Sapphire Engagement Ring
A sapphire engagement ring is becoming more popular these days. It is cheaper than a diamond engagement ring but can look just as stunning.
To get a sapphire engagement ring it is a good idea to find a jeweler or dealer that knows all about sapphires. The more experience you can put into choosing a sapphire engagement ring the better quality ring you will have.
A sapphire engagement ring is quite a respectable change from a diamond ring. The British Royal Family mostly all have received sapphire engagement rings. The Queen Mother, The Queen, Princess Ann, Princess Sarah and of course Princess Diana.
Sapphires belong to the corundum family along with rubies. As we know, rubies are red but sapphires can be many other colors with the blue sapphire prized above all others. The most popular being “cornflower blue” as it is as blue as the flower itself.
Most sapphires are heat treated as this brings out the color. Sapphires are heated treated to a temperature of 3000 °C or so. The way to tell if the sapphire has been heat treated is to check the rutile needles within the stone under magnification. If the needles are unbroken, then the stone has not been heated. If the silk is not visible then the stone was heated adequately. If the silk is partially broken then a process known as low tube heat was most likely used.
When buying sapphires be sure to get a certificate stating the quality and characteristics of the sapphire, especially if it is a large and expensive one.
If you are going to buy online ensure that the dealer from whom you buy has a returns policy so you can return it if it is not as described or is later found to be not a true sapphire.
Always buy at the top of your budget. You want to get the best quality gemstone for your money. Buying cheapest is not the way to do it.
Finally, shop around. There are thousands of sapphires to choose from, you can often get a bargain from an auction, either in your own town or on line.
There is no substitute for doing due diligence when shopping for a sapphire engagement ring