Choosing between White sapphires vs diamonds can be a tricky decision. While they have similar appearances, there are a lot of differences between them in terms of beauty, durability and price.
If you want to purchase a stone that will last a lifetime and sparkle brightly, then opt for a diamond. However, if you’re on a budget or just ethically conscious, white sapphires may be the right choice for you.
Cost
White sapphires are a great choice for many couples looking for an alternative to diamonds. They’re less expensive and offer a similar look to diamonds with a few small compromises.
Sapphires are a type of corundum mineral, which means they are extremely hard and durable (ranking 9 on the Mohs scale). They’re also resistant to chipping and scratching, making them an excellent choice for jewelry.
However, they don’t refract light the way diamonds do, so they don’t sparkle as much. To see the difference, place a diamond and a sapphire next to each other and compare how they refract light.
Both gemstones will refract and reflect light, but only diamonds offer a higher level of fire and brilliance. This is why you’ll find more diamond engagement rings on the market than sapphires.
Appearance
White sapphires are often mistaken for diamonds because they look the same. However, their appearance is not the same in every way.
The most obvious difference between diamond vs white sapphire is how these two gemstones handle light. While Diamonds return a rainbow of sparkling sparkle, White Sapphires typically have less brilliance and more of a “glass-like” look under light.
That’s because of the difference in how these two stones reflect and disperse light.
A White Sapphire’s Refractive Index (RI) is lower than a Diamond’s, meaning that it will need more frequent cleaning to keep its sparkle and shine at its highest.
This is because soap scum, water residue, and lotions can all affect the stone’s refractive properties.
A White Sapphire can also develop a cloudy or “frosted” appearance over time, which can diminish its overall brilliance and sparkle. This can be easily remedied with regular cleaning.
Clarity
White sapphires are often compared to diamonds because they are colorless and similar in appearance. However, there are a few significant differences between these two gemstones.
First, a white sapphire will not sparkle as much as a diamond because it does not refract light like a diamond. In fact, it will appear slightly milky and cloudy when compared to a diamond.
Another major difference is that a diamond will retain its sparkling properties even when it gets dirty. A sapphire, on the other hand, will lose its refraction as it gets dirtier.
This is why it is essential to clean your white sapphires as frequently as possible to preserve their brilliance. If you do not want to invest in a diamond, there are other stones that can be used as alternative options such as moissanite. Moissanite is a popular option because it displays fire and sparkle comparable to diamonds.
Hardness
White sapphires are a popular alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. They are harder than diamonds, making them durable for everyday wear and are less expensive.
Like diamonds, sapphires also come in a variety of colors, but white sapphires are most commonly colorless. The color of a sapphire depends on trace amounts of other elements, like iron or titanium.
While sapphires are more resistant to scratches and abrasion than diamonds, they can still be chipped if a sharp object strikes them.
Compared to diamonds, sapphires have less sparkle and fire (how light is refracted through the stone). This means that the gemstone will appear more opaque and duller than a diamond.
Another option for those looking for a more affordable alternative is moissanite, which visually looks like a diamond. Moissanite is second hardest to diamonds on the Moh’s hardness scale and is very durable for everyday wear.
