Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was seen wearing her original engagement ring for the first time since Christmas, during Remembrance Day events, sparking renewed interest in sapphire engagement rings.
Kate’s sapphire is a deep blue gem surrounded by a halo of diamonds, but blue isn’t the only colour sapphires come in! Sapphires are available in a range of vibrant hues, from rich blues to bright pinks.
Despite their royal associations, sapphires are surprisingly accessible. Thanks to lab grown sapphires, you can enjoy these exquisite gems at a fraction of the cost and without concerns around mining practices. Read on to discover more!
Introduction to Sapphire Engagement Rings
Sapphire engagement rings have a grand history. Favoured by royals and nobles for hundreds of years, sapphires first appeared in engagement rings in the 14th and 15th centuries, becoming a timeless choice for proposals.
During the Victorian Era (1835–1900), engagement rings were often crafted in yellow or rose gold, sometimes featuring secret messages. One Victorian tradition used precious stones whose initials spelled out words: for example, lapis lazuli, opal, vermarine, and emerald spelling "LOVE." Other popular choices spelled “Dearest” or the name of a beloved, with sapphire often representing the letter “S.”
Credit: Getty Images.
Mined vs Lab Sapphires
There will always be those who think mined gemstones are best, but even the nay-sayers have to admit that lab grown sapphires offer some serious benefits.
Firstly, it is rare to find a mined sapphire without inclusions, whereas all lab grown sapphires are eye clean. Secondly, the limited availability of mined sapphires means you can’t be too picky about the colour, cut, or clarity, whereas with lab grown sapphires, you can find exactly what you want and for a fraction of the price. This brings us to the third major benefit: the cost. Lab grown sapphires don’t require costly mining, which means they are much more affordable and offer exceptional value for money.
It goes without saying that lab sapphires are real sapphires, with the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined sapphires; the only difference is their origin story.
Lab Sapphire Colours
Perhaps the most exciting quality of sapphires is their variety of colours. For an engagement ring, you can choose your partner’s favourite sapphire hue as the centre stone or as an accent. At Cullen Jewellery, we offer six stunning sapphire colours to choose from.
Blossom Pink
Celebrate life's sweetest moments with our Blossom Pink lab-grown sapphires. Their gentle pink hue embodies romance and happiness.
Flamingo Pink
Brighten your collection with our Flamingo Pink lab-grown sapphires. These vivid pink gems symbolise joy and femininity.
Scarlet Red (Ruby)
As part of the same gem family as the sapphire, rubies share their exceptional strength, making them an ideal choice for an engagement ring and a symbol of passion, protection, and wealth.
Royal Purple
For amethyst enthusiasts seeking a more durable stone, the vivid purple of Royal Sapphire is irresistible. This lush springtime hue symbolises spirituality, wealth, and luxury.
Sky Blue
Add a touch of serenity with our Sky Blue lab-grown sapphires. Their cool blue tones, reminiscent of aquamarine, symbolise loyalty and honesty.
Kashmir Blue
Explore the regal allure of our Kashmir Blue lab-grown sapphires. These striking blue gems evoke a sense of loyalty, wisdom, timeless sophistication and elegance.
Cullen Jewellery: Where Love and Craftsmanship Come Together
For the proposal that can’t wait, explore our ready to ship engagement rings or design your own bespoke lab grown sapphire engagement ring online or at one of our showrooms.
Explore Sapphire Engagement Rings