How to Buy Sapphires 101

Interested in buying a sapphire but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! We’re famous for our superior sapphires in more than a dozen colors. (That’s right, they’re not just blue!) So sit back and relax while we school you on these beautiful stones. 

What are sapphires?

Sapphires are a precious gemstone in the corundum family. They’re most known for being blue, but actually come in an incredible range of colors. 

Sapphires are also a great choice for engagement rings. You can select a favorite color and create a unique, one-of-a-kind look. Sapphires are also very durable (9 on the Mohs scale of hardness), which means you don’t have to worry about damaging them with everyday wear. And last but not least, sapphires are more affordable than diamonds, which means you can get a bigger center stone for your budget!

Does Shane Co. carry sapphires?

Yes! We’re famous for the superior quality of our sapphires. Tom Shane travels to Bangkok, the gemstone capital of the world, throughout the year to hand-select each sapphire. The stones are then cut to his exacting specifications to maximize their beauty. 

Tom’s always on the hunt for the most vibrant colors. In fact, we have over a dozen colors of sapphires — more than any other jeweler — including: Kentucky blue, ice blue, blue-green, green, yellow, peach, pink, raspberry, salmon, fire, orange, lavender, cognac, black, and even white. 

How to buy sapphires

1. Set your budget

It’s important to determine how much you want to spend before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your choices and make you feel comfortable about this important purchase. The old adage to spend three-months salary on your ring really doesn’t stand. It has to do with your personal finances, and you’re the only one who can figure out how much you want to spend. 

But did you know? At Shane Co., you can always upgrade the center stone later, and only pay the difference from what you originally paid. 

2. Pick a setting

The setting is the foundation for your ring, and really sets the tone. Our jewelry consultants can help you choose the perfect setting by chatting about your significant other’s style and interests. Would she prefer something classic like a solitaire setting, or is she a vintage-lover who’d like something a little more ornate? Is bling her thing? A halo engagement ring accentuates the center stone and really makes it pop. 

Pro tip: Just want to get a ready-to-go ring? Our Perfectly Preset Engagement Ring styles also come with sapphires! 

3. Choose a stone shape

Once you land on a setting, we can help you pick the perfect stone to match. Round stones are by far the most popular, and the most versatile. They’re classic and timeless. Another shape that’s on the rise in popularity is oval. You can also choose princess, cushion, pear, emerald, or radiant. You really can’t go wrong — it’s all about preference. 

4. Compare similar stones

Whether you’re in one of our stores or shopping online, the next step is to compare stones. On our site you can narrow them down by shape, carat, price, and stone type. We have incredibly high-quality photos of the stones so it’s like you’re viewing them in person. Another option is to compare stones under a loupe at one of our stores. When you find the one, you just know! 

Now that you’re an expert on sapphires, you can get started by creating an engagement ring with sapphires online, browsing stones, or setting up an online or in-store appointment with a jewelry consultant.