Are you on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring but find yourself hesitant to commit to the traditional diamond engagement ring? Look no further than this guide on Diamond Vs White Sapphire.
You'll learn all about these stunning gems. From what white sapphires are and how they compare to diamonds.
Key Takeaways
- Diamonds and white sapphires make stunning engagement rings that symbolize your love for your partner for a lifetime. However, there are factors to consider such as cost, sparkle, and durability before deciding which one to buy
- Diamond is the hardest gemstone making it ideal for daily wear and hence resistant to scratches. White sapphires are also durable, but they are not as hard as diamonds.
- White sapphires do not sparkle as much as diamonds
- While many people prefer diamonds, they can be quite expensive than white sapphires
What is a White Sapphire?
White sapphire is a precious gemstone. It is essentially a colorless sapphire, which is rare and valuable due to its lack of trace elements. White sapphires are durable making them a popular choice for jewelry.
They are also a good alternative to diamonds, as they sparkle but not as much as diamonds. It is important to note that you can find lab-created white sapphire and natural ones.
While white sapphires are not as popular as other colored gemstones, their timeless beauty and durability make them a favorite among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
What is a Diamond?
Diamonds are precious gemstones known for their remarkable hardness, transparency, and brilliance. They are formed from carbon atoms that have been subjected to high pressure and temperature deep within the earth's mantle.
Diamonds are the Hardest
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance and are valued for their rarity and durability. They are often used in jewelry, cutting tools, and industrial applications.
You will get a natural diamond or lab-created diamond, with natural diamonds being formed over millions of years and a lab-grown diamond being made inside a lab. While diamonds are expensive, their value varies depending on factors such as color, clarity, and size.
White Sapphire Vs Diamond: A Comparison of Cost, Durability, Sparkle, and Clarity
Cost
When it comes to selecting a gemstone for an engagement ring, diamonds have been the go-to choice for many years. However, the cost of diamonds has always been a concern, making it difficult for many people to afford them.
Natural sapphires or lab-created white sapphires, on the other hand, are a more affordable alternative to diamonds.
An Example
A 6mm in size white sapphire will cost $730 while a natural mined diamond will cost $2900 or even more depending on various 4Cs of a diamond.
The cost of a diamond is determined by the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. The more perfect a diamond is in these four areas, the more expensive it will be. Diamonds can cost thousands of dollars, depending on their quality and size.
In contrast, white sapphire is considerably less expensive than a diamond. A high-quality white sapphire can cost a fraction of the price of a diamond. This makes sapphires an attractive option for those who want the look of a diamond but can't afford the high price tag.
Durability
When it comes to durability, diamond is the hardest gemstone and is ranked 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that a diamond is resistant to scratches and chips, making it an ideal stone for everyday wear.
White sapphire is also a durable gemstone and is ranked 9 on the Mohs scale. This means that it is almost as hard as a diamond and can withstand daily wear and tear.
White Sapphire Vs Diamond: Sparkle
One of the most alluring aspects of a diamond is its sparkle. Diamonds reflect light in a way that makes them shimmer and shine, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.
White Sapphire Gemstone Has Less Sparkle
White sapphires, while still beautiful gemstones, do not have the same level of sparkle as diamonds. They do have some shine, but it is not as intense as that of a diamond.
This is because diamonds have a higher refractive index, which causes the light to bounce around more, creating more brilliance.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number and type of inclusions or blemishes present in a gemstone. Inclusions are tiny imperfections that can affect a gemstone's overall appearance. Natural diamonds are rare, and those with fewer inclusions are more valuable.
White sapphires, on the other hand, often have more inclusions and blemishes than natural diamonds.
However, with proper cutting and polishing, many of these inclusions can be minimized, and the gemstone can still be quite beautiful.
FAQs
Is White Sapphire Better Than Diamond?
No. White sapphire may be cheaper than diamond, but it is not necessarily better. Diamonds are known for their durability, superior sparkle, and minimal blemishes, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Is White Sapphire Rarer Than Diamonds?
No, diamonds are rarer than white sapphires. While sapphires are also valuable and beautiful gemstones, they are found in nature and can be created synthetically, whereas diamonds are formed under intense pressure and heat deep in the earth's mantle and are harder to come by.
What Is The Origin And History Of White Sapphire?
White sapphire is a colorless variety of the mineral corundum. It was first discovered in the 19th century on the island of Naxos, in Greece but it wasn't until the 20th century that it gained popularity as a gemstone.
White sapphires are often used as a diamond substitute in jewelry due to their similar appearance and hardness.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, both diamond and white sapphire are beautiful gemstones that can be used in engagement rings. Mined diamonds or lab diamonds are the more traditional choice and are known for their sparkle and brilliance.
However, they are also expensive, and not everyone can afford them. Natural white sapphires, on the other hand, are a more affordable alternative that still has durability and beauty.
While these diamond alternatives may not have the same level of sparkle as diamonds, they are still a lovely choice for an engagement ring. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget when choosing between a diamond ring and a white sapphire ring for an engagement ring.