Why Sapphire Rings have Captivated Hearts for Centuries

When we think of engagement rings, diamonds often take centre stage. But there's a traditional alternative that has captivated royals and romantics for generations, Sapphires.
Known for its depth and regal history, Sapphire is more than just a beautiful precious gemstone. Sapphire is the birthstone for those born in September, it is known to symbolise sincerity, wisdom and enduring love. From ancient civilisations to modern royalty, Sapphires have long held a special place in the world of fine jewellery.
The Royals: Princess of Wales, Catherine
[Image Credit: Getty | Express UK]
Perhaps considered to the most iconic modern sapphire is the 12 carat Ceylon Deep Blue Sapphire engagement ring once worn by the beloved Princess Diana and now proudly worn by the Princess of Wales, Catherine. Set in white gold and surrounded by a halo of colourless diamonds, a style that remain beloved today.
The history of Sapphire among royalty goes far beyond this iconic ring. In medieval times, clergy wore Blue Sapphires to symbolise Heaven, while kings believed Sapphire would protect them from envy and harm.
Heated vs Unheated Sapphires
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum and are most commonly associated with their blue shades, although they come in a rainbow of colours. It has a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs Scale for Hardness (second only to diamond), making them highly durable, resistant to scratches and ideal for an engagement ring!
Nearly 95% of Sapphires on the market have undergone heat treatment. This is a standard & accepted process that gently enhances the natural gemstone's clarity and colour, often bringing out a more vivid and consistent hue. When purchasing a heated sapphire, disclosure is essential. This is something we always prioritise at Halo Diamonds.
Unheated Sapphires, on the other hand, are rare & exceptional. Their colour and clarity are untouched by modern techniques, making them incredibly special to fine jewellery collectors. Because they have not undergone any treatment, they retain their natural one of a kind appearance. For those who value uniqueness and rarity, an unheated Sapphire offers a deeply personal connection to mother earth. When we come across a truly exceptional unheated Sapphire, it deserves to be celebrated!
Introducing, the Catherine
Set in Platinum 950, our Catherine ring centres a breathtaking 4.27ct Deep Blue Unheated Oval Cut Sapphire. Elegantly flanked by two tapered baguette cut diamonds totalling 0.38ct [E-F colour, VS clarity], this ring channels the elegance of Art Deco with the timeless beauty of royal-worthy jewellery.
The Sapphire is beautifully cut to maximise its visual spread without sacrificing balance or proportion. The fact that this Sapphire is unheated only adds to its allure, beautiful just as nature intended. Whether you're drawn to its royal symbolism or the allure of an unheated Sapphire, the Catherine is a true heirloom piece.