Parti Sapphire Engagement Rings - A Colorful & Unique Way to Say "I Do"

The Allure of Parti Sapphire Engagement Rings

Parti sapphire engagement rings have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These rings feature sapphires with a mix of colors rather than a single solid hue. The term "parti" comes from the word "particolor," referring to sapphires with more than one shade. This unique look offers brides-to-be a colorful, eye-catching way to celebrate their engagement.

The Origins of Parti Sapphires

Parti sapphires occur naturally, albeit rarely, in certain sapphire mines around the world. For instance, a small number of ruby and blue sapphire crystals contain random color zoning resulting in shades of violet, pink, and orange appearing in the same stone. Skilled gem cutters orient these crystals in a way that maximizes the visibility of the different hues in the finished gem.

While natural parti sapphires are uncommon, manufacturers have perfected methods of producing these multicolor stones in labs. By carefully controlling factors like heat and pressure, they can create parti sapphires that showcase an array of rainbow shades. This makes it possible to offer these distinctive engagement rings at reasonable prices.

The Unique Look of Parti Sapphires

The exciting thing about parti sapphires is that no two stones look exactly the same. The colors appear in random patterns, with striking combinations like purple and yellow or pink and green. This injects the engagement ring with a fun, playful energy perfect for contemporary brides.

The mix of colors has an almost tie-dye like appearance. Some stones reveal new shades depending on the lighting conditions and angle they are viewed from. The colors seem to shift and dance, keeping the eye engaged. For the bride tired of traditional single color gems, a parti sapphire offers a vibrant alternative.

Choosing the Perfect Parti Sapphire Ring

Parti sapphires work beautifully as the centerpiece of an engagement ring. Their relatively affordable price means you can select a high quality, eye-clean stone with captivating color zoning. Have the sapphire set in a classic four-prong or bezel setting to allow the light to penetrate from all sides.

Halo settings also pair nicely with parti sapphires, with peque diamonds encircling the center stone. This accentuates the mesmerizing color contrasts. Pave diamond bands offer another sparkling complement. Rose gold, yellow gold, white gold and platinum all make excellent base metals. The choice comes down largely to the bride's own personal taste.

Caring for Parti Sapphire Rings

Parti sapphire engagement rings require relatively little special care. Sapphires rank just below diamonds in hardness, making them quite durable for everyday wear. The one area to pay attention to is cleaning. Avoid submerging parti sapphires in ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemical solutions.

The best practice is to use a gentle dish soap and soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the ring above a towel. Rinse under warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. This will remove dirt and oils while avoiding damage to the finish. Store the ring safely in a lined jewelry box when not being worn.

The Growing Popularity of Parti Sapphires

What accounts for the rising prominence of parti sapphires in engagement rings? Much comes down to changing attitudes and priorities when it comes to weddings.

Emphasis on Personal Style

Today's brides want their engagement rings to express their personal style and taste. More grooms are proposing without rings and taking their fiancées ring shopping afterwards. This allows women to pick something that aligns with their individual preferences.

Parti sapphire rings allow brides to move beyond the "single stone on a precious metal band" tradition. The mix of colors and shapes appeals to brides who want something different than their friends and family members.

Focus on Uniqueness

In the era of Pinterest and Instagram, people don't want their weddings or engagement rings looking just like everyone else's. Parti sapphires deliver on the desire for uniqueness. Even jewelers have a hard time finding two identical stones.

Having an engagement ring that others admire for its originality also appeals to contemporary couples. It makes for an interesting story around how they chose the ring together. When all your friends have single color sapphire rings, the parti sapphire immediately stands apart.

Emphasis on Personality

The rainbow effect and striking color combinations of parti sapphires seem to suggest creativity, playfulness, and fun. These traits often reflect the bride's own outgoing personality. People commonly associate engagement rings with the woman wearing them.

In that sense, parti sapphire rings align well with energetic brides who see their wedding planning as a chance to express their individuality. The colors elicit Positive emotional reactions in those who view them. This gets the engagement period off to an upbeat start.

Finding Your Dream Parti Sapphire Ring

Parti sapphire engagement rings offer brides-to-be a unique alternative to more traditional diamond solitaires. If the mix of colors and shapes appeals to your aesthetic taste, here are some tips as you shop for that dream ring:

Buy Only GIA Certified Stones

Only purchase a parti sapphire grading report from a respected, independent lab like GIA. This document verifies the authenticity of the stone and discloses any detectable treatments. Having this backing gives you confidence in what you are buying.

Examine the Stone in Multiple Lightings

Natural lighting, indoor lamp lighting, and even camera flashes can make a parti sapphire look dramatically different. Examine rings in stores under varied conditions to get a sense of how it might look day-to-day. Photos and videos can also help decide between potential purchases.

Imagine It as Part of Your Total Wedding Look

Picture how the colors and shape of the parti sapphire will appear next to your wedding ring and fit with your overall engagement photoshoot wardrobe. Complementary styles and hues can make for beautiful photos you will enjoy for a lifetime.

Parti sapphire engagement rings offer a unique, eye-catching way for contemporary brides to celebrate their upcoming nuptials. If you love colorful gems with an exciting mix of hues, one of these rings may be perfect for you!

FAQs

What makes a sapphire a "parti" sapphire?

A parti sapphire is a stone that exhibits more than one color in an irregular pattern. This mix of hues gives it a striking, unique appearance. The term comes from "particolor," referring to gems with multiple colors.

Do parti sapphires occur naturally?

In rare cases, some sapphire crystals exhibit random color zoning that results in parti-colored stones. However, most stones sold today are created in labs by carefully controlling factors like heat and pressure to produce the signature parti colors and patterns.

How durable are parti sapphires?

Parti sapphires rank just below diamonds in hardness and durability, making them suitable for everyday wear. Take care to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the finish.

How can I determine the quality of a parti sapphire?

Always request a grading report from an independent lab like GIA to authenticate the stone and provide details on any detectable treatments. This documentation gives you confidence in the quality of the parti sapphire.