Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 28th February 2022

Sapphire is a precious gemstone that is often known for its blue hue. It is a highly sought-after stone due to its luster, durability, hardness, and colours. They can come in every colour you could imagine. The only exception is red. Sapphires and rubies are made from the same material but have different names. Therefore, any red sapphire is considered a ruby. Throughout history, sapphires were said to represent truth, innocence, nobility, faithfulness, peace, heavenly powers, and good health. They are also the birthstone for those born in September. Until the 20th century, blue sapphires were the most popular type of engagement ring, and were usually the focal point of a ring and then surrounded by smaller diamonds.

Is Sapphire More Expensive Than Diamond? 

There are many different types of sapphires out in the world, some incredibly rare. Some are a bright orange-pink colour and they can cost up to $20,000 for a single carat. The variety makes it hard to get an idea of the cost. However, traditional blue sapphires cost much less than the average diamond generally. This makes them much more affordable. If you want to save a little money but show your girlfriend you care about her, a sapphire offers a unique style without costing you all your income. For example, a pair of blue sapphire earrings are sure to wow her and her friends. If you do want to splurge a bit, stepping away from the traditional royal blue colour will allow for a more personal touch and raise the cost. If you are tight on money, there are even synthetic sapphires on the market. Some report the colour to be a little flatter, but they lack any natural flaws, as they are created perfectly in a lab environment. Though they are called synthetic, they are not fake. They are still made from the same materials as a normal sapphire, just in lab conditions instead of naturally from the earth. One thing to look out for, though, is imitation sapphires. Since sapphires can be any colour, they can be faked by other items such as coloured glass and other gemstones. Before purchasing something labeled as authentic sapphire, it is worth getting it checked out by a reputable jeweler or gemologist.

Why Should I Choose Sapphires? 

Diamonds are pricey, and often show a high level of commitment early on in a relationship. Also, a lot of women prefer options other than diamonds, and sapphires are the second most popular gemstones on the market. If your girl enjoys standing out from others, get her a sapphire. Here are some reasons why this might be the best stone to buy her, no matter the occasion. 

Durable 

Sapphires are among the most durable gemstones available. In fact, the only material that can actually damage sapphires is diamond. Sapphires rank a 9/10 on durability while diamonds rank a 10/10. This means that they can be used for everyday wear without any worries about scratching the surface. 

Cost 

For top-of-the-line gemstones, diamonds can cost anywhere between $6 and $10 thousand per carat. Meanwhile, sapphires cost between $2 and $3 thousand per carat. This is for a top-of-the-line sapphire, but generally, a 1-carat sapphire costs around $500 compared to $4000. 

Colour Choices 

As mentioned above, sapphires come in almost every colour. They also come with unique designs such as a sunburst, where a star-shaped symbol appears on the stone. This gives you a lot of options when finding the perfect jewelry for your girlfriend.

More Expensive Than Diamond, Colour Choices, Cost, and Durability are discussed in this Ultimate Boyfriend's Guide to Sapphire Jewelry.