![]() The 4 C’s are still important components to consider, but other characteristics, such as color tone, purity and level of saturation must be assessed as well.Ĭonventional standards for grading white sapphires also don’t exist in the same way they do for diamonds. The GIA, for example, does not grade white sapphires-instead, they only provide a report with basic details like color, carat weight and treatment. A white sapphire is evaluated differently. The 4 C’s of White SapphireĪ diamond is evaluated based on so-called diamond 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat). However, both stones are more than strong enough to be worn on a daily basis in an engagement ring. This means that despite their similar numbers on the Mohs scale, a diamond is significantly harder and more resistant to scratching than a sapphire. ![]() For example, diamond is only one number away, but it’s many times harder than gems in the corundum family. The steps between the minerals are not evenly spaced. The numbers are based on the relative ease or difficulty with which one mineral can be scratched by another. “Gem and mineral hardness is measured on the Mohs scale. White sapphires measure 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them durable enough for everyday wear.Īlthough this measurement may make a sapphire seem almost as hard as a diamond, in reality it’s somewhat misleading. There are two main types of white sapphire used in jewelry: natural and lab-created white sapphires.Īlthough they’re clear in color, white sapphires usually exhibit a cloudy white hue, providing one way to identify them compared to diamonds, topaz and moissanite. Most natural sapphires are found in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the western parts of the United States. In most cases, white sapphires are actually yellow or grey stones that have been heat treated or chemically treated, meaning that they undergo a specific process to achieve their clear color.Īlthough natural white sapphires exist, they’re incredibly rare. In general, white sapphires are much cheaper than diamonds. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. From a color and cut perspective, a sapphire ring offers a similar look to diamond jewelry with a few small compromises. ![]() White sapphires are often used as a diamond substitute thanks to their lack of color and lower price than diamonds. The minerals present in the stone’s composition help designate its color. Although sapphires are usually thought of as a blue gemstone, they naturally occur in a variety of colors, including yellow, green, pink and white.Īs a part of the corundum family of minerals, sapphires are a type of aluminium oxide containing traces of titanium, iron, magnesium, copper and chromium. What is White Sapphire?Ī white sapphire is a colorless sapphire. If you have questions about purchasing a diamond, don’t hesitate to contact us. We suggest purchasing a diamond from a reputable and reliable vendor like James Allen or Blue Nile.įor example, this classic tapered four prong white gold engagement ring from Blue Nile is simple and stunning, or you can choose a more decorative style with a halo ring like this one from James Allen. Always ask for a gemological certificate to confirm the stone’s identity.Īlthough white sapphires can look appealing to some, we recommend considering a diamond for beautiful jewelry that can be worn every day and will last for years. Be wary of sellers who might try to pass off a white sapphire as a diamond, as the two stones, although similar in appearance, have distinct differences in durability, brilliance, and price. However, they are considerably more affordable than diamonds, which makes them an attractive option for those on a budget. They are also softer, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale compared to a diamond’s 10, making them slightly less durable. When compared to diamonds, white sapphires are generally less brilliant and lack the same level of fire or sparkle. Reputable jewelers and certified online stores are your safest bet for a quality purchase. When buying a white sapphire, pay close attention to its cut, clarity, and carat size, just as you would with a diamond. They are a colorless, transparent form of the mineral corundum, which is the same mineral family to which colored sapphires and rubies belong. White sapphires are a unique and increasingly popular alternative to traditional diamonds, especially for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |