White sapphire is an exquisite gemstone that closely resembles diamond vs white sapphire but at a more reasonable cost. It can be used in various jewellery designs for added visual interest and versatility.
When purchasing sapphires, it’s essential to know their grade. The higher the grade, the more expensive the stone will be.
Price
White sapphires are much cheaper than diamonds and can be an attractive option for jewellery designs that want to highlight a centre gemstone. However, the cost of white sapphires varies based on factors like size, colour and clarity.
Natural white sapphire vs diamond are rare, but lab-created stones are readily available. These sapphires can be created through various processes such as heat treatments or solution processes.
Most valuable sapphires are natural, though many are heat-treated to enhance their clarity or colour. The most popular heat treatment is processing, which involves melting the stone.
Clarity of a sapphire is essential because it determines its value. A low-clarity stone may appear milky or cloudy.
Carat
White sapphire belongs to the corundum family, along with rubies and other coloured gemstones. This group of minerals has an unusual atomic structure with aluminium oxide crystals encasing oxygen atoms.
This creates the formation of various colours, such as blue, yellow, orange, pink and purple. These hues come from impurities trapped between crystals.
White sapphires often undergo heat treatments like flame fusion to enhance their clarity and/or colour.
Colour
Diamonds remain the most sought-after stone for engagement rings and fine jewellery, but sapphires are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. While diamonds remain the top choice, sapphires offer many of the same advantages at a more budget friendly price tag.
White sapphires come in an array of sizes, shapes and cuts – both natural and lab-created. As they’re relatively hard, white sapphires make ideal engagement rings.
White sapphires, like diamonds, may contain inclusions or “flaws.” These can lead to asterism – optical effects in which multiple rays of light are reflected from the stone’s surface. This phenomenon is especially prominent in stones with high levels of internal sparkle.
Shape
Diamonds are renowned for their stunning appearance, while white sapphires offer a more subdued aesthetic. Furthermore, white sapphires cost less than diamonds – an ideal option for those on a budget!
Sapphires offer a more unique cut than diamonds, offering an array of shapes such as ovals, pear cuts, cushion and round brilliants. When combined with other gemstones to form unique engagement rings or fashion jewellery pieces, sapphires make stunning additions.
White sapphires don’t possess the same clarity as diamonds, so they must be treated to reduce imperfections. During crystallization, minerals are trapped within the gem and may appear on the surface; however, smaller flaws are more valuable than larger ones.
Cut
If you’re searching for an inexpensive alternative to diamonds but don’t want to break the bank, white sapphire is an excellent choice. A one-carat sapphire will only set you back a few hundred dollars, while comparable diamonds could easily set you back several thousand dollars or more.
Diamonds and white sapphires both come in a range of colours and can be completely transparent, however diamonds offer more sparkle and brilliance due to factors like cut and clarity.
Diamonds offer superior durability and sparkle, which are important factors when purchasing jewellery for someone who will be exposed to daily wear and tear is another viable diamond alternative with similar qualities at a lower cost point.
Conclusion
In summary, white sapphires are more affordable than diamonds and offer an excellent alternative for those looking to create stunning jewellery without breaking the bank. The cost of white sapphires depends on various factors such as size, colour, and clarity, and lab-created stones are readily available for those who prefer them. While diamonds remain the top choice for engagement rings and fine jewellery, white sapphires come in an array of shapes and cuts, making them ideal for unique designs. Ultimately, both diamonds and white sapphires have their unique qualities, and the choice between them depends on personal preference, budget, and desired aesthetics.
