Something Blue: The Beauty of Blue Engagement Rings
Colorless diamonds have long dominated the engagement ring market. That trend isn’t likely to change any time soon, as few things are as spectacular or romantic as a brilliant and fiery diamond ring. However, colored gemstones are quickly changing from a novelty to a must-have for many couples.
One sign of this growing trend is the upcoming auction of a gorgeous cerulean diamond called “Bleu Royal.” This isn't just any diamond – it's a whopping 17.61-carats, and the auction house is saying that it might fetch between $35 and $50 million. And here’s the kicker: the house claims it's the biggest flawless fancy vivid blue diamond to ever hit the auction scene.
This pear-cut beauty, which boasts a deep blue hue, has been tucked away in someone’s private collection for the last 50 years. While it remains to be seen how much it will go for, one thing is for certain: it’s likely to have more couples thinking about ‘something blue’ for their own weddings.
The Colorful World of Gemstones
Colored diamonds are hot tickets right now. Their prices have been skyrocketing, probably because they’re so rare. Blue diamonds in particular (especially those above 10 carats) are extremely hard to get and command multi-million-dollar prices.
Fortunately, if your heart is set on a blue center stone, you have more affordable options. Lab-grown sapphires in particular have a rich hue without the equally rich price tag, and they’re just as breathtaking as most blue diamonds. Before you worry that you’re settling for some kind of knockoff, remember that celebrities like Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry have flaunted alternative gemstone engagement rings. They don’t settle for anything, and when you choose a lab-grown sapphire, neither will you.
All About Sapphires
Sapphires are precious gemstones that are a variety of the mineral corundum. The blue sapphire is particularly valued for its depth of color and durability, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it second only to diamonds in terms of mineral hardness.
Sapphires have been prized for centuries as royal and romantic symbols. Their popularity in engagement rings has been partly due to their beauty and the belief that they symbolize loyalty, trust, and sincerity, all qualities desirable in a marriage.
One of the most famous sapphire engagement rings belonged to Princess Diana. Her ring, which featured a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, made headlines for its size and splendor, and it has influenced engagement ring trends ever since. This iconic piece of jewelry was later given by Prince William to Kate Middleton when he proposed in 2010, cementing the sapphire's status in the realm of romantic gestures and continuing its legacy in royal engagement traditions.
If you're craving a sapphire for your engagement ring but are concerned about the environmental impact or maybe your budget. Enter lab-grown sapphires! These beauties aren't dug out of the ground but made in labs using a few different methods:
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Flame Fusion: Think of this as the classic method. They sprinkle fine alumina powder (that's sapphire's raw material) through a super-hot flame. It melts, falls onto a crystal, and voilà! You've got yourself a sapphire.
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Hydrothermal Growth: Here, they mimic Mother Nature's kitchen. They use a water solution full of nutrients and cook it under high temperatures and pressures. Over time, sapphires start to grow, just like crystals in a science experiment!
- Czochralski Process: Picture this: dipping a tiny sapphire crystal into a pot of melted alumina and then pulling it out slowly while spinning it. As it cools, a sapphire forms!
So why go for lab-grown sapphires?
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Planet-Friendly: They're like the eco-warriors of the gem world since no mining harms Mother Earth.
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Easy on the Wallet: Generally, they're a bit friendlier to your budget than the natural ones.
- Looks: They often sparkle more with fewer internal blemishes or inclusions.
If you're hunting for a gem that combines beauty, affordability, and eco-friendliness, lab-grown sapphires are your answer. Not only are they a responsible choice, but they also present a wallet-friendly alternative that doesn't skimp on the sparkle. With advanced techniques replicating nature's magic in a lab setting, choosing a lab-grown sapphire offers both brilliance and peace of mind.
Engagement Ring Styles That Complement Blue Sapphire Gemstones
Blue sapphires can be the show-stopping centerpiece of an engagement ring. Here are a few ring styles that harmonize beautifully with blue sapphire gemstones:
Pave
A blue sapphire in a pave setting like The Pave Alex engagement ring is a perfect match! The deep, mesmerizing blue of the sapphire contrasts beautifully with the close-set tiny diamonds, creating a night-sky-meets-stars effect. This setting not only amplifies the sapphire's natural sparkle but also gives it a vintage yet modern allure.
Nature-Inspired
A blue sapphire set in a nature-inspired engagement ring like The Twig captures the essence of the earth's beauty. The ring's intricate details and patterns, reminiscent of branches and foliage, wrap around the sapphire, showcasing it as if it were a precious droplet of water. This combination evokes feelings of timeless romance and natural elegance, making it a perfect choice for those who love both the beauty of gemstones and the great outdoors.
Side Stone
In a dazzling engagement ring like The Scarlett, a blue sapphire stands out as the centerpiece of refined elegance. The deep blue of the sapphire becomes even more pronounced when flanked by side stones. These adjacent gems, whether diamonds or other precious stones, act as a luminous entourage, accentuating the sapphire's brilliance.
More Styles
A blue sapphire set within a custom-designed engagement ring offers a unique blend of personal touch and elegance. The rich, deep hue of the blue sapphire brings a touch of luxury and distinction, ensuring that the ring stands out in a sea of traditional diamonds. By choosing a custom design, one can tailor every aspect of the ring to complement the sapphire's beauty, ensuring that its color, cut, and clarity are showcased to perfection.
Conclusion
If you're looking to pop the question with a beautiful blue gem that combines style, sustainability, and sparkle, you know what to pick. And why not let Keyzar help you craft that dream ring? Our experts are ready and waiting to help design a piece that's as unique as your love story. So if a sapphire engagement ring is calling your name, contact us today and let the magic begin.
