If you want to know the difference between diamond vs white sapphire then you can read the article. When it comes to choosing an engagement ring stone, there are many different options to choose from. Some of the more popular choices include diamonds (mined and lab-created), moissanite, and white sapphire.
Each of these stones offers a unique set of benefits and attributes to consider when deciding which one is right for you. We’ll break down the differences between each gem so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget. There are the following differences between White Sapphire Vs Diamond For Engagement Rings.
Price
Whether you’re looking for a diamond alternative or you’re just trying to find the best gemstone for your budget, there are plenty of options out there. One of the more popular choices is white sapphire.
As the name suggests, white sapphires are colorless stones that are often chemically or heat treated to achieve their clear appearance. Although naturally occurring white sapphires are incredibly rare, lab-created stones are commonly found in jewelry.
For this reason, white sapphires are generally cheaper than diamonds. But this doesn’t mean that they aren’t high-quality.
In fact, many sapphires are certified as conflict-free, ensuring that they were mined in a legal and ethical manner. This is important, especially if you’re buying a diamond engagement ring.
Sparkle and shine are also something that you’ll want to consider when comparing white sapphires to diamonds. As with all gemstones, sparkle and scintillation depend on several factors including cut quality and clarity.
Sparkle
Diamonds are the coveted gemstones that sparkle like a million stars. This comes from the difference in speed between light entering and leaving the stone.
When a diamond is cut to perfect proportions, it unleashes its sparkle potential. It slows down the speed of light by more than 100,000 miles per second and bends it into rainbows of color and flashes of brilliance.
However, the refraction of a gemstone (the way it handles light) also plays a factor in its sparkle. Diamonds have a higher refractive index than white sapphires, which means they produce more rainbow light.
To assess the sparkle of a diamond, examine it under several different light sources. Spot lights are best, but diffused lighting is good too.
Hardness
When it comes to gemstones, hardness is one of the most important factors to consider. It determines how easily a gemstone can be scratched or chipped by other stones.
Diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth, reaching a 10 on the Mohs scale. Sapphire, a corundum stone, is also very durable and rated a 9 on the scale.
However, while diamonds are very strong and can withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear, sapphires can chip. This is especially true of Chatham lab created white sapphires, as these are not naturally mined.
While sapphires are very durable and resistant to chipping, they’re not as resilient as diamonds or moissanites. As a result, they’re prone to breakage at facet junctions, which can cause your jewelry to lose its luster.
Moissanite, on the other hand, ranks slightly higher on the Mohs scale than white sapphire. It’s tough and durable enough for everyday use, while still being eye-catching.
Appearance
The appearance of a gemstone is one of the most important factors when choosing jewelry, and diamonds are no exception. They have stunning material properties that make them perfect for creating long-lasting pieces of jewelry.
They’re known for their brilliance and fire, as well as their sparkle, or scintillation. These qualities are referred to as dispersion, and they allow different wavelengths of light to pass through the stone to create a variety of colorful sparkling effects.
White sapphires also have similar properties, but they lack the dispersion of a diamond. This can cause them to appear dull and less brilliant when compared side-by-side with a diamond.
They are also more likely to show inclusions, such as tiny mineral crystals or fractures. However, it’s possible to find eye-clean white sapphires that are transparent and have no visible inclusions. This is an excellent option for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about their gemstone showing any imperfections.