Jewelry Education
Engagement Ring Guide
Everything you need to know to choose a sapphire engagement ring with confidence.
Choosing a Metal
Metal Options
Always use 18K or higher for a ring that will be worn daily. Lower alloys scratch faster and require more frequent resizing.
Platinum
Hardest, most durable, hypoallergenic. Best for pale stones — does not affect colour.
Heaviest, most expensive. Develops patina (many prefer this).
18K White Gold
Lighter and less expensive than platinum. Clean, modern look.
Rhodium plating wears off every 12–18 months. More prone to scratching.
18K Yellow Gold
Classic, warm look. Excellent for yellow and orange sapphires. Never needs replating.
May affect the appearance of blue stones. Softer than platinum.
18K Rose Gold
Romantic, contemporary. Flatters pink and padparadscha sapphires.
Copper content may cause sensitivity for some. Colour limits gemstone range.
Setting Styles
Ring Settings
Prong / Claw
Maximum light exposure. The stone is visible from all angles. Most popular for engagement rings. Can snag on fabric — check prongs regularly.
Bezel
Metal rim fully surrounds the girdle. Offers the best protection for active lifestyles. Clean, modern look. Hides the girdle and some light return.
Halo
A ring of smaller diamonds or sapphires surrounds the centre stone, making it appear larger. Popular but high maintenance — small stones can fall out.
Three Stone
Centre stone flanked by two side stones. Symbolises past, present, future. Side stones can be diamonds, sapphires, or other gems.
Pavé / Channel
Small stones set into the band, either in open holes (pavé) or a channel groove. Adds sparkle without increasing the centre stone size.
East West
Oval or pear stone set horizontally. A contemporary alternative to the classic vertical orientation. Works well with elongated shapes.
Sapphire vs Diamond
Why choose a sapphire?
Hardness 9 on Mohs scale — second only to diamond, highly suitable for daily wear
Available in every colour — blue, pink, yellow, padparadscha, white, green
Typically 30–60% lower cost per carat than equivalent-quality diamonds
Each stone is unique — no two natural sapphires are identical
Strong cultural and royal heritage — most famously, Princess Diana's ring
Budget Guide
What to expect
Under Rs 150,000
Heated Ceylon or Thai sapphire, 1–2ct. Good colour, standard cut.
Rs 150k – 400k
Heated Ceylon, GIA or GRS cert, 1.5–3ct. Well cut, good saturation.
Rs 400k – 1M
Unheated Ceylon, 2–4ct, major lab cert. Excellent colour, clean.
Above Rs 1M
Unheated fine material, 3ct+, GRS/Gübelin. Collector or investment grade.