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Sapphire Engagement Rings: Natural vs. Lab-Created vs. Simulated

by Designs by KNR

Sapphire is the classic colored-stone engagement ring: deep blue, almost as hard as diamond, and full of history. Today you can choose a natural sapphire, a lab-created sapphire or a simulated sapphire, in blue, pink or yellow, as the center stone or as accents around a diamond. This guide explains the differences so you can choose with confidence.

Why choose a sapphire?

  • Durability: sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond among popular gems. It's an excellent stone for a ring worn every day.
  • Color: rich blue is the classic, but sapphires also come in pink, yellow and other colors.
  • Meaning: sapphire is the September birthstone and the traditional gift for a 45th anniversary, and it has long stood for loyalty and devotion.

Natural, lab-created or simulated?

This is the most important choice, and it's the biggest factor in price.

  • Natural sapphire: mined from the earth. Every stone is one of a kind, with its own shade and character, and it's the most valuable option. See this natural cushion sapphire and diamond halo ring.
  • Lab-created sapphire: a real sapphire, with the same chemistry, hardness and color as a natural one, grown in a laboratory. It looks very clean and vivid for a much lower price. See this lab sapphire cushion halo ring.
  • Simulated sapphire: a different material made to look like sapphire. It gives you the look of a large, deep blue stone at the friendliest price, but it isn't sapphire and isn't as hard. See this simulated sapphire halo ring with natural diamonds.

Our listings say whether a sapphire is natural, lab-created or simulated in the title or specifications. If a listing doesn't say, ask us before you buy and we'll confirm.

Blue, pink and yellow sapphire

Sapphire as the center or as accents

You don't need a sapphire center stone to get the color. Many of our designs set a diamond, lab-grown diamond or moissanite in the center and use small sapphires in the halo or along the band for a touch of blue or pink. It's a lovely way to include a "something blue" in an engagement ring. See this moissanite and sapphire braided halo ring, or this heart diamond and sapphire pendant.

Popular sapphire ring styles

  • Halo: a sapphire framed by white diamonds, the timeless royal look.
  • Filigree and antique: engraved, lacy metalwork with a vintage feel.
  • Bezel set: a smooth rim of gold around the stone, sleek and protective.
  • Semi-tension: the stone appears held by the band itself. Learn more in our tension ring guide.
  • Bridal sets: a sapphire engagement ring with a matching diamond band.

Caring for a sapphire ring

Natural and lab-created sapphires are tough and easy to care for: clean them with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Simulated stones are softer, so avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, and store your ring apart from diamond jewelry so harder stones don't scratch it. With any ring, take it off for the gym, gardening and heavy cleaning, and have the prongs checked once a year.

What does a sapphire ring cost?

In our sapphire jewelry collection, rings with sapphire accents and sapphire pendants start around $700. Lab-created and simulated sapphire center stones cost about $900 to $3,000, and natural sapphire engagement rings with natural diamonds cost about $1,200 to $5,700. Every piece is made in solid 14K gold and ships free in the US and Canada.

Shop sapphire jewelry

See every style in our sapphire engagement rings and jewelry collection, browse more color in our ruby jewelry and color stone collection, or compare diamond options in moissanite vs. lab-grown diamond. Each piece is handcrafted in Los Angeles. Questions about a sapphire? Call us at 310-486-8838 or email knrinc@att.net.

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