Why Sapphires are the Most Popular Diamond Alternative in 2026

Diamonds are synonymous with engagement rings, but they’re not the only option you have. Sapphires have emerged as one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds, giving you the same timeless look and beauty as a diamond with a pop of color. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring in 2026, a sapphire might be the perfect option for you.

It's no secret that we love sapphires at Valley Rose. Our responsibly sourced sapphires come from small-scale artisanal miners and small businesses, making them fully traceable with a low environmental impact. Whether your birthstone is a sapphire or your Pinterest board is full of sapphire engagement rings, we’re sharing the reasons why sapphires have become the ultimate diamond alternative for ethical engagement rings.

Why Sapphires Are The Ultimate Diamond Alternative

What makes sapphire engagement rings special as a diamond alternative is that they’re a colored stone, giving every sapphire its own personality. Sapphires are available in a variety of colors – and not just blue. Just like diamonds, sapphires can also be cut in a variety of shapes, but ovals, emeralds, and pears are typically the most popular.

Whether you’re buying a sapphire or a diamond engagement ring, you should always focus on the 4Cs – cut, color, carat, and clarity. These are the factors by which a stone is graded and will determine the quality and price tag of your sapphire engagement ring.  

If you’re looking for an alternative to a lab-grown diamond, you’ll want to invest in responsibly sourced sapphire. At Valley Rose, our bespoke engagement ring service allows you to select and add a loose sapphire to any of our pre-designed settings for a truly one-of-a-kind ring.

Sapphire Engagement Rings as a 2026 Wedding Trend

Sapphires have a long history in the world of jewelry. They were originally worn as protective talismans and a symbol of nobility and loyalty. In the Middle Ages, sapphires were considered to represent heaven, before becoming synonymous with royalty, a connection that’s been immortalized by the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire ring owned by both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, the current Princess of Wales.

But how do sapphires fit into 2026 engagement ring trends? Sapphires are becoming even more popular in 2026 as they’re the perfect way to personalize an engagement ring with responsibly sourced sapphires, like our Montana and Australian sapphires. You can add a pop of color and give a modern engagement ring, like ‘Celestia’, a vintage-inspired look.

Choosing the Right Sapphire Engagement Ring

If you’re thinking of proposing in 2026 with a sapphire engagement ring, there are lots of elements to consider. While the color of your sapphire matters (because blue isn’t the only color sapphires come in!), the cut is just as important. 

Your choice of metal for your ring setting will also influence the look of your sapphire engagement ring. While most of our sapphire engagement rings are made with fairmined gold, white gold is a great alternative if you want a more contemporary look or if your ring silhouette has clean, minimalist lines.

FAQs about Sapphire Engagement Rings

Our engagement ring blog is full of in-depth articles and guides covering everything you need to know about sapphire engagement rings. If you have a specific question about our sustainable sapphire engagement rings, you can book a virtual consultation or use our contact form to get in touch.

Are sapphires durable enough to wear every day?

Sapphires are ranked at 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them very durable and ideal for daily wear.

Can I customize a sapphire engagement ring?

At Valley Rose, you can create a bespoke sapphire engagement ring or add your chosen sapphire to any of our pre-designed settings.

Why are sapphires becoming more popular than diamonds?

Sapphires are becoming more popular with couples who want an alternative engagement ring, whether it’s a nature-inspired design or incorporating their birthstone into their engagement ring.

Shop Ethical and Sustainable Sapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphires are the perfect diamond alternative as they have a rich history and add a pop of color to even the most minimalistic engagement ring setting. Are you looking for a custom sapphire engagement ring? Book a virtual consultation or explore our collection of unique sapphire engagement rings to find your forever ring.