Sapphires have become widely popular ever since Princess Diana revealed her oval blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring to the world. With this level of royalty showing a fondness for sapphires, this iconic stone has assumed a great deal of influence in the bridal industry. And the admiration for this particular gemstone has not stopped there with its legacy cemented once more in 2010, when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother’s ring.
Despite how long it has been since these high profile engagements, the popularity of non-diamond centre stones, particularly sapphires hasn't gone anyway. If fact demand has spiked as consumers search for more sustainable and unique alternatives to traditional diamonds.
Whether you're a bride who wants to escape the seemingly mundane bridal traditions or simply want an eco-friendly stone to flaunt, sapphire set rings are an excellent choice for those seeking an engagement ring with a regal flair. Available in an array of colours and cuts (not just blue!) sapphires offer plenty of variety with colours such as purple, pink, yellow, green, orange, brown, black, and even white up for choice — although kashmir and ceylon blue are the most sought-after.
A SquareMeal tip when browsing designs, is to pay attention to the cut, clarity, and carat of the stone, as well as the band style and metal, these steps are essential in ensuring you get the best quality stones and style for your spouse. To help you along the way we’ve researched and gathered a few of our favourites from contemporary designs to vintage picks.
Here are some of the best options available for sapphire engagement rings, whether you're considering one for yourself or someone you love.
Beaverbrooks - White gold diamond sapphire three stone ring
If you're a fan of all things elegant we’ve found your dream ring! Beaverbrook’s white gold sapphire ring will certainly turn some heads. With a striking blue sapphire centre stone accompanied by two glittering round diamonds set onto an 18ct white gold band, this breathtaking design is simple and elegant.
How much? £3,250
Buy it: Beaverbrooks
H Samuel - Gold ceylon sapphire and diamond cluster ring
Looking for a pretty ring to suit your stunning spouse? Look no further. This gold H Samuel design features a ceylon sapphire, set in a cluster of diamonds. The delicate band follows a traditional motif with a modern twist - and is a bargain at under £500.
How much? £499
Buy it: H Samuel
Goldsmiths - White gold sapphire emerald cut halo ring
For those who love simple and clean designs, this twinkling ring from Goldsmiths features an emerald-cut sapphire surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds and sitting atop a quarter halo band. A simple style that still feels suitably sparkly.
How much? £700
Buy it: Goldsmiths
Ernest Jones - White gold oval sapphire ring
A dazzling white gold ring with a glistening oval blue sapphire at the centre of six ebullient diamonds. This ring takes the modern oval gemstone shape and makes it feel like a classic.
How much? £1,900
Buy it: Ernest Jones
Chupi - Dewlight blue sapphire oval engagement ring
Chupi consistently delivers excellence with every design. Available in both 14k gold and white gold, the Dewlight ring features a hand-sourced 1ct oval blue sapphire gemstone lanked with six classic diamonds for a glistening finish.
How much? £5,989
Buy it: Chupi
Austin & Blake - Sapphire and diamond ring
This Austin & Blake engagement ring is handcrafted and perfect for the bride who wants some serious bling. An emerald-cut sapphire centre stone takes all the focus here, bedazzled with a halo of natural diamonds. Available in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum and an incredible price point of just over £1,000.
How much? £1,003
Buy it: Austin & Blake
Victoria Rings Co - Emerald cut sapphire and diamond three stone ring
A simple but transcendental design which effortlessly exudes classic style. This emerald-cut sapphire and diamond three-stone ring features a well-structured design with prominent stones.
How much? £3,500
Buy it: Victoria Rings Co
Tru Diamonds - Marie Antoinette tru-sapphire ring
The Marie Antoinette tru-sapphire ring emanates 17th century French style and is ideal for a lover of vintage. Inspired by the opulence of Versailles, this captivating design features sustainable lab-grown diamonds and a 1.25-carat tru-sapphire centre stone surrounded by a vintage style halo and scalloped band.
