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Blog CF - Fine Jewellery & Antiques

Are Sapphires More Expensive Than Diamonds? - 2024-06-13

Are Sapphires More Expensive Than Diamonds?

We find ourselves in an era where more people are exploring alternatives to the traditional diamond engagement ring, and an extremely popular choice of precious stone is the sapphire. Diamonds and sapphires are two jewels that any newly engaged person would no doubt treasure forever. There are many reasons to opt for one over the other, although for many it may come down to a question of cost. Are sapphires more expensive than diamonds?

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Vintage Sapphire Solitaire Ring

What Affects the Cost?

Many classes of gemstones are considered precious, and there are standards in place that help professional geologists determine their exact value. Beauty alone is not enough to merit a high price, and careful consideration of clarity and color will play a major role in determining a stone's value. A gemstone's mineral family, chemical composition, durability, and rarity all play a part, as well as the care and expertise employed by a cutter to facet the gem. Ultimately, cost will come down to a professional appraisal, but we can offer several comparisons between diamonds and sapphires that will help you come to your own conclusions.

Comparing Sapphires and Diamonds

History and Symbolism

Sapphires were first adored by kings and queens of Ancient Greece and Rome and have been worn as talismans of good health. A symbol of innocence, abundance, and prosperity, a sapphire is said to bring its wearer peace and tranquility. On the flip side, the earliest deposits of diamonds were discovered in India in the 4th century BC and were associated with healing powers. Diamonds throughout history have long symbolized eternal love, driving up their popularity and, perhaps, their price.

Colour and Fire

Both diamonds and sapphires form naturally in a variety of colours, including pinks, yellows, oranges, browns, and blues. Fancy coloured diamonds, however, are more expensive because they are rarer, so a rare blue diamond will always cost more than a blue sapphire. White sapphires are a popular affordable stand-in for diamonds, though they lack the multi-coloured fire of a diamond.

Carat and Mass

When compared carat for carat, sapphires are almost always cheaper than diamonds. That's because a sapphire is denser than a diamond, meaning its equal mass will make it appear smaller. Sapphires can become extremely pricey, however, at 4 carats and above.

Vintage Diamond Ring

Mohs Scale of Hardness

Sapphire rates at a 9 out of 10 on the mineral hardness scale, meaning they are extremely durable and capable of withstanding the daily brunt of everyday wear. Diamonds, however, score a perfect 10, and are generally considered the hardest, naturally occurring substance on the planet.

Treatment

Speaking of naturally occurring, most diamonds sold in today's market are completely untreated and natural. Most sapphires, however, have been heat-treated or thermally enhanced in furnaces to bring out colour and improve clarity. While treatments that enhance a sapphire's beauty do not necessarily decrease its value, untreated stones are considered rare and thus more expensive.

Diamonds Are More Expensive Than Sapphires

The truth is, diamonds tend to carry the higher price tag when compared to sapphires. This doesn't mean, however, that high-quality sapphires are cheap or undesirable; on the contrary, sapphires are a magnificent gemstone that can boast just as much value as diamonds in their own right. It all comes down to a plethora of factors including cut, clarity, rarity, colour, treatment and of course, personal preference.

If you need help choosing between a diamond or a sapphire for your engagement ring, be sure to contact the consultants at Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques for more information!

Is A Solitaire Engagement Ring Boring? - 2023-11-03

Is A Solitaire Engagement Ring Boring?

The answer is yes and no. Some brides like the classics, such as solitaire engagement rings, while others are looking for something a little more unique.

Don't be ashamed if you prefer classics like solitaires; buy the ring that you want to wear for the rest of your life. But if a solitaire engagement ring doesn’t suit your tastes, then here is everything you need to know to help you find your unique ring.

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Edwardian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

How to Find An Engagement Ring That Isn’t Boring

If you've spent hours, days, or months shopping for engagement rings in-person and online, you've probably become desensitized to them. They can all start to blend together. One .75ct. solitaire looks very similar to the next, especially if you're not experiencing that stone in person. Even larger stones, the big 2.5 carat pieces, seem to run together after you see enough of them.

