For generations sapphire has been synonymous with blue gemstones. However, there are now a variety of different colors available.

Couples may have chosen a pastel pink sapphire instead of a diamond or a teal gemstone which has blue and green tones. Others may opt for a yellow or classic blue sapphire.

Whilst blue is the most well-known and traditional color of sapphire engagement rings, teal, pink and yellow sapphires have become popular options.

However, whilst these colors are popular, the type that will suit you best depends on your preferences. Understanding what each sapphire color will provide you will help you choose an engagement ring that fits your style.

What Color Can Sapphires Be?

Sapphire is a type of Corundum gemstone.

Blue is the most commonly known, but sapphires come in a variety of colors such as:

• Blue
• Pink
• Yellow
• Teal
• Green
• Peach
• Orange
• Purple
• White
• Parti-color

Note: Red corundum is classed as rubies.

The sapphire will be determined by the trace elements present in the crystal structure. For example:

• Iron and Titanium can cause blue sapphires.
• Chromium can cause pink sapphires.

This means there is a wide variety of colors available. Sapphires are therefore very versatile. Unlike some softer gemstones, they are also very hard and will have a high level of resistance to scratches. They have a Mohs hardness rating of 9.

Which Sapphire Color Is Most Popular?

Blue is the most traditional and widely recognized sapphire color.

Its long association with royal jewelry, fine gemstones, and engagement rings has helped establish it as the classic choice.

Pink and yellow sapphires are established alternatives for buyers who want a warmer appearance.

Teal sapphires have also attracted attention in contemporary and nature-inspired engagement-ring designs.

However, there isn’t a single comprehensive global sales ranking that establishes the exact popularity order of blue, pink, yellow, and teal sapphire engagement rings.

A practical way to understand their positions is:

These descriptions reflect their established design appeal rather than verified current sales shares.

1. Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings – The Classic Option

Blue sapphires are the traditional option for sapphire engagement jewellery. They can vary from pale blue to deep navy. High quality stones will often have beautiful tones with lots of color but not too dark.

Blue sapphires can vary:

• Violet blue tones
• Slightly green tones
• Bright open tones
• Dark tones which can be hard to appreciate in low lighting.

Why Are Blue Sapphires Popular?

Blue sapphires have a distinctive look. They provide a strong alternative to colorless diamonds. They also can fit into a variety of settings. For example:

• Solitaire – Will give a subtle classic look.
• Diamonds – Will give a higher contrast and sparkle.
• Three stone – Can combine with colorless diamond side stones.

What Metal Goes Best With Blue Sapphires?

White gold or platinum will provide a cooler look. This will provide a high contrast with the colorless diamonds.

Yellow gold will add warmth. It can make the blue gemstone stand out.

Rose gold will provide a softer contrast. This may work well with some lighter or violet blue tones.

Ultimately it depends on the tones and color of the individual sapphire.

Who Should Choose Blue Sapphires?

Blue sapphires are a great option if you want a colored engagement ring but prefer it to be traditional. They are also great if you love deep intense colors.

2. Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings – Pastel or Vibrant Tones

Pink sapphires can vary from pale pink to vivid hot pink. Some will also have purple or peach tones.

Pale pink will provide a subtler look. Whilst vibrant pinks will provide a strong center stone. This makes them great for minimalist or expressive designs.

Why Are They a Popular Choice?

They are a great choice if you want some color but don’t want the traditional blues. They are warmer and can feel softer. Especially if paired with rose gold or yellow gold.

However, they don’t have to be delicate. Vibrant pinks can provide bold modern rings.

What Metal Goes Best With Pink Sapphires?

• Rose gold will provide a nice warm color combo.
• Yellow gold will add some warmth. It will provide a nice contrast.
• White gold will provide a neutral backdrop. This can make the pink gemstone standout.

Who Should Choose Pink Sapphires?

Pink sapphires are a great choice if you like warm colors or want an alternative to traditional blue sapphires. They can also be a great choice if you like a colored gemstone with a variety of intensities. Or if you like pink diamonds but want to try a different gemstone.

3. Yellow Sapphire Engagement Rings – Warm and Unique

Yellow sapphires can range from pale lemon to rich golden yellows. Some will have slight green tones or may have more orange tones.

They can provide bright warm engagement rings without needing traditional diamond sparkle.

Why Choose Yellow Sapphires?

They provide a unique look. They are a distinctive gemstone with warm colors. They can work really well in minimalist settings. The center gemstone will provide most of the interest. They can also create some interesting contrasts with colorless diamond side stones.

What Metal Goes Best With Yellow Sapphires?

