3 Carat Sapphire Rings: The Ultimate Guide

Mon Éclats

2 August 2024

Buying a 3 carat sapphire, with its significant weight, is widely recognized as the perfect investment for a beautiful ring. The three carat blue sapphire is typically more affordable than its diamond counterpart. However, premium quality sapphires will still go for more. Let's dive into some of the most popular 3 ct sapphires.

Dark blue 3 carat sapphire from James Allen

What is a 3 Carat Sapphire Ring?

Definition and Characteristics

A 3 carat sapphire ring is a stunning piece of fine jewelry that features a sapphire gemstone weighing 3 carats as its centerpiece. These rings are widely recognized for their exceptional beauty and durability, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other significant occasions. The 3 carat sapphire commands attention with its substantial size and vibrant color, often enhanced by accent stones such as diamonds. These additional stones not only add to the ring's overall brilliance but also highlight the sapphire's unique features, creating a truly mesmerizing piece.

Different Colors of Three carat Sapphires

The most common color for these gemstones is the famous, royal blue color, which many may prefer. However, sapphires can come in many shades and tones of blue. Color is one of the largest variables that affect price. Below we've pulled variations of 3 carat “blue” sapphires, with similar clarity from the same retailer. Vivid blue colors will almost always price higher than light blue colors that have lower levels of saturation.

3.06-ct-royal-blue-the-natural-sapphire-company.png

3.06 ct royal blue sapphire from The Natural Sapphire Company

3.04 ct emerald cut blue sapphire

3.01 carat blue sapphire emerald cut

The Royal Ceylon blue color (heat treated) is going for $9,702 while the lighter blue untreated is almost half the price, going for $5,624.

Everyone will have a different style preference for color, and the method of setting the gem will also impact the color choice. Color is just one of the many variables that influence the price of a sapphire. If you are looking for a specific estimate you can use our sapphire search engine.

Sapphire Characteristics

Color and Clarity

Sapphires are celebrated for their vibrant colors, which can range from deep blues to striking pinks and sunny yellows. The color of a sapphire is influenced by the presence of trace elements like iron or titanium, which can alter the gemstone's hue. In the case of a 3 carat blue sapphire ring, the gemstone typically boasts a beautiful blue color that is both vivid and saturated, making it a standout choice for any jewelry collection. Clarity is another crucial factor in determining a sapphire's quality. High-clarity sapphires have fewer inclusions and imperfections, which enhances their overall appearance and value. A sapphire with excellent clarity will have a more transparent and brilliant look, making it even more captivating.

Cut and Proportions

The cut of a sapphire plays a pivotal role in its overall appearance. A well-cut sapphire will refract light beautifully, resulting in a gemstone that sparkles and shines. Conversely, a poorly cut sapphire may appear dull and lackluster. The proportions of a sapphire are equally important, as they can significantly impact the gemstone's visual appeal. A 3 carat sapphire ring may feature a sapphire with a round, oval, or other popular shapes, each offering a unique aesthetic. These shapes can be further enhanced by surrounding accent stones, which add to the ring's overall brilliance and elegance. Whether you prefer a classic round cut or a sophisticated oval, the right cut and proportions can make your 3 carat sapphire ring truly extraordinary.

3 Carat Sapphire Rings On Hand

Let's dive into how an engagement ring will look depending on finger size.

3 carat ring on size 4 finger

3 carat diamond halo ring size 6

3 carat sapphire size 6.5

3 Carat Sapphire Ring In Different Setting Styles

The setting of the ring has a strong influencer on the overall style and look of the final ring. Sapphires can be set in a variety of setting – let's go through them together.

The most common setting styles are:

The solitaire setting : a simple band where the center sapphire is the only gem on the ring.
The halo setting : a setting where the 3 carat sapphire is surrounded by gems on the periphery
The three stone setting : in this setting two small stones are placed on either side of the 3 carat sapphire.

Let's go over a few examples of what each looks like and what it means for the appearance of a 3 carat sapphire.

3 Carat Solitaire Setting (Also Known As A Prong Setting)

The solitaire setting is a simple setting, that allows the center of attention to gravitate towards the beautiful 3 carat sapphire in the center. Solitaire settings can add some flair based on the number of prongs, and position of the prongs.

Blue Sapphire Ring - Oval 3.12 Ct. - 14K White Gold

This setting from the Natural Sapphire Company is $5,684.

3 Carat Halo Setting

The halo setting is a row of diamonds (or other types of gems) that surrounds the center stone, to give additional sparkle to the center stone.

Halo rings that use the same color side stones as the center stone can create the illusion of a larger center stone, but the shade match may be difficult to find with sapphires.

Diamond halo ring

This halo engagement band inspired from Kate Middleton's ring starts a $22,000.

3 Carat Sapphire Three Stone Setting (3 Stone Setting)

The three stone setting has a lot of variations, and you can customize the side stone types and shapes as well. The contrast of diamonds on the side brings extra brilliance to the center stone.

3 stone band in from Brilani

A three stone band in from Brilani

3 Carat Sapphire Pave Engagement Rings

The pave band consists of smaller gems on the band of the ring, creating an elegant look across the entire sapphire and diamond ring. The style and shape of the gems on the side can be customized as well. The most common are lab-grown diamonds as the side gems.