Updated as of June 2026
Sapphire
Long linked to wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Blue sapphire is a classic engagement-ring center stone and a durable everyday choice.
Price range$50 to $2,000/ct
Hardness (Mohs)9
ColorsBlue, Pink, Yellow, White, Padparadscha
BirthstoneSeptember
AltGems Score How we score
7.8/10
Sapphire pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent durability (Mohs 9) for everyday wear
- Exceptional brilliance and sparkle
- Rare and collectible
- A recognized birthstone (September)
Cons
- Commonly treated (heat treatment)
- Premium per-carat cost for fine quality
Sapphire is durable enough for engagement rings and daily-wear jewelry of every kind.
Launch offer: 5% off your first necklace with code WELCOME5
Shop Sapphire jewelryReady to buy?
- Handmade in the USA
- Made to order
- Ships in 3 to 5 days
- Gift-boxed
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Explore Sapphire
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestSapphire jewelry
Sapphire ringsSapphire engagement ringsSapphire necklacesSapphire pendantsSapphire earringsSapphire bracelets
Sapphire by cut
Round SapphireOval SapphireEmerald Cut SapphireCushion SapphirePrincess SapphirePear SapphireAll cuts
Sapphire ring styles
Sapphire solitaire ringSapphire halo ringSapphire three stone ringSapphire hidden halo ringSapphire vintage and antique ringSapphire bezel ringAll styles
Sapphire by metal
Sapphire in yellow goldSapphire in white goldSapphire in rose goldSapphire in platinumSapphire in sterling silver
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Overpaying at one retailer without comparing the same color and carat elsewhere.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Hard and durable. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for untreated stones.
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Where to buy Sapphire: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sapphire?
Long linked to wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Blue sapphire is a classic engagement-ring center stone and a durable everyday choice. It rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in blue, pink, yellow, white, padparadscha.
How much does Sapphire cost?
Sapphire typically runs about $50 to $2,000 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Sapphire price guide for detail.
Is Sapphire good for everyday jewelry?
Yes. At Mohs 9 it is durable enough for rings and daily wear with normal care.
What is the AltGems Score for Sapphire?
Sapphire earns an overall AltGems Score of 7.8 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Sapphire?
Hard and durable. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for untreated stones.