In late 2024 , the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was seen wearing her original engagement ring for the first time since the previous christmas, 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, called acrostic jewellery: 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.”
Mined Vs Lab Grown 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. From our Blossom Pink that celebrates life's sweetest moments with their gentle pink hue that embodies romance and happiness, to our Kashmir Blue that has a regal allure and evokes a sense of loyalty, wisdom, timeless sophistication and elegance, there is sure to be a colour that speaks to you and would add a pop of colour to any ring stack.
Whether you’re drawn to a classic halo or a contemporary solitaire, a sapphire centre or vibrant accents can make your design uniquely yours. At Cullen, our helpful team can help you explore colours, settings and metals to craft a piece that feels personal from every angle. Ready to find your hue? Discover our sapphire selection and design a ring that reflects your story.
