Famous Sapphire Engagement Rings

By Yaĝé Enigmus

When most people think of engagement rings, diamonds are the first stone that comes to mind but they are not the only option for the center stone of a bespoke engagement ring. In a world of bright diamonds however, sapphires stand out as an excellent choice when designing a custom engagement ring.

Sapphires are not only some of the world's most beautiful gemstones, but are also valuable treasures that may elevate and amplify the significance of an engagement ring to reflect the importance of the person to whom it is given; engagement rings featuring sapphires have long exemplified what it means to give a unique gift to a special person.

One of the first sapphire engagement rings known to make its mark upon history was given by Napoleon Bonaparte to Empress Joséphine in 1796. This bespoke engagement ring was crafted as a “toi et moi” ring, or “you and me”. It features a pear-shaped sapphire and a pear-shaped diamond, each stone close to one carat, set side by side in gold and facing opposite directions as a representation of Napoleon and Joséphine. This charming custom sapphire ring never lost its appeal, and was sold recently in front of an audience of over 300 attendees at French auction house Orsenat for 730,00 Euros to a private bidder looking to own one of the world’s most iconic sapphire engagement rings.

Napoleon’s “Toi et moi” ring; Photo: ABC News

More recently, sapphire engagement rings entered the North American spotlight when Elizabeth Taylor received a stunning ring from her third fiancee, actor Michael Wilding. Given to the actress in 1952, this gorgeous ring featured a large prong-set sugarloaf cabochon sapphire surrounded with diamond studs. Taylor, who loved unique pieces of jewelry, was particularly fond of this ring for its unusual design. After the world saw this dazzling custom engagement ring on her finger, it inspired celebrities and aristocrats of the time, and is considered by some to have sparked the western trend of sapphire engagement rings that was seen among the affluent during the twentieth century.

Taylor Wearing Her Ring; Photo: ABC Eyewitness News

A sapphire engagement ring that is perhaps the most recognizable of all is the famous sapphire halo ring of the late Princess Diana. This immaculate 18 karat white gold bespoke engagement ring was given to the Princess of Wales in February of 1981 by Prince Charles and shocked the world with the beauty of its 12 carat oval Ceylon sapphire center stone nestled in a halo of 14 round diamonds. The royal family of England has had a long-standing relationship with sapphires; the inspiration for this custom engagement ring came from the sapphire and diamond brooch that Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria as a wedding gift in 1840. 

Princess Diana Wearing Her Ring; Photo: Celebrity Insider 

After the Princess’ passing, the ring came into the possession of her son Prince William, who then gave the ring to Kate Middleton when he proposed to her at the base of Mt. Kenya in late 2010.

Kate Middleton Wearing Diana’s Ring; Photo: Huffpost

Here are some of our favourite unique sapphire engagement rings from the Skyjems catalog:

Not so long ago a sapphire engagement ring on the finger of Victoria Beckham caught the public’s attention, as well. The former Spice Girl has an unconventional collection of 15 engagement rings for her marriage to David Beckham, including some which she financed herself. What may be the most breathtaking ring in her collection is the ring given to her by her husband in 2010, featuring a massive oval sapphire prong-set on a platinum band accented with pavé diamonds. This bespoke engagement ring completed the precious coloured stone trio for Beckham’s collection, alongside her emerald engagement ring from 2007 and her ruby engagement ring from 2009.

Beckham Flaunting Her Ring; Photo: POPSUGAR

All of these engagement rings showcase the sapphire’s beauty, and have captivated the hearts of countless people who have gazed upon them. This same beauty is a wonderful option for any bespoke engagement ring or custom jewelry design, and can serve as a profound expression of love and commitment.

Here are more of our favourite engagement rings from the Skyjems catalog featuring sapphire gemstones:

© Yaĝé Enigmus