Ryrie Bros Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Of course, bigger stones and fancier settings can always add significant "wow" to a diamond ring, but these upgrades can come at a considerable cost. Remember, there is a hefty price jump at the one-carat mark and again at two carats. Maybe it's time to change your angle. Forget a single solitaire diamond, and go for something truly unique, like her. Let's change how you're shopping for an engagement ring. Start by jotting down a few details of her personality.

For instance, your intended might be:
- Petite, delicate and flowery
- Modern, strong and powerful
- Mysterious, dark and thoughtful

Unique Engagement Ring Styles to Consider

When it comes to picking an engagement ring, it can be overwhelming due to all of the different styles, cuts, and stones. That is why we put together a few unique styles that you should consider:

Vintage Inspired Diamond Solitaire Filigree Engagement Ring

Vintage Engagement Rings

Vintage diamond engagement rings can come in feminine, floral styles. Others boast a geometrical Art Deco setting, or perhaps a rarer cut of diamond, like an old mine cut diamond or marquise cut stone. These diamonds have a different sparkle than the standard round brilliant cut marketed primarily as engagement rings today. Or, take a step away from diamond marketing for a moment. De Beers made diamonds a popular choice for engagement rings in the 1940s. But things weren't always this way.

Gemstone Engagement Rings

If you are interested in something more unique, coloured gemstones can be a fantastic choice for your engagement ring. High-end rubies, sapphires and emeralds can all blend the suitability of a durable stone with a rare look.
Edwardian Inspired Sapphire Solitaire Engagement Ring

Ask A Jeweller for Help

With this knowledge about the different styles as well as what to keep in mind when choosing an engagement ring, you are ready to visit a local jewellery store and speak with a professional jeweller or gemologist about finding a ring that fits her personality. If you still can't find the perfect ring, you may want to consider designing your own.
 

Need Help Finding an Engagement Ring?
 

If you still need help searching for the perfect engagement ring for the love of your life, then get in touch with the team at Cynthia Findlay. Our expert jewellers are ready to help you find the perfect ring for your style and budget!
 

Book an appointment to see our selection of engagement rings for that special someone.

Vintage Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Vintage Jewelry - 2023-02-09

What Is Vintage Jewelry?

Vintage jewelry has become more popular recently due to the trend of thrift shopping, with more and more people purchasing vintage pieces. But what makes a piece of jewelry truly vintage, and what are characteristics that shoppers can look for?

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Vintage Jewelry - Diamond Bracelet  Vintage Jewelry - Vintage Sapphire Ring

How Old Is Vintage Jewelry?

The Jeweler's Manufacturers Association states that jewelry can be considered vintage if it was made between the years of 1935 and 1981. Jewelry from within this time frame can have drastically different appearances in keeping with the trends of the time, and certain decades will present certain qualities. The 1930s and 1940s promoted a lot of brooches, particularly floral and bow motif, as well as synthetic stones, which combine to give a retro aesthetic. In contrast, the 1970s and 1980s were defined by bright colours and gaudy accessories. Vintage jewelry originating from this time period will likely have glitter, rhinestones, or feathers. Even though these are cheaper materials than other eras of vintage jewelry, the pieces are still considered to be vintage due to time of their creation.

How to Shop For Vintage Jewelry

Because the characteristics of true vintage jewelry aren't commonly known, sellers will oftentimes attempt to sell a fake piece at a high price, claiming it to be vintage.

For those that are interested in purchasing vintage jewelry, here are a few things to look out for:

Seek out trusted sellers: Look for individuals online or stores with excellent reviews, and potentially certificates of authentication for more expensive pieces.

Buy individual pieces: Bags containing vintage jewelry in bulk for a lower price may seem like a great deal, but it's unlikely that there will be more than a few true vintage pieces in the bag.

Know your era: Do research beforehand into the era of jewelry you're interested in, and seek out jewelry with similar qualities when you're shopping.

If you're looking to purchase vintage jewelry, reach out to Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques so they can help you find vintage pieces you're sure to love!

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