The ancient Persians believed that the earth balanced upon a sapphire, and that its reflection was what gave the sky its color. When you gaze at the heavens on a clear evening, it’s not hard to see how they came to this conclusion. The deep blue hue of sapphire is rich and sophisticated, and it’s made this gem a perpetually sought-after choice for thousands of years.

While sapphire isn’t the tradition choice for engagement rings, this gem has adorned the left hans of a number of classy women. Several leading ladies of Hollywood’s Golden Age, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Jean Harlow, wore sapphire engagement rings, as does the present-day Duchess of Cambridge.

As is demonstrated by Kate Middleton’s famous engagement ring, the combination of sapphire and diamonds results in truly dazzling designs. The gorgeous contrast between these two stones is seen in the Three Stone Sapphire Engraved Ring in 14K White Gold. This stunning ring features three oval-shaped sapphires, totaling 0.75 carats in weight, as the centerpiece; 10 channel-set diamonds, over a quarter carat in all, serve as sparkling accents. A meticulously carved band adds an extra touch of style to this already glamorous ring.

The color of a sapphire makes it a fitting stone for expressing a love that’s true blue and engagement rings that feature both this indigo gem and a heart motif reinforce the message of your affection. For instance, the round 5mm sapphire in the Sapphire and Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold is flanked by two diamond-accented hearts, creating a look that’s not shy in expressing your true feelings. This ring has touches of Art Deco design, but it’s far from lacking in contemporary appeal. In addition to 14K white gold, it’s also available in available in yellow gold, 18k gold or platinum by request.

Sapphire adds a rich touch to vintage engagement rings. Its time-honored beauty fits seamlessly with Victorian and Art Deco designs, while its alluring glimmer ensures that these rings are anything but stuffy. For instance, while your great-grandmother may have worn rings similar to those in the Antique-Style Sapphire Wedding Ring Set, this pair is perfect for the present. The focal point of this set is a round, 4.5mm round sapphire, which adds depth to the intricately-carved setting of graceful swirls and cutouts of the engagement ring. A coordinating wedding band reflects this feminine motif and curves to form the perfect partnership. It’s one a several of Apples of Gold’s bridal ring sets that feature the timeless glamour of sapphire.

As you’re planning your proposal, don’t overlook sapphire! Engagement rings that feature this striking blue stone are perfect for expressing a love that makes your heart sparkle like a star-filled sky.

Sapphire is somewhat of a mysterious stone with its dark, mesmerizing sparkle. Its rich, saturated blue is always classy, and when it’s combined with the timeless diamond this color seems to pop, becoming even deeper and more alluring.

In several cultures, the sapphire has represented the heavens and eternal life, and when diamonds and sapphires are placed side by side, the result is a contrast that’s as brilliant as stars in the evening sky. For example, the Sapphire and Diamond Channel Ring in 14K White Gold intersperses five round channel-set diamonds in between six similarly-sized sapphires, creating a look to rival the clearest heavens on a crisp fall evening. This slender style is the ideal accent alone or in combination of other stackable rings. White gold adds the perfect shining finishing touch to this simple, always elegant style.

The deep, inky indigo of sapphire has made it a sought-after gemstone for thousands of years; from Helen of Troy to Charlemagne to Catherine the Great, it’s been worn by royalty the world over. Apples of Gold’s 14K Gold Princess Di Sapphire and Diamond Ring brings to mind the stunning piece that Princess Diana wore and that now adorns the left hand of the Duchess of Cambridge. A 0.65 carat oval-shaped sapphire is surrounded by a dozen round diamonds, totaling a fifth carat in weight, like the petals of a flower. This style is both fit for royalty and a lighthearted burst of spring beauty.

The perpetually glamorous combination of sapphire and diamonds is well-suited for styles that draw inspiration from the past. For instance, an intricately-detailed vintage-style setting provides the frame for a striking 0.75 round sapphire in the Sapphire and Diamond Victorian Ring in 14K White Gold. Small diamonds accent this ladylike but substantial piece.

When classic styles are reinterpreted in sapphires and diamonds, the result is a timeless look that’s always striking. For example, the Three Stone Diamond and Sapphire Ring in 14K Gold is one of a number of sapphire rings in Apples of Gold’s collection that displays the simple, stunning beauty of contrast within a three-stone style. Two round 3.5mm sapphires hug a 0.25 carat diamond, all set in classic yellow gold.

The Sapphire and Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold is contemporary and undeniably charming. A round sapphire is suspended in the center of a heart-shaped cutout, forming the focal point of this 4mm-wide band. Bezel-set diamonds dot the rest of the band, creating a look that’s cute and lighthearted.

The contrast of darkness and light in sapphire and diamond rings creates a look that won’t go out of style any sooner than the star-filled night sky that it resembles. Let one of these elegant pieces light up your look.