Before I even utter the words engagement ring, I want us to consider something: why are so many of us drawn to the colour blue? It’s easy to start with the fact that oceans and skies are blue, but let’s go a little deeper than that. Blue doesn’t just please the eye - it has measurable effects on the body and mind.
As far back as the 1940s, researchers found that exposure to blue light can activate the parasympathetic nervous system - the part that slows the heart rate and calms the body. Decades later, psychologists discovered that people in blue environments actually think differently: they become more imaginative and open-minded, while red tones sharpen focus and detail.
And perhaps the most striking fact of all - in global surveys, blue consistently ranks as the world’s favourite colour, chosen across continents, cultures, and generations. There’s something almost universal in how humans respond to it.
So with that irrefutable science about why we are pretty much unable to dislike blue – let’s move into the world of blue sapphire engagement rings…
I remember the first sapphire I ever set in a ring. To be honest, it was synthetic, as it was close to the start of my career and creating collections had to be done on a shoestring. Although a ‘created’ gemstone, the sapphire - a princess cut - still captivated me. It wasn’t the largest stone, but I couldn’t stop staring at it while it was on my bench. Its rich, royal blue quickly became a firm favourite of mine and of many of my clients.
As my passion and experience developed, blue sapphires became a staple for my brand. Pretty much every engagement ring collection I designed was available with luscious blue sapphires. Now, I don’t want to criticise diamonds - they have their own hypnotism - but there really is something almost indescribable about a high-quality blue sapphire. And to boot, the spectrum of shades is vast: from airy cornflower tones to deep midnight hues.
But the most prized, and to my eye the most hypnotic, are those velvety royal blues. They are almost alive - a saturation that feels bottomless, the kind of colour you could lose yourself in. When you see a fine sapphire of this quality, it’s no surprise people describe it as mesmerising.
Here are some facts you can show off down the pub or wine bar:
Sapphire comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.” Ancient cultures saw it as a gem of wisdom, protection, and divine favour. Medieval kings wore sapphires believing they could guard against envy or harm. The gem has been found as far back as Roman jewellery - though I have no doubt it was prized and used long before that. Perhaps I need to find something to prove it on my next treasure-hunting adventure.
From a design perspective, sapphires are extraordinary to work with in engagement rings. Unlike diamonds, which catch your attention primarily through brilliance and fire, sapphires captivate through colour - it’s more of a bold punch than a sparkle. The right metal amplifies that character: in platinum, the cooler blue sings with clarity and light, while in yellow gold the contrast creates a warmth and richness that borders on regal. And when paired with white diamonds, something magical happens: each gem amplifies the other. The sapphire’s depth makes the diamonds feel brighter, while the diamonds sharpen and intensify the sapphire’s blue. It’s a pairing I never tire of seeing.
This is the most exquisite blue sapphire I’ve ever worked with.
She weighs 1.03ct — not the largest by any means — but the depth and life in this gem were absolutely breathtaking. Even my stone dealers hesitated to let go of her.
Blue sapphires aren’t just “diamond alternatives.” They’re something entirely their own — velvety royal blues that feel almost alive. Where a diamond is a flash of lightning, a sapphire is a steady flame: calm, grounded, enduring.
In this video, I’m sharing the Cannelé design I set her in — one of my proudest creations.
The most gorgeous sapphire I have worked with is in the video above and is set in my Cannelé design. She proudly weighs 1.03ct - not the largest - but the blue and life in that gem were nothing short of exquisite. Even my stone dealers were a little reluctant to let go of her!
What fascinates me most is how sapphires aren’t just a diamond alternative - they are something totally unique to themselves. They tell a different story. Where a diamond engagement ring might feel like a flash of lightning, a blue sapphire engagement ring is perhaps more like a steady flame - grounded, mellow, enduring. One is brilliance, the other is depth. And for the right couple, that can be what makes it the perfect symbol of a lifelong bond.
FAQs about Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings
What does wearing a blue sapphire mean?
Traditionally, blue sapphires symbolise wisdom, loyalty, and protection. But meanings shift over time. For me, it’s less about folklore and more about what people feel when they see the stone. Clients often tell me a sapphire feels “real,” “calm,” or “alive.” It’s a gem that seems to hold depth - which is a powerful symbol for marriage.
Are blue sapphires worth any money?
Yes - and the value depends heavily on colour, life and quality. The most prized sapphires are the velvety royal blues, especially those from Kashmir, Burma, or Sri Lanka. But even a well-cut, lively sapphire of smaller size can carry serious value. Unlike diamonds, sapphires don’t follow such rigid pricing charts - each one is unique, which is why dealers and jewellers can debate a stone for hours.
What is the blue sapphire ring good for?
If we’re talking practically, sapphires are excellent for everyday wear. They are almost as hard as diamonds (9 on the Mohs scale whereas diamond is a 10), so they resist scratches well. Symbolically, they’re good for couples who want something different from the mainstream diamond - something with individuality, history, and a sense of calm strength. They are known, admired and worn by millions of people all over the world so you could say they definitely have a commercial popularity. So if its important that your sapphire engagement ring is admired by others, fear not!
Can I wear a blue sapphire ring every day?
Absolutely. Sapphires are durable enough for daily wear as aluded to in the above FAQ, provided they’re set securely. I always design sapphire engagement rings with longevity in mind - good setting, protective design, and craftsmanship that means you don’t have to be nervous about damaging the stone. Many of my clients wear their sapphire rings every day for decades.
