Like the proposal that starts with a knock-knock joke, not all surprises are pleasant ones. But when it comes to unusual engagement rings, sapphire is an intriguing alternative to conventional diamonds precisely because it does the unexpected. Just when you think you know what it is and what it can do, sapphire shows you a whole new side, opening up a world of possibilities for unusual engagement rings.
If you’re like most people, part of the attraction of your spouse-to-be is their complexity and ability to throw you a curve when you least expect it. Those same qualities are what make sapphire a hot commodity these days in the quest for unusual engagement rings.
Blue and Beyond
When Henry Ford designed the Model T, he told customers they could have any color they wanted, “as long as it’s black”. We often think of sapphires the same way, assuming that our range of choices goes from bright blue all the way to… dark blue. But wade a bit further into options for unusual engagement rings and you’ll realize that blue sapphire is just the tip of the iceberg.
It seems ironic that sapphire is produced from a material called corundum, because it’s clearly the smart choice for designing unusual engagement rings. This highly versatile substance can produce a variety of colors and tones from rich purple to delicate greens and blues.
Gaga for Yogo
Yogo sapphires, so named because they are found only at the Yogo Gulch in Montana, boast a gorgeous cornflower blue color. Their uniform clarity and lack of cavities and inclusions mean that, unlike Asian sapphires, their brilliance is maintained even in artificial light. It’s enough to make putting up with border patrol seem like a minor inconvenience, and that’s no small feat.
Tanzanian Treats
For almost half a century, the Umba River Valley in Tanzania has supplied the world with brilliant sapphires in every color of the rainbow. While they are all excellent choices for unusual engagement rings, two stand above the rest. Rare indeed is the color change sapphire, which actually alters its color based on the ambient light source.
Also highly valued are the padparadscha sapphires, which even sound exotic. While they vary in tone and hue, they tend to be a brownish orange and pink, making them as alluring and colorful as their name.
The Royal Treatment
The sun may have set on the British Empire, but when it comes to stunning choices for unusual engagement rings, the royals still rule.
Long before the diamond became synonymous with proposals, the royal family was using bright blue sapphires. Many recall Princess Diana’s classic ring, and hers’ was just the latest in a proud line of royal blue offerings. For today’s couples, sapphires can represent a rare blend: A modern break from the now standard diamond engagement ring that’s rooted in centuries of tradition.
Hard to Top
Spectacular and sturdy don’t always go together, but sapphires give you both and then some. Rated a 7 or 8 on the hardness scale, with diamonds being a 10, they will retain their shine and luster long after that emerald, opal or topaz has begun to show its age. For those who want the plush colors without the pricey carats, sapphires are like the love of your life: In it for the long haul.
Unlike the “knock-knock proposal”, sapphires are full of thrilling surprises for the seeker of unusual engagement rings. And while the unexpected is sometimes unwelcome, even the most conservative buyer would do well to adopt a new attitude when shopping for sapphires: Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
Try some rare and unusual engagement rings on for size.
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