and high-quality sapphires can command significant prices, especially for large or vividly colored specimens.
Lab-Grown Sapphires- a Natural Advantage
You’ve likely heard about lab-grown diamonds. With sapphires, it’s the same principle. Lab-grown sapphires, also known as synthetic or cultured sapphires, are gemstones that are created in a laboratory environment using advanced techniques that simulate the natural processes that form sapphires deep within the Earth's crust. Instead of being mined from the earth, lab-grown sapphires are grown under controlled conditions using various methods, including the Verneuil process and the flux method.
In the Verneuil process, aluminum oxide is melted and slowly cooled to form a synthetic sapphire crystal. This method can produce large, high-quality sapphires with consistent color and clarity. The flux method involves dissolving aluminum oxide in a flux material at high temperatures, resulting in the growth of sapphire crystals over time.
Are Lab-Grown Sapphires Real Gemstones?
Lab-grown sapphires have essentially the same physical and chemical properties as natural sapphires. They possess the same hardness, durability, and brilliance. The main difference lies in their origin. While natural sapphires are formed over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface, lab-grown sapphires are created within a much shorter timeframe in controlled laboratory conditions.
What About Price?
The cost of lab-grown sapphires is typically lower compared to their natural counterparts due to the controlled and efficient production process. Their price is tied to the rate of production, which is much higher and more predictable than that of natural sapphires. This allows lab-grown sapphires to come with a lower price tag while offering exceptional value in terms of their quality and beauty.
Furthermore, the production of lab-grown sapphires ensures that the supply always meets the demand, eliminating supply chain issues and preventing artificially inflated prices. This accessibility and affordability make lab-grown sapphires an appealing choice for those seeking the beauty and allure of sapphires at a more budget-friendly price point.
Advantages of Sapphire Engagement Rings
Choosing a lab-grown sapphire as the center stone for your engagement ring offers several advantages that make it an increasingly popular choice among couples. Here are some key advantages:
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Exceptional Value: This is one of the biggest advantages! Lab-grown sapphires typically offer excellent value for your investment. Compared to naturally mined sapphires of similar quality, lab-grown sapphires can be more affordable, allowing you to obtain a larger or higher-quality gemstone for your budget.
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Uniqueness: Lab-grown sapphires are one of a kind! They also offer a broad range of color options, allowing you to choose a sapphire that perfectly matches your style and preferences, creating a personalized and unique engagement ring. The Twig and The Scarlett are excellent examples of rings that take on extra flair with a sapphire center stone!
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Ethical and Environmentally Friendly: Lab-grown sapphires are created in controlled laboratory settings using advanced technology, without the need for mining. This eliminates the ethical concerns associated with mining practices and ensures a smaller environmental footprint, making lab-grown sapphires a sustainable and responsible choice.
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Optimal Quality and Consistency: Since lab-grown sapphires are created under controlled conditions, they exhibit exceptional clarity and color consistency. These gemstones are often free from the inclusions commonly found in naturally occurring sapphires, ensuring a visually stunning centerpiece for your engagement ring.
- Durability and Longevity: Lab-grown sapphires possess the same hardness and durability as their natural counterparts, making them a reliable choice for everyday wear. They can withstand the rigors of daily life, ensuring that your engagement ring remains as beautiful as the day you first received it.
Conclusion
Sapphires stand as timeless treasures, captivating hearts with their mesmerizing beauty and enduring symbolism. Whether naturally mined or lab-grown, these exquisite gemstones offer a captivating alternative to traditional engagement rings. The broad range of colors and exceptional durability further enhance their appeal as center stones.
With Keyzar's intuitive and user-friendly platform, you have the freedom to choose from a wide selection of exquisite sapphires in various sizes. Customize every detail, from the setting style to the band metal, to create a truly unique and personalized ring.
With our expert guidance and virtual design tools, you can visualize your creation before it becomes a reality. Designing your own sapphire engagement ring has never been more accessible or exciting than with Keyzar!