• Yellow gold will provide a warm look.
• White gold or platinum will provide a good contrast.
• Rose gold may compliment some golden or orange-y sapphires.

Pale yellow sapphires can look very different depending on the metal. It is really useful to see how they look in person with different metal colors.

Who Should Choose Yellow Sapphires?

If you like warm gemstones or want something less traditional then yellow sapphires may be a good choice. They can also be a great choice if you like the golden colors. If you want some color but don’t want pink, green or blue then they are a great choice.

4. Teal Sapphire Engagement Rings – A Modern Favorite

Teal sapphires have blue and green tones. Some sapphires will be mainly blue with green tones. Others will have more forest green, turquoise or deep blue-green tones. Some will have distinct sections of blue and green. These are sometimes called parti-color sapphires.

Why Are They Appealing?

Teal doesn’t have the traditional look of royal blue sapphires so are a popular choice for those wanting something less traditional. They can also compliment nature inspired designs. For example, they may work well with botanical metalwork, asymmetric diamonds or elongated geometric settings. The blue-green tones can make them feel quite unique especially in oval, pear, kite or cushion cuts.

What Metal Goes Best With Teal Sapphires?

Yellow gold will provide a warm look. White gold will provide a cooler look. Rose gold will provide a more unusual color combination. As teal sapphires can vary quite a bit there isn’t one best option. If the teal sapphire is more blue dominant it may react differently to gold than if it is more green dominant.

Who Should Choose Teal Sapphires?

They are a great choice if you like blue and green but don’t want a traditional royal blue gemstone. They can also be a great choice if you want a nature inspired or modern design.

Which Are The Best Sapphires? Blue, Pink, Yellow or Teal?

There is no objective answer. Each sapphire will provide a different look. Blue is the most traditional and well-known. Pink provides warm tones with a variety of intensities. Yellow provides a bright golden look. Teal provides a blue and green look which can be less traditional. Ultimately it depends on your color preferences, style and what you want the ring to look like. If you tend to wear a lot of neutrals then blue sapphires can provide a versatile option. If you like botanical jewellery then teal may be a better choice. If you like warm gemstones then pink or yellow may be the best option.

Are All Sapphires Equally Durable?

Yes. All sapphires are types of corundum. They all have a Mohs hardness of around 9. This means they will be very resistant to scratches compared to many other colored gemstones.

However, the inclusions, treatments, cut, setting and impact of the gemstone will also play a role. If the sapphire has a pointed corner showing then it may be more prone to chipping than if it is well set.

Does Sapphire Have Good Durability For Regular Wear?

Yes. Sapphire is one of the more practical colored gemstone options. They have a high level of scratch resistance as they have a high hardness of 9. They are also quite tough. No gemstone is unbreakable but if you are looking for a ring to wear regularly then it is important to ensure it is well set. A low profile design can help minimize any accidental knocks. Protective prongs or bezels can also help protect any vulnerable areas. However, you should still take the ring off when doing weightlifting, heavy manual work, gardening or anything with a high impact.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing sapphire is that they are durable.

Do The Colors Affect How Much Sapphires Cost?

Yes. There are a number of factors that affect how much sapphire costs. These include:

• Quality of color
• Tone, hue and saturation
• Clarity
• Cut
• Carat
• Natural or lab created
• Treatments
• Origin
• Demand

Some exceptional blue sapphires can be very expensive. High quality pink, yellow and teal sapphires can also be expensive. However, it isn’t necessarily the case that one color will be more expensive. A high quality teal may cost more than a lower quality blue. An exceptional natural pink may be much more valuable than a commercial grade yellow. Ultimately it depends on the gemstone.

What Makes Them Valuable?

Gemologists look at several factors when determining how valuable a colored gemstone is. These include:

Hue

This refers to the base color. For example blue sapphires will often have a secondary hue such as violet or green. Teal sapphires may have more blue or green.

Tone

This refers to how light or dark the gemstone is. If it is too dark then you may lose detail. If it is too light then it may lack saturation.

Saturation

This refers to how intense the color is. This can be desirable if the gemstone looks nice and isn’t too dark.

The GIA provides a guide on factors affecting the quality of sapphires. This includes how color, clarity, cut and carat can affect sapphires .

Overall this can be a useful indicator of quality.

Natural or Lab Created

Blue, pink, yellow and other colored sapphires can be natural or lab created. Natural sapphires are formed through geological processes. Lab created sapphires are created in a controlled environment. They are essentially the same mineral and crystal structure as natural corundum. The main difference is their origin. Natural gemstones may be more rare based on how they were formed, quality, size and origin. Lab created gemstones will generally be more affordable. It is important to ensure the seller has correctly identified whether the sapphire is natural or lab created. They should also be able to explain any treatments.

