White Sapphires vs Diamonds – A Comprehensive Comparison

As timeless and entrancing as the stars in the night sky, diamonds have inspired awe since time immemorial. Rarity and beauty, combined with unsurpassed brilliance and fire, make these precious gems highly sought after. But did you know there is a star-like alternative to diamonds that is almost identical in appearance and color grades?

White sapphires offer elegance, sparkle, and luxury like their diamond counterparts but are more affordable. Today I will compare natural diamonds with this diamond alternative to know how they differ. If you’re eyeing a sapphire solitaire diamond engagement ring or exploring the blue colors in stones, read on to know more!

1. Appearance and Color

Both diamonds and white sapphires have an incredibly glossy appearance and sparkling luster that will draw attention wherever they go. However, some subtle differences between the two stones set them apart. Here’s a quick look at them:

White Sapphires

When light hits a sapphire, it will be scattered in multiple directions, giving the stone its signature milky hue color of sapphire. Likewise, white sapphires only come in shades of white or off-white. White sapphires may contain small amounts of black inclusions, differentiating them from diamond stones.

Diamonds

Diamonds tend to be more transparent than sapphires, while white sapphires often have a milky or cloudy quality due to their higher refractive index. This means the light will be reflected in one direction when it hits a diamond. When it comes to color, diamonds range from colorless (or nearly colorless) all the way up to fancy-colored diamonds, like pink or yellow.

2. Durability and Hardness

No one wants their precious jewels to lose shine a few years down the line, and for that, the rock in question must be durable. Here’s what you need to know about the resilience of these two rocks:

White Sapphires

The hardness of white sapphire on the Mohs scale is 9.0, making it one of the hardest substances in nature. This means that it is resistant to scratching and wearing and is an excellent choice for jewelry meant to be worn often. However, mechanical impacts and wear can still damage white sapphire, so care must be taken when handling it.

Diamonds

Natural and lab diamonds have a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale. This rating gives a classic diamond an edge and makes it extremely resistant to scratches and wear. Unlike white sapphires, colorless diamonds are also resistant to mechanical impacts, making them a great choice for jewelry that will be put through rigorous wear.

3. Price and Rarity

Of course, no comparison is complete without money talks. Let’s jump right in to see which stone will cost a bigger fortune:

White Sapphires

White sapphires are a less expensive yet still rare gemstone. Due to their relative affordability and range of colorless hues, they have become increasingly popular. In terms of rarity, white sapphires score 9 on the Mohs scale, making them very durable compared to other precious gems like emeralds or rubies (which only score 8). As far as cost is concerned, white sapphire is only a fraction of the price of a colorless diamond. Of course, the price of sapphire will depend on its purity and rarity; it’s naturally lower than diamond simulants.

Diamonds

Dreaming of a petite solitaire diamond engagement ring? Be sure you have a healthy budget for it. Diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in existence. They rank 10 out of 10 on the Mohs scale—the highest rating possible—so they’re incredibly durable. In terms of cost, an edge solitaire diamond engagement ring or any other jewelry piece can range from very affordable to extremely expensive depending on factors such as size, cut, clarity, and range of colors. Generally speaking, the larger the diamond is in carats, the more expensive it becomes; this makes diamonds significantly pricier than white sapphires.

Related article: Are Sapphires More Expensive than Diamonds?

4. Engagement Rings and Jewelry

Picking a rock for the big day? Let’s see which jewel takes the lead in terms of popularity:

White Sapphires

What makes white sapphire a good alternative to diamonds in engagement rings is its beautiful look and affordability. White sapphire stones are available in various shapes, sizes, and cuts.

Popular designs for white sapphires include solitaire rings with center stones surrounded by pave diamonds or side stones of smaller white sapphires. Three-stone rings, with the center stone being the largest white sapphire are also gaining popularity. Additionally, halo settings featuring white sapphires surrounded by diamonds add elegance to any design.

Diamonds

Diamonds remain popular because they are timelessly beautiful and convey deep emotion and sentimentality. When shopping for diamonds, you should always look at the four C’s—carat, clarity, cut, and color—to understand what defines a quality diamond.

The most popular designs for natural and lab-grown diamond rings usually involve some combination of the following elements:

• A single center stone or multiple side stones
• Colored gemstones as accents
• Intricate metalwork
• Vintage details
• Halo settings
• Curved band settings
• Three-stone settings with smaller accent diamonds surrounding the center stone.

No matter what style you choose, diamond engagement rings will stand out from all other jewelry pieces!

Also read: Best Diamond Cut for an Engagement Ring

5. Care and Maintenance

The sapphire vs. diamonds debate is tough when discussing how to retain their mesmerizing looks. Here’s what a carat diamond and blue color of sapphire will need for upkeep:

White Sapphires

White sapphires may require more frequent cleaning than diamonds for daily wear because they are not as hard as diamonds. To keep your white sapphire jewelry looking its best, avoid contact with chemicals such as chlorine or bleach, which can damage the stone’s surface. Additionally, avoid exposing your white sapphire to extreme temperatures or harsh light sources.

Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the hardest materials on earth and can easily last generations if properly cared for. To clean your diamond jewelry, use warm soapy water to gently scrub the stone. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives, which can cause scratches or dulling of the diamond’s surface.

As with all stones, it is smart to take off any diamond jewelry before exercising or engaging in activities that involve contact with other substances, such as lotions and perfumes. Additionally, avoid exposing diamonds to extreme temperatures or harsh light sources, which can discolor the stone.

FAQs

Is white sapphire a fake diamond?

White sapphire is a genuine gemstone, not a fake diamond. It is formed naturally in the earth and has many of the same properties as diamonds. While it looks very similar to diamonds, white sapphire tends to have less brilliance and fire than diamonds. White sapphire can be cut into different shapes and sizes, like diamonds.

Do white sapphires sparkle?

Yes, white sapphires sparkle, which varies depending on the cut, clarity, and size of the stone. Generally speaking, a white sapphire will have a more subtle sparkle than diamonds but can still make a beautiful statement in jewelry.

Are white sapphires as brilliant as diamonds?

While white sapphires look similar to diamonds, they generally have less brilliance and fire than diamonds. This is due to the fact that, compared to diamond, white sapphire is softer and more fragile.

Conclusion

When it comes to sparkling, diamonds have matchless brilliance, clarity, and sparkle. However, white sapphire can produce that same luster with its faceting. If you prefer something luxurious and durable, white sapphires may just be the gemstone of your dreams.

While diamonds are considered the toughest gemstone known to man, sapphires have their resilience as they can become resistant to extreme climates, and their durability puts them ahead of other colored gems. White sapphires or diamonds make for a lovely accessory purchase, and either will definitely hold its value over time, making it an ideal selection for any life milestone event.

Related article: Diamond vs Ruby: Comparing Price and More