
Sapphire vs Diamond Engagement Ring: Which is the Best Choice For You?
When deciding between a sapphire vs diamond engagement ring, it’s important to consider style, durability and symbolism. While diamonds are timeless classics, sapphires offer a vibrant, unique alternative. Explore the key differences and find out which is better – sapphire or diamond – for your perfect ring.
Is a Sapphire the Same as a Diamond?
No, a sapphire is not a diamond. While diamonds are composed of carbon, sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which appears in a range of colours, including the iconic deep blue. Sapphires are valued for their vibrant hues and durability, making them a stunning alternative to diamonds. Explore our collection of Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings.
Sapphires
Whilst typically blue, sapphires can be found in just about every colour of the rainbow, including orange, purple, green and black. As well as their many colours, sapphires are known for their durability and historical significance – a poignant symbol in many time periods and cultures, from ancient Greece to Buddhism.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Sapphires and Diamonds?
Yes, you can tell the difference between sapphires and diamonds. In diamond engagement rings, diamonds are renowned for their unmatched brilliance and fire, creating a dazzling sparkle. Sapphires, on the other hand, are celebrated for their vibrant colours, including deep blue and pastel shades. White sapphires may resemble diamonds but lack the same sparkle and fire.


Which is Better: A Sapphire or a Diamond?
Choosing between a sapphire or a diamond engagement ring depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s how they compare:
Appearance
Diamonds are unmatched for brilliance and fire, giving them an intense sparkle. Sapphires, while less shiny, offer a unique charm with their vibrant colours, including deep blue, pastel hues and even white.
Durability
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale, making them highly resistant to scratches and perfect for daily wear. Sapphires are slightly softer, scoring 9, but still durable enough for engagement rings.
Maintenance
Diamonds require occasional cleaning to maintain their sparkle, while sapphires are less prone to showing dirt but may need more gentle care depending on their colour and setting.
Symbolism
Diamonds symbolise eternity and strength, while sapphires often represent loyalty, wisdom and romance. Both offer meaningful and timeless options for engagement rings.
Style
Diamonds are a classic, traditional choice for proposals, while sapphires appeal to those seeking a unique, vintage or colourful look.
Price & Value
Sapphires are generally more affordable than diamonds, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious couples. However, diamonds tend to retain higher resale value.
Criteria | Diamond | Sapphire |
---|---|---|
Appearance | Exceptional brilliance and fire; classic clear sparkle | Vibrant colours, including deep blue and pastel shades; less sparkle |
Durability | Extremely durable (10/10 Mohs) | Very durable (9/10 Mohs) |
Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning to maintain sparkle | Less prone to showing dirt; gentler care needed for some colours |
Symbolism | Eternity, strength | Loyalty, wisdom, romance |
Style | Traditional and timeless | Unique, vintage, colourful |
Price & Value | Higher cost; retains strong resale value | More affordable; slightly lower resale value |
Our in-house gemmologist's thoughts on choosing between a diamond and a sapphire engagement ring.
‘A diamond engagement ring is perfect for those seeking timeless elegance, while a sapphire ring offers a bold, unique twist that’s full of personality.'
Explore our collections of diamond engagement rings and sapphire rings to find the perfect symbol of your love.

Should I Choose a Sapphire or Diamond Engagement Ring?
Choosing between a sapphire or diamond engagement ring depends on your style, lifestyle and personal preferences. With sapphires becoming increasingly popular for their vibrant colours and unique appeal, they’re now a strong contender for those seeking something different from the classic diamond. Here’s how to decide which option might be best for you. . .
Market Trends
Sapphires are fairly popular for engagement rings, with many couples opting for their vibrant hues and timeless elegance. Coloured gemstones, particularly sapphires, are favoured for their ability to bring personality to engagement rings, often featured in vintage-inspired designs that blend tradition with modernity. In contrast, diamonds remain the classic choice, representing unmatched brilliance and versatility. Over 95% of couples choose diamond engagement rings over sapphire engagement rings at Queensmith.

Style & Symbolism
Diamonds are the classic choice for engagement rings, symbolising eternity, strength and commitment. Sapphires, on the other hand, offer a bold and unique look, often associated with loyalty, wisdom and romance. If you love timeless elegance, a diamond is perfect. If you want a colourful or vintage-inspired look, a sapphire might just be the ideal fit for you.

Lifestyle & Durability
Diamonds, the hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale, are perfect for active lifestyles due to their scratch resistance. Sapphires are also highly durable but slightly softer, making them a suitable choice for everyday wear with proper care.

A Unique Look
For a personalised touch, consider combining both gemstones in one ring. Styles like halo settings or trilogy rings beautifully incorporate diamonds and sapphires for a unique, standout design. You can also choose an alternative sapphire colour, like green, teal, yellow or even pink. Explore more creative ideas in our Ring Styles Guide.

Customise Your Design
At Queensmith, you can create a bespoke engagement ring to suit your preferences, combining diamonds and sapphires in one unique piece. Whether you prefer a diamond centre stone with sapphire accents or a sapphire surrounded by a diamond halo, our team can bring your dream ring to life.
Sapphires continue to captivate couples seeking individuality, while diamonds remain the timeless favourite. Whether you choose a sapphire, diamond, or a combination of both, Queensmith offers unparalleled craftsmanship to create the perfect symbol of your love.

Queensmith’s Top Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring Picks
At Queensmith, we offer an exquisite range of sapphire and diamond engagement rings, each thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted to reflect timeless elegance. Explore our popular picks to find your perfect ring.
Sapphire Engagement Rings
Sapphire engagement rings are a beautiful alternative to traditional diamonds, offering vibrant colours and enduring beauty. Popular designs include:
Classic Oval Sapphire Halo Ring
Featuring a rich blue oval sapphire surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds, this design amplifies the brilliance of the centre stone while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
Round or Cushion Sapphire Engagement Rings
Round or cushion cut sapphires set on a minimalistic band is a popular design, blending modern simplicity with the sapphire’s vintage appeal. You can often find these as part of a trilogy ring with other stones like diamonds either side.



Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamonds remain the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, renowned for their brilliance and timeless appeal. Popular designs include:
Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Ring
A classic design, the solitaire engagement ring showcases the unmatched sparkle of a round brilliant diamond, perfect for those seeking understated elegance.
Oval Diamond Engagement Ring with Hidden Halo
Oval diamond rings have soared in popularity over recent years, often enhanced by a hidden halo for a touch of modern sophistication and added sparkle.



Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Rings
Combining sapphires and diamonds in one design creates a striking contrast and a truly unique piece. Popular ring designs include:
Trilogy Sapphire & Diamond Ring
A central sapphire flanked by two dazzling diamonds, trilogy ring designs symbolise the past, present and future of your journey together.
Toi et Moi Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Embracing the 'you and me' concept, the toi et moi is a ring design that showcases a sapphire and a diamond nestled together, representing two souls united.



Become an expert
Read our rich and educational engagement ring guides and diamond advice on everything there is to know about rings and diamonds, to help you create the best engagement ring for you.
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