Proposals are often a surprise, but it takes weeks if not months of planning to make sure that the event runs smoothly. You need to pick a date, location, and activities leading up to the big moment. At the same time, you also need to secure an engagement ring, which is considered by many to be one of the highlights of an engagement proposal.

While diamond engagement rings are still considered a classic, modern couples are expanding their horizons and incorporating other gemstones into the design of their rings. Sapphire is one such gemstone that is gaining popularity as an alternative to diamond. If you’re preparing for a proposal yourself and you want to explore your options for an engagement ring, read these 5 reasons why you should consider sapphire engagement rings from New Zealand:

Affordability. Engagement rings can be prohibitively expensive, often costing upwards of an entire month’s salary. In the past, diamonds were advertised as the only option for an engagement ring, and this raised the gem’s price range. Even today, diamond engagement rings are pricier compared to their sapphire counterparts—which is good news for couples who are willing to consider an alternative gem for their engagement ring. A sapphire engagement ring can be just as meaningful but not as pricy, which makes it a perfect option for couples who want to commemorate their engagement without breaking the bank.

Ethical sourcing. The diamond industry has had its share of scandals over the years, which is why many conscientious buyers try to steer clear of the gem. Diamonds have sparked conflicts in different places around the world, and acquiring them often involved unethical practices. At the same time, diamonds are also mined in large-scale mining sites, which makes the environmental impact of such an operation a concern for prospective buyers. Reputable companies where you can buy sapphire engagement rings in Australia, on the other hand, source the gem from small, family-run mines, which means that the process of acquiring them has a much smaller carbon footprint. For couples who are concerned about the effects of their purchases on the environment, this makes sapphire an ideal stone for symbolising their promise.

Hardness and durability. Sapphires score 9 out of 10 in the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. While diamonds are more scratch resistant and about 4 times harder than sapphires, sapphires are tougher and more chip-resistant. This means that a sapphire stone can maintain its sheen with the occasional repolishing, plus it won’t chip so easily. While a sapphire ring will need a bit of TLC every now and then, it can still hold its own even if it is worn every day.

Unique story. Sapphires are said to symbolise wisdom, virtue, and good fortune, as well as sincerity and faithfulness. It’s also the birthstone for September. Perhaps you want your promise to embody these virtues and wishes for your loved one? If so, then a sapphire engagement ring is just the right choice.

Variety of colours. If you want a gemstone with colours that stand out, then sapphires should be high on your list of options. While known for having a deep blue hue, sapphires naturally come in many different colours, some of which are rarer than others: white, pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, and black. These colours can make the ring more eye-catching and add versatility to its design. What’s more, the colour of the stone makes it easy for you to choose one that fits the wearer’s personality.

It requires a lot of thoughtful planning and consideration to come up with a personalised engagement proposal, but the payoff is a moment that you’ll look back to with fondness in the years to come. A sapphire engagement ring that matches your love story and promise for the future will only serve as a fitting memento for this one-of-a-kind event.