Gem of the heavens, Sapphire’s name comes from the Latin word for blue sapphirus, the color for which the gem is best known. “It’s much easier to obtain a clean 10-carat Sapphire than one of the other precious stones.” Sapphire’s popularity also has a lot to do with more opportunity to find a larger, lustrous, cleaner, better cut gem than other precious stones that inherently have more inclusions, says Sam Haghighat, partner in the New York-based Ijadi Gems, specializing in blue Sapphire.

Sapphire is the suggested gem gift for the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries, but symbolizing truth and promise keeping makes it perfect to celebrate every passing year together. Kate Middleton, Penelope Cruz, and Elizabeth Hurley are among the famous brides-to-be proposed to with Sapphire rings. Brides too are adding color stone accents to a traditional Diamond center or in stackable bands around it. Research from The Knot cites about 10% of engagement ring centers are a color stone, up from virtually non-existent not too long ago, with Sapphire at No. Boasting brilliance and durability near that of Diamond, it’s no wonder that Sapphire is a popular gem alternative to diamonds in bridal.

Sapphire gem