Who knew the birthstone would become such a popular staple in engagement rings? Princess Diana had a hunch. Ever since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother’s 18-carat blue sapphire engagement rings in 2010, the trend for those magical blue gems has thrived.

If you want to buy something a little bit more bold and different than a diamond, the sapphire is a great direction to go. But before you buy, there’s a thing or two below that you might want to know.

Though blue is typically the most popular color for a sapphire, they come in other colors as well, many of which are growing in popularity. Pink sapphire engagement rings, like the inverted cushion cut gem on Nicole Richie’s ring, have caught the eye of many aspiring brides. You can also find valuable sapphires in yellow, green, purple, and red; but without a doubt, blue remains the most common and popular sapphire color.

A truly valuable blue sapphire engagement rings are not too dark or too light, but a vibrant, velvety blue hue.

Sapphire Cuts
You might be wondering why round cut blue sapphire engagement rings are so expensive. Well, the answer lies in nature. Because sapphires are so rare to find, cutters try to save as much as the original rough of the gem as possible.

The uniqueness of the sapphire will also determine how it’s set. Princess Diana’s famous ring was set surrounded by diamonds. When selecting between blue sapphire engagement rings, you may prefer to let it shine alone in it’s setting. You could pair a traditional blue sapphire with diamonds for a more classic look, or go for a more unique color combination.

Whatever design you choose, know that sapphires are definitely in, and your ring will be sure to stand out in a crowd! Now that you know the ins and outs of sapphires, you should be able to find a brilliant and eye-catching sapphire engagement ring. There are so many options out there, just remember these tips and you won’t go wrong. Kate Middleton may have resurrected the blue sapphire engagement ringstrend, but it is a style that has and will last throughout time.