How much? £198
Buy it: Tru Diamonds
Lark & Berry Bridal - Flora azul engagement ring
Crafted from recycled gold or silver, this exceptional design takes centre stage with its mesmerising bold sapphire gemstone at the heart of its motif. Its diamond-paved shoulder provides a glimmering finish which seamlessly captures and reflects light, captivating all onlookers.
How much? £2,995
Buy it: Lark & Berry Bridal
Not a huge fan of the colour blue? We’ve got you covered – Sapphire gemstones are also available in a range of other beautiful colours however the most popular choice tends to be Pink, Yellow and White. If your heart is set on having a gemstone centrepiece for your engagement ring but are not keen on blue sapphires, here are a few of our additional favourites which would make a great alternative.
Pink sapphire engagement rings
Fenton - Solitaire Pink Sapphire Ring Original
A majestic pink sapphire ring with the option to fully customise both the band and choice of gemstone. Fentons Solitaire Pink ring features a large oval centre stone set in 18K yellow gold. choose between 8x6 mm to 12x10mm for your choice of fit.
How much? £2,600
Buy it: Fenton Solitaire Pink Sapphire Ring Original
The Diamond Store - Pink Sapphire And 0.15ct Diamond Ring 9K Yellow Gold
A trendy design which showcases a set of four round Pink Sapphires, positioned elegantly between a selection of high-quality diamonds. Crafted in 9K Yellow Gold this £385 ring is a steal!
How much? £385
Buy it: The Diamond Store Pink Sapphire And 0.15ct Diamond Ring 9K Yellow Gold
Taylor & Hart - Marula
The perfect design for a bride who doesn't want to give up her diamonds. Taylor & Hart’s dainty silhouette captures a floral motif. Set in 18ct rose gold with a 1.6mm band width, this is a truly feminine design which exudes timeless beauty.
How much? £3,065
Buy it: Taylor & Hart Marula
Yellow sapphire engagement rings
Laurelle Antique Jewellery - Edwardian Style Yellow Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring 1.6ct Sapphire
An Edwardian motif which features a radiant oval cut yellow sapphire at its heart. Its warm yellow hue emits joy representing the joy of a proposal. Moulded in high-quality platinum with ten clean and brilliant-cut diamonds around the border.
How much? £2,995
Buy it: Laurelle Antique Jewellery Edwardian Style Yellow Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring 1.6ct Sapphire
Mappin & Webb - FABERGÉ
A quirky design filled with character, Farberges’ Colours of Love is a one-of-a-kind design containing a rainbow of coloured gemstones. Set in 18ct yellow gold with a large yellow sapphire mounted onto a fluted band, Farberges presents a brilliant artistic fusion of love.
How much? £5,760
Buy it: Mappin & Webb FABERGÉ
Lark & Berry Bridal - Flora Oval Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Featuring an eye-clean oval sapphire centre stone with small lab-grown diamonds dazzling at either side this 18K Gold cocktail ring is extremely pleasant and offers the chance to personalise with engraving.
How much? £1,065
Buy it: Lark & Berry Bridal Flora Oval Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring
White sapphire engagement rings
Glamira - Engagement Ring Gisu
An enchanting design with an oval-cut white sapphire centre stone. Glamira's eye-catching design is a perfect alternative to diamonds for just £421.
How much? £421
Buy it: Glamira Engagement Ring Gisu
Jian London - Unity 2ct White Sapphire Classic Solitaire Platinum plated Silver Promise Ring
A timeless design crafted from sterling silver but available in platinum-plated sterling Silver, 18ct gold or platinum. Jian Londons’ 2.0ct solitaire engagement ring is an impressionable design with a classic six-claw setting elevating the laboratory-grown white sapphire centrepiece.
How much? £120
Buy it: Jian London Unity 2ct White Sapphire Classic Solitaire Platinum plated Silver Promise Ring
Discover a variety of equally desirable gemstone rings in our sustainable engagement ring edit if sapphires aren't quite your thing.