White Sapphire vs. Diamond: A Comprehensive Comparison
Mar 03,2024 | Juyoyo
Before we begin the article, let's briefly understand: what is white sapphire?
White sapphire, as the name suggests, is a white variety of sapphire. Many people commonly associate sapphires with the color blue, but they come in various colors, with blue being just one of them.
As two highly captivating gemstones, white sapphires, and diamonds both enjoy a prestigious reputation in the world of jewelry. They each have their unique characteristics in terms of appearance, hardness, price, and symbolism. Therefore, when choosing jewelry, many people face the decision: should they choose white sapphire or diamond? Let's delve into the differences between them.
Type | White Sapphire | Diamond |
Sparkle | Soft, silvery-gray | Sparkling, colorful with white light |
Refractive Index | 1.77 | 2.24 |
Dispersion | 0.018 | 0.04 |
Mohs Scale | 9 | 10 (maximum) |
Price | $$$$ | $$ |
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Appearance:
- White Sapphire: White sapphire is a transparent gemstone that ranges from colorless to slightly faint blue. Clarity and color uniformity are key factors in evaluating its quality. White sapphires typically have good luster and brilliance, but their optical properties are not as outstanding as diamonds.
- Diamond: Diamonds are crystals formed from carbon under extremely high temperature and pressure. Their most notable characteristic is their high refractive index and dispersion, which give diamonds outstanding optical performance, manifesting as strong fire and brilliance. The color, clarity, cut, and carat weight of a diamond are the main criteria for evaluating its value.
Sparkle:
- White Sapphire: Some may wonder, does white sapphire sparkle like a diamond? The answer is no. With a refractive index of 1.77 and a dispersion value 0.018, white sapphire reflects light more softly, appearing silvery-gray.
- Diamond: The sparkle of a diamond is well-known, with its colorful sparkle attributed to its high refractive index and dispersion. It has a refractive index of 2.42 and a dispersion value of 0.04.
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Hardness:
- White Sapphire: White sapphire has a relatively high hardness but is still not as hard as diamond. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, suitable for everyday wear.
- Diamond: Diamond is the only gemstone with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest natural substances and ideal for creating durable jewelry.
Price:
- White Sapphire: Compared to diamonds, white sapphires are much more affordable. Due to their larger supply and availability, white sapphires are relatively inexpensive, making them suitable for budget-conscious jewelry enthusiasts.
- Diamond: Diamonds are expensive due to their rarity and uniqueness. Additionally, the price of a diamond is influenced by factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, leading to significant price fluctuations.
Symbolism:
- White Sapphire: White sapphire is considered a symbol of wisdom and truth, representing a clear mind and inner balance. Therefore, white sapphire is often used to enhance cognitive abilities and elevate spirituality.
- Diamond: Diamond symbolizes purity, strength, and eternal love. This makes diamonds a popular choice for engagement rings, expressing a cherish and commitment to love.
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White sapphires and diamonds each have their unique qualities. When choosing between them, it is important to consider personal preferences, needs, and budget. Regardless of which gemstone you choose, both can bring unique charm and value to your jewelry.