Three of the most popular choices for an engagement ring are white sapphire, diamond, and moissanite, each with its unique qualities and characteristics. From their brilliance to durability, color to cost, and clarity, each gemstone has its own qualities.
Whether you're a jewelry enthusiast, an engagement ring shopper, or simply looking to expand your knowledge on precious gemstones, this white sapphire vs diamond vs moissanite guide will explore and compare the key differences between these 3 gemstones, to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- While they may look similar at first glance, white sapphire, diamond, moissanite have different chemical makeups and properties that set them apart.
- Diamonds are made of carbon atoms, white sapphires are made of aluminum oxide while moissanites are made of silicon carbide
- Diamonds are incredibly expensive due to their rarity and demand. But if you are looking for a more affordable alternative that still looks similar to a diamond, moissanite or white sapphire is the way to go.
- When it comes to durability, diamond is the hardest and most durable with a ranking of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, followed by Moissanite with a ranking of 9.25 then white sapphire with 9.
Chemical Make Up
When it comes to gemstones, diamonds have long been considered the ultimate symbol of luxury and elegance.
However, in recent years, other gemstones such as white sapphire and moissanite have gained popularity due to their similar appearance to diamonds at a lower cost. One of the most significant differences between these gemstones is their chemical makeup.
Diamonds
Natural diamonds are made of carbon atoms that have been subjected to high pressure and temperature deep inside the earth. Natural diamonds are incredibly rare and that’s why any local jewelry store will prize them high for their hardness and brilliance.
White Sapphires
White sapphires, on the other hand, are made of aluminum oxide or mineral corundum and do not contain any trace elements. This is why white sapphires have a white or colorless appearance.
Moissanite
Moissanite, meanwhile, is made of silicon carbide and formed deep inside the earth under intense pressure and heat. It is also very rare and almost as hard as a diamond.
Durability
There is also a difference in the durability of these gemstones. Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, ranking 10 on the Mohs hardness scale making them a good choice for an everyday ring.
White sapphires are also very hard, ranking 9 on the same scale. Moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds, ranking 9.25.
While all three of these gemstones are quite durable, diamonds are the most scratch-resistant and are less likely to be damaged over time.
White Sapphire Vs Moissanite Vs Diamond: Cost
Another difference between these gemstones is their cost. Mined diamonds are the most expensive of the three options. They are highly valued for their rarity, hardness, and brilliance and that’s why they make valuable engagement rings.
The price of a diamond is determined by the 4Cs; carat weight, cut, clarity, and color as well as other factors such as market demand and availability.
Diamond
On average, a diamond is three times more expensive than a white sapphire of the same size and quality, and ten times more expensive than a moissanite of the same size and quality.
White sapphire and Moissanite
White sapphire and moissanite are popular alternatives to diamond engagement rings due to their affordability.
These diamond alternatives have almost the same hardness as diamonds, they sparkle, making them an attractive option for those who want a diamond-like look without the hefty price tag.
Brilliance and Sparkle
The brilliance and sparkle of these gemstones are also different. Diamonds are known for their unmatched brilliance and fire, thanks to their ability to reflect light in a unique way.
White Sapphires
White sapphires, while also quite brilliant, do not have the same level of fire as diamonds.
Moissanite
Moissanite, on the other hand, has an even higher level of brilliance and fire than diamonds, making it a popular alternative to diamonds.
Color
Another key factor to consider when comparing white sapphire, diamond, and moissanite is their color.
Diamonds
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being completely colorless and Z being yellow or brown. However, you can get a diamond engagement ring with fancy colors of stone like blue, red, yellow, pink, or green.
White Sapphires
White Sapphires, on the other hand, are white gems or typically colorless, with no trace elements to give them any color. This makes this white gemstone ideal for those looking for a classic and timeless engagement ring. Please note that there are blue sapphires that have their color from titanium.
Moissanite
Moissanite has a slight greenish or yellowish tint, which can sometimes be visible under certain lighting conditions.
Ultimately, the choice to purchase a White Sapphire engagement ring, a diamond engagement ring, or a moissanite engagement ring will come down to personal preference, as well as factors like budget, durability, and brilliance.
FAQs
Is Moissanite Or Sapphire Better?
When it comes to comparing moissanite and sapphire, moissanite comes out on top. Moissanite is a more durable gemstone than sapphire, making it ideal for wedding rings since it’s less prone to scratches and chips.
This diamond alternative is also much rarer than sapphire and a round brilliant cut moissanite has a higher level of brilliance, meaning it reflects more light and sparkles more than both white sapphire and diamonds.
Additionally, moissanite is more affordable than both sapphire and diamonds, making it an excellent alternative for those who want a beautiful, high-quality gemstone without breaking the bank.
Does Moissanite Or White Sapphire Look More Like Diamond?
When it comes to comparing moissanite and white sapphire to diamond, moissanite is the better choice in terms of similarity.
Moissanite's physical properties are almost similar to diamonds, making it nearly as hard as diamond and capable of producing more sparkle.
While sapphires are also hard, they lack the same level of brilliance and fire as diamonds and moissanite. Overall, moissanite's physical properties make it the closest match to diamonds, making it an excellent option for those seeking a diamond alternative.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, while white sapphire, diamond, moissanite may look similar to the naked eye, they have different chemical makeup, cost, brilliance, and durability. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and intended use.