Ever since De Beers launched their infamous campaign in 1947 and Marilyn Monroe sang that they were ‘a girl’s best friend’ diamonds have taken centre stage as the engagement gemstone of choice. However, long before this, sapphires reigned supreme. Said to symbolise romance and fidelity and a favourite of ancient Greeks and Egyptian royalty, this versatile gem has a rich history and is steeped in mythology. And sure, while diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, sapphires are fit for a princess. Sapphires feature in the Crown Jewels and arguably the most iconic engagement ring in modern Royal history, Princess Diana’s 12-carat oval cut deep blue gem, now sits lovingly on Kate Middleton’s ring finger. Coveted by Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor, Penelope Cruz, Elizabeth Hurley and (let’s be honest) British royalty Victoria Beckham, it’s no doubt that sapphires are back in style. So, why should you ditch the diamond and snap up a sapphire instead? From greater versatility, durability, ethical credits, and, most importantly, easier on the purse strings, Claire Beatson, general manager of independent and ethical jeweller Nightingale reveals five reasons why you should take notes from the royals, and invest in a sapphire ring.
1. They're cheaper As with any gemstone, the price relies on the size, shape, cut, colour, variety, and origin of the sapphire. However, a quality one-carat sapphire can cost you anywhere between £50 to £10,000, while the starting price of a diamond of the same quality is approximately £2,500, and it can go as high as £30,000. Due to this, they make an excellent choice for couples who want a large centre stone without breaking the bank.
Claire reveals: "A sapphire will cost at least half what you'd spend on an equivalent sized diamond. And to dispel a common myth, this price difference isn't down to diamonds being rarer than sapphires. In fact, the opposite is true. The reality is that sapphires haven't suffered the same levels of price manipulation that diamonds historically have, so their value has been established much more naturally."
2. They have more versatility If blue isn't your gemstone colour of choice, sapphires can come in a variety of different hues. Opt for a pink stone, a la Lady Gaga or replicate the diamond look for less and go for a clear sapphire stone.
Claire explains: "Sapphires can come in many different colours, not just the rich blue you're used to seeing. This gives you a lot more space to get creative with your ring design, adding bold colours to truly reflect your personality. You're free to add splashes of pink, orange, yellow, green and any other colour you like to your ring by using sapphires. In fact, the only colour that sapphires don't come in is red, and that's just because we call those rubies. Aside from the colour they're actually the same material!"
3. They're durable Sure, they are not as hardy as diamonds, sapphires rank higher than other popular gemstones such as emeralds, topazes, pearls and garnets. Due to sapphire's not having cleavage, they will not break and splinter when struck and they are scratch-resistant making them perfect for everyday wear.
Claire explains : "Most people know that diamonds are the hardest gemstone used in jewellery, however sapphires are no slouch in the toughness department. They measure a 9 on the Mohs scale (graded below diamonds at 10) which makes them perfectly suited for everyday wear and the knocks and bashes that come along with it."
4. They're less traditional With a considered move towards non-traditional weddings by young couples, it's no surprise that engagement ring trends have followed suit. According to Google trends, searches for 'sapphire engagement ring' have increased in 2022, second after moissanite. Not only are sapphires rarer than diamonds, no two sapphires are the same meaning your ring will be a one-of-a-kind piece that is totally representative of you or your partner.
Claire reveals: "The past 100 years have seen diamonds pushed as the only option for engagement rings. At Nightingale we'd rather you have a ring which reflects who you are as a person as opposed to being pressured to follow traditional wisdom. A sapphire engagement ring lets you do just that, letting people know that you're your own unique person with their own signature style."
5. They're more ethical Sapphire mines are generally run by small and even family-operated companies, which makes it infinitely easier to track exactly where your sapphire has come from. And what's better than wearing a ring that's beautiful and can give you peace of mind? To add further eco-credentials to your sapphire ring, you can also opt for a lab-grown stone which is more ethically-minded and budget-friendly.
Claire explains: "It's fair to say that finding an ethical engagement ring isn't as simple as it should be. Luckily sapphires have a wide network of artisanal miners who are mining with ethics and responsibility at the forefront of their work. This makes finding an ethical sapphire engagement ring much easier. In fact, you'll be spoilt for choice with the right jeweller. We personally love Montana sapphires for their great responsible mining standards as well as their stunning beauty.You can also opt for lab grown sapphires which are a great ethical option if you're looking to make your budget go further. You'll tend to save over 50 per cent when buying lab grown compared to mined sapphires."
Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season
Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...
READ ARTICLE
Titanic Spa launches luxury June overnight wellness break in the Yorkshire countryside from £244.50 per person
Set in the scenic Yorkshire countryside, Titanic Spa is launching its June Time Together Overnight Break, a limited-time luxury spa package available throughout June. Priced from £244.50 per person, the experience includes overnight accommodation in a private spa apartment, two treatments per guest (including a 55-minute full body massage option), and full access to the spa's extensive facilities. Guests can unwind in the outdoor hot tub, indoor pool and hydrozone, Himalayan salt sauna, crystal steam room and relaxation lounge. The stay also includes a continental breakfast, one-course lunch, two-course evening meal and exclusive evening access to Bar1911 Champagne & Cocktail Bar, making it an ideal romantic wellness escape.
READ ARTICLE
Bridal Showers Are Becoming the Biggest Pre-Wedding Trend of 2026
Not sure where to start? Don't worry - experts at Abbott Lyon have put together simple steps to help you plan the perfect bridal shower, so everything runs smoothly and the bride (and her besties) can enjoy every moment of the day. You know the bride better than anyone - after all, she's asked you to be a big part of her big day. Think about what her vibe is and what she's into. Is she more about getting pampered at a spa day or would she prefer a wild brunch somewhere? Also, think about who's coming to the bridal shower. Will her older relatives be there or will it be mainly her friends? Are work colleagues coming? You want to make sure anything you plan is appropriate for everyone to enjoy.
READ ARTICLE
5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed
61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.
