The sapphire gemstone is a rare and valuable stone often used as an alternative to the diamond gemstone. With a bevy of color hues, the sapphire is an intriguing gemstone that has a rich history of value and appreciation. Ancient cultures used sapphires in alchemy and religious rituals, while prominent figures like Helen of Troy, King Solomon, and Marco Polo boasted bold, ostentatious sapphires on their person as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. 

How exactly do you go about finding the engagement ring for your partner? What should you look for in a center stone? What are the most important features to consider? Finding the perfect ring you will be proud to present to your partner during the proposal is just 6 steps away. 

As you embark on your journey to find, purchase, and present the perfect diamond engagement ring for your partner, you may encounter a slight overwhelm at the myriad of options. 

Most diamond engagement ring shoppers have a firm grasp of two diamond color categories: colorless diamonds and colored diamonds. You may already know that colorless diamonds are transparent stones with plenty of sparkles while colored diamonds come in yellow and black most notably. 

When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, the vast selection of diamond shapes can be overwhelming and, frankly, confusing. How can you make a center stone selection without first knowing how the diamond shape compares to similar diamond shapes? Or, what makes each diamond shape unique and covetable?

The process of shopping for a diamond engagement ring is overwhelming in its own right, with a budget to manage, a partner to please, a shape to choose, and a monumental life secret to keep from your friends and family.