Diamond and Sapphire Rings: Important Facts You Need to Know

A Guide to Diamond and Sapphire Rings

When it comes to engagement jewelry, the sapphire is durable, versatile and more affordable than many of your other options. Diamond and sapphire rings allow for a variety of creative settings because the sapphires can withstand a great deal of tension. Like many other precious gemstones, the sapphire was viewed as powerful in ancient times. Often used for talismans and pendants, sapphires were believed to be capable of bringing good fortune.

Choosing a Sapphire: Clarity Levels

The sapphire clarity grading scale has five different levels:

• - Flawless (FL)
• - Very Very Small Inclusions (VVS)
• - Very Small Inclusions (VS)
• - Small Inclusions (S)
• - Inclusions (I)

Inclusions, or imperfections, lower a sapphire’s value. If you want a perfectly clear sapphire, be prepared to spend more money. The clarity allows the sapphire’s natural color to shine through, and a sapphire with a FL grade will be valued and cherished for generations to come. FL-grade sapphires have absolutely no imperfections even when viewed under a microscope.

Natural vs. Man-Made Diamond and Sapphire Rings

If you want diamond and sapphire rings as your wedding jewelry, one of your first decisions will be between natural and man-made sapphires. The two are chemically identical, but the lab-created sapphires are much more affordable. Many people love the energy and lore of natural sapphires, but if you’re on a limited budget, a lab-created sapphire is an excellent choice.

Diamond and Sapphire Rings: What Are Your Color Choices?

Sapphires are known for their deep indigo blue shades, but they are also found in yellow, clear, pink, green, purple and topaz. A few facts about sapphire colors:

• - Sapphires are more valuable if their color is more intense.
• - The color of a sapphire can look different depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
• - Padparadscha sapphires are highly valuable and come in shades of pink and orange.

Padparadscha Sapphires: A Mystical and Coveted Stone

If you’re looking for diamond and sapphire rings that are unique and mysterious, consider padparadscha sapphires. These rare and beautiful gemstones originate from Sri Lanka and come in shades of pink, red, orange and amber. They are among the more costly gemstones, but they are also some of the most romantic. Choosing a padparadscha sapphire is a sure way to end up with a ring that is truly priceless.

The Different Types of Sapphire Treatments

Sapphires are often lab treated to improve their color, clarity and sparkle. There are a number of different ways to treat sapphires.

• Heat Treating: Jewelers have been using heat to treat sapphires for over 2000 years. The high temperatures bring out the color and clarity of the sapphire without causing any damage. Most sapphires on the current market have been treated with heat.

• Diffusion Treating: Diffusion has the power to dramatically change the look of the sapphire, but it can also make it more susceptible to damage, and it can make it difficult for a jeweler to reshape it later on. However, it also makes it possible to purchase the gem at a cheaper price.

• Irradiation: Some sapphires are treated with radiation, which also enhances the color. This is commonly done to yellow or orange sapphires, and while it does brighten the color, the effect is often temporary.

Are you ready to begin shopping for sapphires? Juno Jewelry has over 30 years of experience working with gemstones, and we are confident that we can answer any questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you!