Chunky solitaires are the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions engagement rings. Years of witty marketing campaigns have led women and men alike to believe that engagement rings would be incomplete without diamonds.
But if you are someone who enjoys setting new traditions, chances are you are looking for ways to ditch the clear diamond center stone. The good news is that the world of engagement rings is always evolving with new trends and styles.
Colored diamonds and gemstones are one of the hottest trends right now. Sapphire gemstones are particularly popular because of their graceful and regal look. Available in a wide array of colors – from blue and pink to yellow – sapphires exude timeless elegance.
Sapphire gemstones are ideal for women who want to steer clear of engagement ring cliches without going overboard. They eliminate the hefty pocket pinch associated with diamond engagement rings. And they are the most stylish way to add a touch of “something blue” to your big day.
So, if you are going engagement ring shopping with your partner or simply want to drop clues about the type of sparkler you want, we have you covered. Let us take some inspiration from a few iconic celebrities who have charmed us with their gorgeous sapphire engagement rings.
1. Empress Josephine
Engagement rings with blue sapphire gemstones did not become a thing only after Princess Diana flaunted her gorgeous oval-cut ring to the paparazzi. As it turns out, sapphire engagement rings were equally popular in the 18th Century too.
When Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to propose to his future bride, Josephine, in 1795, he a blue sapphire gemstone. Set on a yellow gold band, the ring features a pear-shaped sapphire and diamond in the vintage “You and Me” design.
While Empress Josephine’s engagement ring is not the most expensive one on this list, the historical value attached to it is priceless. In 2013, the ring sold for nearly $1 million at an auction in France.
2. Princess Diana
The Princess of Wales had a knack for turning heads with her sophisticated and unique fashion choices. So, when it came to her engagement ring, it was only natural that Diana chose a magnificent 12-carat oval-cut Ceylon blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds.
Set on an 18-karat white gold band, the ring is inspired by Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond brooch. It was designed by Garrard, the crown jeweler at the time.
The ring even ended up causing a bit of controversy among the royalty when it was featured in the jeweler’s collection. It is the ultimate embodiment of Diana’s free spirit and personal style.
Years later, the iconic ring found its way to another royal engagement when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010. Today, the blue sapphire sparkler proudly adorns the Duchess of Cambridge’s ring finger.
3. Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz’s engagement ring from husband Javier Bardem is the epitome of “less is more”. Featuring a 3-carat oval-cut diamond, the ring is estimated to be roughly worth $30,000. But what sets it apart is the dainty flower-shaped halo of tiny diamonds. This simple touch makes it one of the most unique engagement rings with sapphire gemstones.
4. Mary-Kate Olsen
Not every sapphire engagement ring has to be a symbol of subtlety. If you want to go all out with your engagement ring, take a cue from Mary Kate Olsen’s larger-than-life sapphire sparkler. Gifted to her by then-boyfriend Olivier Sarkozy, the ring boasts 16 Calibre-cut blue sapphires surrounding a 4-carat European cut diamond.
The vintage Cartier engagement ring is further accentuated by diamond-studded yellow gold petals surrounding the center stone. And the gold rope band makes it even more irresistible.
While the couple decided to call it quits on their marriage, Olsen’s blue sapphire ring continues to captivate brides who are looking for statement engagement rings.
5. Jenny McCarthy
Blue sapphires are not the only gemstones that have found their place in the wardrobes of celebrities. When Donnie Wahlberg popped the question to Jenny McCarthy, he chose a custom engagement ring featuring a 10-carat yellow sapphire with a captivating diamond halo. The ring is set on an 18-carat white gold band.
While diamonds will continue to dominate the world of engagement rings, sapphire gemstones are an excellent alternative for saving the pocket pinch without compromising on style. While blue sapphires are the most popular, yellow and pink are equally attractive.
