Showroom open Tues-Sat 10-6, walk-ins & appointments welcome, click here to schedule  253-839-7389

fwcj 70 logo

Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings Through History

Engagement Rings, General, Vintage & Antique

Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings – Vintage or Contemporary? 

One thing we can all agree on: Blue Sapphires look fantastic set in rings! You may not know, however, that blue Sapphires are the best selling colored stone for use in an engagement ring, and this has historically been the case. Whether clients prefer clean contemporary designs or a vintage look from days gone by, blue Sapphires tend to complete a ring flawlessly and make some of the most beautiful and timeless rings we sell. We sell many antique Sapphire engagement rings, but we also carry newly made Sapphire rings we have made ourselves, as well as a large stock of loose Sapphires for clients to choose from.

What to choose? With Sapphire engagement rings, we encourage our clients to select the Sapphire that speaks to them. There are a variety of gems available: different shapes, from round and oval to cushion and pear; different tones: from sky blue to navy blue, and different hues: from pure blue to teal blue and even blue with violet undertones. There are also a variety of sizes and prices, too. It is most important to buy what you like and is in your budget. If you are seeking an antique ring, there will be fewer gem options, but we do our best to keep a good variety. We can always sell a modern gemstone in an antique ring setting, or create one of our vintage-inspired engagement rings for a client looking for something particular. 

For clients who have started with a loose Sapphire, they next need to pick a mounting. With many of the pure blue or lighter toned gems, White gold or platinum settings with diamond accents really make blue Sapphire jump off your finger, so to speak. The white metal provides a neutral backdrop for the blue color to stand out. Some blue Sapphires, especially with purple or teal hints, look great with the warmth of Yellow Gold or Rose Gold settings. There is not right or wrong- we encourage clients to view their favorite gems set against their skin tone and different colors of metal, and choose what they like best. 

Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings - Vintage or Contemporary

Classic Victorian Sapphire engagement ring.

Classic, circa 1890: When asked to conjure up an image of an engagement ring I see a round diamond solitaire- and for the last century this was the standard by which all engagement rings were measured. However if the same question was asked circa 1890 I would likely have seen a gold band set with a blue Sapphire. In fact, for centuries before 1900 British and French aristocrats used blue Sapphires as engagement ring stones because the they were more available than diamonds and the color was considered rich and elegant. Additionally, Sapphires were durable for daily wear, and symbolized hope, faith and purity for the romantics out there.

As more diamonds were discovered in Brazil and South Africa people began to afford gems that were once scarce baubles of royalty. By the 1920s diamonds began outpacing other gems for use in engagement rings, and companies like DeBeers and Tiffany and Co saw an opportunity to expand the diamond market. These companies cornered the market in terms of supply, created many advertisements to promote diamonds, and it worked. Of course it helped that diamonds are beautiful and women loved them, but largely these companies changed the way society thought about engagement rings. Now, as natural Sapphires are rarer than Diamonds, the Diamonds are truly easier to find- the inverse of 150 years ago. 

A little modern history: We have Princess Diana to thank for bringing blue Sapphire engagement rings back into voque. When given the chance to pick an engagement ring, she famously refused the diamonds offered by the Queen, and went to her jeweler and picked a large Sri Lankan Sapphire. The ring has become a symbol of the modern royal family, especially since Prince William used it to propose to Kate Middleton. We have made countless rings inspired by this amazing, classic beauty. 

Never have people asked about blue Sapphire engagement rings more than today. We carry many natural sapphires because we love them. They come in every shade of blue (not even considering all of the fancy colors like pink and green) and they are nearly as hard as a diamond, so they can be worn daily without concern. There are really no other stones that have the same richness and elegance as a fine Sapphire: perfect for engagement rings.

Below are some examples of blue Sapphire engagement rings we have made over time. We have over 100 natural blue Sapphires in stock of every shape, size, color hue and price. Most of our Sapphires are from Sri Lanka & Madagascar, with some from Montana, Burma, Thailand, Australian and other sources. We primarily carry untreated and unheated Sapphires as well as low-heat treated Sapphires, a permanent treatment accepted in the industry. Typical solitaire sized blue Sapphires range in price from $200 up to 12,000, with most of our options available between $800-3400, leaving plenty of room for the mounting of your choice. 

As our name suggests, Federal Way Custom Jewelers offer a superb customizing service to our clients. You may want a vintage look, or a modern contemporary style. Perhaps your are buying NEW or perhaps you might want to customize a ring you already have. No matter which your preferences are, why not contact us so we can advise of what we can do for you to ensure you have your own customized jewelry.

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

K
L
What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
K
L
What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
K
L
What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

K
L
Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.