What Makes Sapphires So Popular?
September 15, 2025 / Coloured Gemstones, Engagement Rings

There’s something about sapphires that has truly sparked the interest of modern couples shopping for engagement rings. While diamonds have been the main character for many years, sapphires have well and truly started to claim their place as the chosen gemstone for couples seeking beauty and individuality.
Beyond its beauty and appearance, sapphires have traditionally been associated with loyalty, truth and love for centuries – making them the perfect symbol of commitment. When people choose a sapphire, they choose not only a commitment of love, but they also choose a piece of history that has been celebrated by royals and been treasured by cultures across the world.
One of the many reasons couples opt for a sapphire over a diamond is not only for their beauty but also for their practicality. Sapphires rank 9 on a Moh’s hardness scale, making them the second hardest gemstones after diamonds. This means the durability of a sapphire will maintain its beauty and appearance through years of daily wear, making it an investment in both beauty and longevity.
The Right Choice for Engagement Rings
For those who seek alternative options to diamond engagement rings, sapphires have truly been the choice of gemstone. Their strength and resistance to scratches, chips, and wear make them the perfect alternative to a diamond ring.
When it comes to engagement rings, many couples look to gemstones that look beautiful but also provide strong durability in normal wear and tear. A piece of jewellery that can go with them through life’s biggest moments. From morning coffee to birthday celebrations, picking the right gemstone for your engagement ring is important. With a score of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires offer similar protection to a diamond while providing more in terms of personal expression and uniqueness.
A Range of Colours
One of the most interesting aspects of choosing a sapphire is the range of colours that are available. Typically, blue sapphires are the most popular gemstone; fancy sapphires can open up many possibilities for those who put importance on the individuality of their engagement ring. Pink sapphires evoke a romantic feel, while yellows bring to light a warmth and cosy feeling. From greens to oranges, every colour caters to every personality.
Among the rarest of these coloured sapphires is the Padparadscha, known for its blend of pink and orange colours. These stones are known for their sunset-like colouring. However, their lighter colours can show inclusions more than darker sapphires, making the quality of the cut important when selecting one of these gems.
Personal Expression Through Colour
The main thing that sets sapphire gemstones and traditional engagement ring choices apart is the option that sapphires provide individuals to express their personality and style. While diamonds often focus on the technical aspect of the 4Cs, sapphire selection allows couples to choose based on what appeals to their personality.
The colour a couple is drawn to tends to reflect either a particular story or style preference, making the choice super unique to that individual or couple. To some, blue may reflect the couple’s love for the ocean, or it could show a resemblance to a royal heritage. Two different stories that both hold a strong meaning. Every story can connect to a different colour of choice.
This shift toward coloured gemstones represents more than just a trend; it’s a move toward rings that tell individual stories. Today’s couples want their engagement ring to be as unique as their relationship, and sapphires provide that opportunity while maintaining the durability that such an important piece of jewellery needs.
The growing popularity of sapphires reflects a desire for authenticity and personal meaning in one of life’s big purchases. With their history, durability, and possibilities for customisation, sapphire engagement rings are being discovered as an alternative to a traditional engagement ring.