- Rings
- Engagement Rings
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Updated on 11/01/22 12:41PM
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If you’re exploring alternatives to a diamond for your engagement ring, you’ve probably thought about sapphires. Blue sapphires have been a popular choice for engagement rings for decades, in part thanks to Princess Diana, who wore a 12-carat halo sapphire when she got engaged to Prince Charles. Her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton re-ignited the trend when she received the same ring from Prince William in 2010. But did you know that blue sapphires have an equally gorgeous, yet much more affordable sibling stone, the white sapphire? It combines the look of a diamond with the glamour, mystique, and rich history and meaning of a sapphire. "Sapphires have ancient associations in many different cultures with loyalty, integrity, and romantic devotion, so a white sapphire is an appropriate choice for someone wanting a stone that symbolizes the power of their commitment," says Sharon Schatner of Filigree Jewelers. If you love the look of a colorless stone but don’t want to spend diamond-worthy prices, white sapphires may be for you. This clear stone has a diamond-esque vibe without the higher cost, making it a popular option for budget-conscious couples. It is important to note, however, that white sapphires are not quite as sparkly as diamonds. "White sapphires do sparkle but not nearly as much as diamonds because of diamonds’ high refractive index and dispersion, which are two measures for how a gemstone handles light," Schatner shares. "White sapphires have the advantage of keeping the traditional look of a colorless stone engagement ring but without needing it to be a diamond." Interested in a white sapphire engagement ring or as part of your wedding set? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite white sapphire pieces for inspiration and shared what you need to know about this intriguing stone. Gemstone Engagement Rings: What Your Color Really Means Our Top Picks There’s simply nothing as sweet and dainty as this minimal gold ring with a shimmering, horizontal-set white sapphire. It’s ideal for anyone who likes a small, yet impactful design. This petite, romantic three-stone white sapphire ring on a slender 14K band is the definition of a modern heirloom. Ready, set, go. This swoon-worthy set features not only a sparkling white sapphire, but three separate gold bands that you can stack and combine for a look all your own. Make a statement with this 2.5-carat white sapphire ring, a gorgeous and glamorous choice for anyone who prefers to wear a larger stone. You can choose between a white gold or rose gold band to really make it your own. This slim seven-stone ring is a budget-friendly beauty. It’s an elegant way to show off the white sapphire’s versatility and sparkle. Go big or go home with this stunning sparkler. The lab-created stone showcases the clarity of a white sapphire and rings up at a whopping 2.8 carats. How romantic! This set comes complete with an oval white sapphire ring with conflict-free diamonds flanking it on either side and a coordinating stacking band set with delicate, swoon-worthy stones. Whether you wear this blue and white sapphire ring with a ring set or rock it on its own, it’s a fun way to incorporate different colors and textures into your wedding set. Simply beautiful, this lab-created white sapphire is surrounded by two smaller stones and each one absolutely glows. 33 Best Three-Stone Engagement Rings for Every Bridal Style of 2023 The price tag of this sterling silver ring is just as sweet as its design. It features a lab-created stone set in silver with two rows of small, equally sparkly white sapphires on either side. This sterling silver band is set with lab-created white sapphires in a pretty, romantic, and timeless filigree pattern. It’s like a bouquet for your finger! This round cluster of white sapphires looks like a priceless piece that’s been passed down through generations, but it’s thoroughly modern. If you’re dreaming of a celebrity-style engagement ring, look no further than this rose gold beauty, inspired by Blake Lively’s rock from Ryan Reynolds. A 2.3-carat natural white sapphire solitaire is set on a rose gold band accented by small diamonds for star-worthy shimmer. Get the classic diamond look for a fraction of the price with this absolutely timeless solitaire in a six-prong setting. It’s inspired by the iconic diamond rings of the past but made with the stone of the future: the white sapphire! If you love a vintage-style look, this beautiful star-shaped ring in sterling silver will be just the thing for you. The stone is surrounded by cubic zirconias in lieu of diamonds; it’s a budget-friendly piece with a glamorous throwback look that never goes out of style. Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide Is an emerald cut on your shortlist of dream rings? Look no further than this classic style, set with a 3.55-carat white sapphire on a white gold band. If you’re looking for something totally unique, you’ll love this gold band set with three different cuts of white sapphire. It’s a little bit edgy, a bit textural, and totally romantic. It’s sheer, luxurious glamour. Channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor with this lab-created rock. Pear-cut stones are having a moment, and this shimmering white sapphire is perfect for anyone who loves a statement-making ring with a Hollywood vibe. This white sapphire engagement ring with small side stones is pretty perfect. Choose between diamonds or moissanite side stones to customize the look to your preference and your budget. Small yet impactful, this ring has a modern design that looks delicate on your hand but never fades into the background. Has your jaw dropped yet? A 4-carat oval white sapphire stone is flanked by smaller, marquise-cut stones in this sophisticated, glittering ring. With its "wings" of marquise-cut stones, this oval-cut stunner looks like it could take off and fly. You can also choose between a white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold band. One and done. This sterling silver ring features a princess cut lab-created white sapphire in a four-prong setting and a matching band of smaller sapphires. Meet the Expert Sharon Schatner is a GIA diamond graduate and self-proclaimed "rock nerd" at Filigree Jewelers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When shopping for a white sapphire engagement ring, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. The first thing to note is the price; white sapphires are a very accessible gem, though natural stones will have a higher price tag than lab-created stones. Prices can range anywhere from $100 for a lab-created stone to the low thousands for a piece with added gemstones. What’s the difference between a natural gem and a lab-created stone, and how do you know which one is right for you? "Finding white sapphires straight out of the ground is not common. Sapphires that are clear and white enough to be faceted into gems are rare since most sapphires have at least a slight tinge of color like blue or yellow," explains Schatner. "Therefore, many white sapphires you see have been heat-treated to remove the slight tinges of other hues and to also improve their clarity." According to Schatner, heat treatment is the oldest and most stable form of gem treatment and is very common in the industry; it doesn’t damage the stone and offers lasting results. Like colored sapphires, white sapphires have been found in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Madagascar, Pakistan, East Africa, and Montana. "Lab-created white sapphires have the same chemical properties, crystal structure, and optical qualities as sapphires that came from the ground," Schatner explains. "They are just made in a controlled environment. They are grown in a lab simulating the elements and conditions that are present when they form naturally in the earth. Many consumers appreciate the sustainability factor of lab-grown stones." If you’re tough on your jewelry and live a high-impact lifestyle, white sapphires are a great choice; they’re extremely durable stones, ranking nine out of 10 on the Moh’s scale of hardness (diamonds rank the highest). "Anyone can wear a white sapphire since gem-quality white sapphires are durable enough for everyday wear," says Schatner. "They still should not be worn when doing activities that can damage gemstones or settings like cooking, cleaning, gardening, lifting weights, or anything that can cause impact with heavy objects." White sapphires look great in all settings, so whether you love traditional yellow gold or prefer sterling silver, you’ll find lots of options for a ring that suits your personal style—and your budget. FAQ Are white sapphires good for engagement rings? Yes! White sapphires are beautiful, durable, and look like diamonds, but have a much lower price point. They’re gaining in popularity as a diamond alternative. Are lab-created white sapphires durable? They are. Like their natural counterparts, lab-created white sapphires are extremely durable stones. Do white sapphires scratch easily? No. Sapphires as a whole are scratch-resistant and a great choice for a ring you’ll wear every day. Just be sure to remove your ring when doing any high-impact work or exercise and follow the recommended care guidelines. Do white sapphires turn cloudy? If your stone looks cloudy, a simple cleaning should bring back its sparkle and glow. As white sapphires are clear and don’t refract a great deal of light, they do require frequent cleaning, so make it a weekly habit to keep your stone looking its most fabulous. 16 Beautiful Toi et Moi Rings to Symbolize Your Love:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The-Best-White-Sapphire-Engagement-Rings-for-Budget-Conscious-Couples-5203577-79feb8667e754e5bb9fc3e5fe0e216c6.jpg "The Best White Sapphire Engagement Rings for Budget-Conscious Couples (2)")
Vale Tidals Ring in White Sapphire
Vale Petite Balance White Sapphire Ring
What to Look ForWhen Buying White Sapphire Engagement Rings
Price
Heat Treament
Lab-Created Sapphires
Durability
Setting
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