Sapphire vs Emerald Engagement Rings

Shopping for engagement rings is a thrilling experience, whether you’re doing it on your own to surprise your partner when you pop the question or you and your other half are working together to find the perfect ring.

But, there are so many moving pieces involved that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Our goal at Alexis Russell is to make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, let’s start all the way at the beginning: do engagement rings have to be diamond? Not at all!

In fact, two of the most popular stone types we see compared are sapphire vs emerald engagement rings. These are two great alternatives to diamonds, each of which brings something special to the table - be it the rich green emerald color or the stunning color variety of sapphires.

We’ll compare emerald vs sapphire engagement rings side by side to help you narrow it down and make the right choice for your style preferences, relationship, and budget. But either way, the most unique gemstone engagement rings are right here at Alexis Russell!

Feature	Sapphire	Emerald
Color Range	Wide range (blue, teal, peach, yellow, green)	Primarily deep to vivid green
Symbolism	Wisdom, loyalty, truth	Love, growth, renewal
Durability	Very durable (9 on Mohs scale)	Moderately durable (7.5–8 on Mohs scale)
Styling Versatility	Works in modern, classic, and vintage styles	Best suited to vintage or Art Deco styles
Clarity Expectations	Often eye-clean	Natural inclusions (“jardin”) are common
Care Requirements	Low maintenance; ideal for everyday wear	Requires mindful wear and occasional maintenance
Price Range	More affordable than emeralds of similar size/quality	Typically higher priced due to rarity

The Case for a Sapphire Engagement Ring

Let’s not waste any time - is sapphire a good engagement ring? We think it’s a great alternative to diamonds for engagement rings! There are quite a few reasons why, starting with unique symbolism.

Sapphire Symbolism

Sapphires have long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and calm. These are fitting traits for a relationship built on mutual trust. The stones have been worn by royalty as a symbol of protection and virtue, including the likes of Princess Diana.

A sapphire engagement ring radiates quiet strength rather than flashy perfection which is more associated with diamonds. This is a great choice for couples who value depth and meaning in a ring.

Color Variety and Styling Versatility

Contrary to what many assume, sapphires aren’t just blue. Sure, deep blues are common - but that’s just the tip of the iceberg here. Sapphires naturally occur green, yellow, peach, teal, and even white.

This spectrum gives you room to create a ring that’s both expressive and true to your style. Cooler tones pair beautifully with platinum or white gold for a sleek, modern aesthetic. Warmer tones like peach or green look stunning in rose gold, bringing softness and warmth.

Whether you’re drawn to minimal settings or vintage-inspired halos, sapphires can easily match your mood and design vision. We make it easy to create the ring of your dreams here at Alexis Russell - more on our custom engagement rings in a moment.

Durability for Everyday Wear

Sapphires are also incredibly strong, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale with a hardness rating of 9. That means you can wear it confidently every day without constantly worrying about chips or scratches.

It’s an ideal stone for someone with an active lifestyle, or simply for those who want an heirloom-quality ring that can be passed down to the next generation.

Affordability and Accessibility

To be clear, genuine, ethically-sourced sapphires aren’t “cheap.” Not by a long shot. However, they do deliver incredible value compared to white diamonds of similar size and clarity.

This can free up budget for other custom touches - maybe a more elaborate setting, or a rare cut you wouldn’t consider otherwise. It also opens the door to larger stones without compromising on quality.

The Case for an Emerald Engagement Ring

You’ll find an equally compelling case on the other end of the sapphire vs emerald engagement rings comparison. Emeralds are definitely worth considering if you want to break free from the mold of diamond engagement rings.

The Meaning Behind Emeralds

Emeralds have always stood for love that feels deep, enduring, and alive. They’ve been tied to rebirth and intuition historically, worn by royalty and rebels alike. Everyone can appreciate the desire for an engagement ring that feels less like tradition and more like a personal signature.

There’s something undeniably romantic about choosing a stone that’s been prized for centuries yet still feels unexpected in an era where diamonds continue to reign supreme.

The Distinctive Beauty of Emeralds

No other gemstone delivers green quite like an emerald. The color has depth, drawing the eye and holding it even at a quick glance.

Emeralds work especially well in yellow gold settings, where warmth plays up their richness, or in vintage designs that lean into their old-world elegance. A lot of this beauty is associated with inclusions, which are desirable in this case.

These internal markings are called “jardin” (French for garden) and speak to the stone’s story. They give it texture and individuality. No two are alike, which brings its own symbolism to the stone.

Your relationship is far from ordinary, and it might not even be “perfect” from the outside looking in - so why should your engagement ring be any different? Those who love emeralds celebrate these imperfections and choose to look at them as signs of character.

Care Considerations and Wearability

Emeralds aren’t as hard as sapphires or diamonds, ranking a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. That doesn’t mean they’re fragile - but it does mean you’ll want to think about your setting and your lifestyle before committing to an emerald engagement ring.