Are Heated Sapphires Less Valuable?

Heating is a common practice in the sapphire industry. It can improve/change the color and clarity of the gemstone. However, this does not mean that they are low quality. However, a natural high quality sapphire with a nice natural color may be worth more than a heated sapphire. How much more will depend on the gemstone.

If you are buying expensive natural sapphires it is a good idea to find out if they have any treatments.

Which Color Pairs Well With Diamonds?

All of the colors can pair beautifully with diamonds. However the look will vary.

• Blue – Provides a strong traditional look.
• Pink – Provides a warm look with sparkle.
• Yellow – Provides a bright golden center.
• Teal – Provides a strong contrast between the blue-green and white sparkle.

Ultimately it depends on the size and shape of your center stone. Small diamonds can provide some sparkle without overpowering the sapphire. Larger side stones can create a more dramatic three stone look.

Which Is Best For A Minimalist Design?

All of the colors can work. However:

• Blue – Provides a classic look.
• Pale pink – Provides a softer look.
• Yellow – Provides a warm center.
• Teal – Can provide a unique look even in a simple design.

Minimalist designs work well with gemstones that have nice colors. This will provide a look where the gemstone is the main focus.

Which Is Best For A Nature Inspired Design?

Teal and green gemstones are becoming very popular in terms of style. The colors can provide a water, forest or landscape feel. However blue, pink and yellow can also work.

• Yellow – May pair well with leaf inspired details.
• Pink – Can compliment floral metalwork.
• Blue – May work well with natural curves or asymmetric diamonds.

Ultimately it depends on how the gemstone interacts with the setting.

How To Choose The Right Engagement Ring

Start by choosing a color that you actually like. Consider how the gemstone looks in different lighting. Sapphires may look brighter in daylight and darker in indoor lighting. This is especially true for deeper blue and teal tones. Consider the cut. A well cut sapphire should look nice with good color and sparkle. It shouldn’t be too dark or have any distracting windows. Consider the setting. If you are looking for an everyday ring then ensure the gemstone is well set to protect any vulnerable edges. Consider the whole ring. When comparing sapphire engagement rings the most useful factor is considering the color, cut, origin of the gemstone, metal, setting and if it is suitable for everyday wear.

Which Color Should I Choose?

Consider the following:

• Blue – If you prefer a classic colored gemstone.
• Pink – If you love warm/romantic colors and want an alternative to blue.
• Yellow – If you like golden tones and a unique warm center.
• Teal – If you want a blue-green gemstone with a modern/nature inspired look.

There isn’t a universal answer. The best sapphire will be the one that you love the color and look of.

FAQs

What Is The Most Popular Sapphire Color For Engagement Rings?

Blue is the most traditional and well-known. Pink, yellow and teal are well-known alternatives. However there isn’t a definitive best seller list globally.

Are Teal Sapphires Real?

Yes. They are real corundum gemstones with blue-green tones.

Are Pink Sapphires Rarer Than Blue?

This depends on the quality, size, origin and characteristics of the gemstone. Exceptional examples can be rare and expensive.

Are Yellow Sapphires Suitable For Engagement Rings?

Yes. They have a high hardness of 9 and are suitable for everyday wear if well set.

Do Teal Sapphires Change Color?

Some may look different in different lighting. Some do have real color change properties. However just because they are teal doesn’t mean they will change color.

Which Is The Most Expensive Sapphires?

There isn’t a universal answer. Exceptional natural sapphires can be expensive in a range of colors. The quality, rarity, size, origin and treatments will all affect the price.

Can I Wear My Sapphire Engagement Ring Every Day?

Yes. They have a high hardness of 9 meaning they are one of the most durable colored gemstones. However the setting and gemstone should be protected from high impact.

Is Blue Sapphire Better Than Teal?

Neither is better. Blue provides a more traditional look. Teal provides a unique blue-green color. Both have the same fundamental hardness.

Final Thoughts

Blue, pink, yellow and teal sapphires all provide very different looks for engagement rings. Blue is the most well-known. Pink provide warm colors. Yellow provide a golden look. Teal provide a blue-green color which can be a modern alternative. They all have the same great hardness making them suitable for regular wear. This means you don’t need to choose based on durability. You can choose based on color, quality, setting and personal preference. The most useful question to ask yourself is which color would you fall in love with wearing in the future once today’s jewellery trends have changed.

This is a guest post.