Vintage Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphire is a member of the corundum family,  the second hardest natural mineral next to diamond. Sapphires come in many colours, but blue is the most typical. . It can also be found in shades of pink, yellow, orange, green and purple;  any colour, in fact, apart from red. The more common name for red sapphire is ruby.

Sapphire vintage engagement rings will occasionally need to be cleaned to maintain their beauty. Here are a few tips on how best to clean your antique sapphire engagement rings:

1. Use a soft cloth on your vintage sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.
2. Soak the vintage sapphire and diamond engagement ring in warm water mixed with a mild washing up liquid. Gently clean the jewellery with a soft toothbrush to remove dirt or build-up. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
3. If your vintage sapphire and diamond engagement ring has any small stones in the setting, we recommend taking it to a reputable jeweller to have it professionally polished.

Whilst sapphires are durable, they still should be stored correctly. The best way to store sapphire rings is in a fabric-lined box or pouch. This will help to protect it from scratches and other damage. If storing several pieces together, make sure they are well-protected against each other. We recommend keeping sapphire jewellery away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, making it the perfect choice for those who want to celebrate their engagement in that month. Sapphires come in many different colours, but blue sapphires are the most popular choice for engagement rings.

The word ‘sapphire’ comes from the Latin word “saphirus”, meaning blue. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to represent truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Today, sapphire vintage engagement rings are often seen as symbols of fidelity and commitment.

Because of their toughness, vintage sapphire engagement rings are ideal for everyday wear.

Blue sapphire is the most common colouration of sapphire, followed by yellow and pink sapphires. The blue colour is caused by the presence of iron and titanium.

The terms “sapphire” and “ruby” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two separate gemstones. Both sapphire and ruby are varieties of the mineral corundum, but they have different chemical compositions. Sapphire is made up of aluminium oxide and oxygen, while ruby contains chromium oxide.

The distinction between sapphire and ruby is also visible in their physical properties; sapphires can never be red, rubies can only be red. The difference between a pinkish-red ruby and a reddish-pink sapphire is always a hot debate in gemological circles. 

When it comes to vintage sapphire engagement rings, there are a few things you need to look out for to determine whether or not the gem is real. The first and most obvious giveaway is colour. Genuine vintage sapphire engagement rings will be a deep blue or blue-green, or sometimes yellow or pink. If the stone is weak in colour, it’s likely not a sapphire. 

If you’re looking to buy vintage sapphire and diamond engagement rings, it’s vital you buy it from a reputable dealer. Expensive sapphires should come with an independent gemological report.