Consider a bezel or halo to protect the edges if you work with your hands or are particularly active. Otherwise, you’ll just want to be careful about when you choose to wear your ring and when you leave it at home.

For what it’s worth, we’ve created countless emerald rings for people who wear them 24/7. It’s all about smart design and realistic expectations.

Sapphire vs Emerald Engagement Rings: Key Differences to Consider

You really can’t go wrong choosing between sapphire vs emerald engagement rings. Both bring something really special to the proposal, and speak to different tastes and preferences.

Our goal at Alexis Russell today is to help you narrow it down to one or the other. Here’s a closer look at emerald vs sapphires engagement rings side by side, starting with what matters most to many: the visual appearance.

Color, Clarity, and Sparkle

Sapphire is as diverse a stone as you’ll find. They’re available in a spectrum of colors, ranging from deep blues to pretty peaches, teals, yellows, and greens.

Across all these different hues, though, sapphires exhibit a common characteristic: excellent clarity with fewer inclusions than emeralds. They’re more “perfect.” Their brilliance does tend to be more understated and glassy than fiery if that matters to you, though.

On the other hand, emeralds feature an unmistakable, rich, green hue that makes a statement. They also have those beautiful natural inclusions, so every emerald tells its own story. These don’t shine or sparkle quite like a diamond. Rather, they have a velvety glow that makes them feel romantic and vintage by nature.

Durability and Maintenance Comparison

This is where you’ll notice more of an advantage for sapphire vs emerald engagement rings.

Sapphires are much stronger with a ranking of 9 on the Mohs scale. They’re the hardest natural stone in the world besides diamonds. They’re scratch-resistant and relatively low-maintenance.

In contrast, emeralds are a softer, more delicate stone. They rate between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, so they’re more prone to surface wear over time. That just means extra care is required, especially if the wearer lives an active lifestyle.

Cost Differences and Value Over Time

It’s important to note that you get what you pay for when it comes to gemstone engagement rings. You shouldn’t make the decision based on cost alone. Think more in terms of value for the money.

Sapphire prices vary widely depending on color, origin, and clarity. In general, though, you get a stunning stone without the diamond price tag. They tend to be more budget-friendly than emeralds, which command a much higher price tag.

Emeralds are just a bit rarer in nature, so it makes sense you’ll have to pay more for an emerald engagement ring, all else equal. We make it easy to finance your purchase here at Alexis Russell, so you don’t have to let financial stress hold you back from the ring of your dreams.

Best Fit Based on Personal Style and Symbolism

Ultimately, only you can choose between sapphire vs emerald engagement rings. It comes down to which better aligns with your style preferences, the symbolism that speaks to you, and of course, your budget.

Sapphires are a great choice for someone who wants timeless elegance with a modern twist, especially since you can play around with color. These stones are tied to loyalty and wisdom.

Emeralds have their own appeal, especially for those drawn to uniqueness and classic romance. The stone has historically been associated with things like renewal, passion, and growth. This makes it a powerful symbol for a lifelong partnership.

Effortlessly Design the Ring of Your Dreams at Alexis Russell

Whether you’re looking for an emerald or sapphire engagement ring, your search ends here at Alexis Russell. We believe the best engagement rings are those that speak to your love story - which is unique in its own right.

You can design your own engagement ring in just a few clicks with our interactive 3D Ring Builder, where you can select your favorite stone, setting, and metal - all with real-time visual updates.

Or, you can choose one of our signature styles and add personal touches that reflect your story. We also offer personalized consultations where you can work one-on-one with our experts to make your vision a reality.

But the truth is, you might find something that speaks to your love story and wins your heart over in our selection of ready to ship engagement rings. We’ve designed so many one-of-a-kind rings already.

No matter the direction you take, expect ethical sourcing, transparent communication, and thoughtful craftsmanship in your unique engagement ring from Alexis Russell.

Whether you're customizing every detail or choosing from a curated collection of ready-to-ship rings, we make it simple to find a piece that feels entirely your own. From the first click to the final polish, we’re here to help you create a ring that means something - and lasts. Start now!

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Emerald vs Sapphire Engagement Rings

We hope this comparison of sapphire vs emerald engagement rings has left you with a clear understanding of which is the right choice for your love story. You really can’t go wrong either way, though.

Be it the bold clarity and durability of sapphire or the lush depth and natural character of emerald, each brings something special and uniquely meaningful to an engagement ring. It just comes down to personal style, symbolism, and how you want your ring to feel day to day.

Our blog has more tips on how to shop for engagement rings if you’re ready to take the next step at Alexis Russell. But why not connect with our experts for one-on-one support from A to Z? We’ll take the stress out of shopping for engagement or wedding rings.

Explore one-of-a-kind designs or create something truly personal with Alexis Russell. Let’s craft a ring that reflects your story, your values, and your vision today!