When it comes to choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring, diamonds have long been considered the ultimate symbol of luxury and elegance. However, in recent years, white sapphires have emerged as a beautiful and more affordable alternative. Both of these stones boast remarkable beauty, but they each have unique properties, characteristics, and benefits that make them suitable for different preferences and needs. If you’re torn between a white sapphire and a diamond, here’s a detailed comparison of the two to help you make an informed decision.

What is a White Sapphire?

A white sapphire is a colorless variety of sapphire, which belongs to the corundum family of minerals. Corundum is the same mineral group that produces rubies and other sapphires, and white sapphires are essentially sapphires that lack the color impurities found in their colored counterparts. As a natural stone, a white sapphire has an exceptional luster and brilliance, but it differs significantly from diamonds in several key ways.

Sapphires come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and even green, but the white variety has gained popularity for its purity and understated elegance. White sapphires are often chosen for their versatility, as they can look similar to diamonds while providing a more budget-friendly option for those who are looking for a luxurious yet affordable alternative.

What is a Diamond?

Diamonds are one of the hardest naturally occurring substances on Earth. Formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and heat, diamonds are carbon crystals that undergo millions of years of natural processes to achieve their remarkable hardness and brilliance.

Diamonds are renowned for their incredible brilliance and the way they reflect and refract light, which is one of the reasons they have become the go-to stone for engagement rings and high-end jewelry. Diamonds are graded based on the "Four Cs": Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, which all play a role in determining the overall quality and value of the stone.

Comparing White Sapphire vs Diamonds: Key Differences

Appearance

Both white sapphires and diamonds are colorless, which means they can appear visually similar, especially when set in jewelry. However, the way each gemstone interacts with light is different, resulting in varying levels of brilliance and sparkle.

• Diamonds: Diamonds are renowned for their unparalleled brilliance and fire. The stone’s exceptional hardness and its ability to refract light at multiple angles produce dazzling sparkle. The unique "fire" of a diamond is the dispersion of light into different colors, creating a rainbow effect that is visible to the naked eye.

• White Sapphires: While white sapphires are also highly lustrous, they lack the same level of brilliance and fire that diamonds have. White sapphires tend to have a more subdued sparkle, with less noticeable flashes of color. They can appear more muted compared to diamonds, which can make them less dazzling in certain lighting.

Durability

When it comes to durability, diamonds are by far the more resilient of the two.

• Diamonds: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means they are highly resistant to scratches and damage. A diamond can withstand everyday wear and tear without losing its luster, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings and other frequently worn jewelry.

• White Sapphires: White sapphires, while still quite durable, score a 9 on the Mohs scale, making them slightly softer than diamonds. This means they are more prone to scratching over time, especially when exposed to harder surfaces. However, with proper care, a white sapphire can still remain in excellent condition for years.

Price

One of the main reasons people opt for white sapphires over diamonds is the significant difference in price.

• Diamonds: Diamonds are considerably more expensive than white sapphires. The price of a diamond is heavily influenced by its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. High-quality diamonds, especially those with exceptional clarity and carat weight, can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

• White Sapphires: White sapphires are far more affordable compared to diamonds. While their prices can still vary depending on factors such as size and quality, they are generally much more budget-friendly. If you're looking for a luxurious, diamond-like appearance but don't want to break the bank, a white sapphire can offer a stunning alternative at a fraction of the cost.

Rarity and Availability

Diamonds are rare and take millions of years to form, which contributes to their high value. They are mined from specific locations around the world, and the demand for diamonds has remained high for centuries.

• Diamonds: Due to their rarity and popularity, diamonds are considered precious gemstones and can be harder to find in large sizes or with specific qualities. Sourcing and grading diamonds is an intricate and labor-intensive process.

• White Sapphires: White sapphires are more abundant than diamonds and can be found in larger sizes, making them more accessible for those looking for a gemstone without the high price tag. While sapphires are still considered valuable, they are generally more plentiful compared to diamonds, which contributes to their lower cost.

Ethical Considerations

Both diamonds and white sapphires can be sourced ethically, though there are significant differences in how they are obtained.

• Diamonds: Ethical concerns have surrounded the diamond industry, particularly in relation to "blood diamonds"—diamonds mined in war zones under exploitative conditions. However, ethical sourcing practices, such as the Kimberley Process, have been put in place to ensure that diamonds are sourced responsibly. Many buyers opt for conflict-free or lab-grown diamonds to mitigate these concerns, which Soha Diamond Co. is proud to specialize in. No matter the gemstone you choose, we are committed to sourcing origin-guaranteed stones. When you design your engagement ring with our team, you can rest assured that your stone or stones are ethically sourced. 

• White Sapphires: Sapphires, in general, are not as heavily associated with ethical issues as diamonds, though it's still important to ensure that they come from reputable sources. Soha Diamond Co. also specializes in ethically sourced sapphires, including lab-grown white sapphires, which provide a more sustainable option. 

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision between a white sapphire and a diamond ultimately depends on your personal preferences, priorities, and budget. Here are a few considerations to help you make the best choice for your needs:

• If you're looking for ultimate brilliance and durability: A diamond is the ideal choice. Its exceptional sparkle, timeless beauty, and unmatched hardness make it perfect for those who want a gemstone that can last a lifetime.

• If you're on a budget but still want a beautiful, luxurious stone: A white sapphire offers a stunning, diamond-like appearance at a much more affordable price. While it may not have the same level of brilliance as a diamond, it’s still a gorgeous and durable option for those seeking elegance on a budget.

• If you’re concerned about ethical sourcing: Both diamonds and white sapphires can be ethically sourced, so be sure to ask your jeweler about their sourcing practices. Lab-grown diamonds and sapphires provide an ethical alternative to naturally mined stones.

Ultimately, whether you choose a diamond or a white sapphire, both stones can offer exceptional beauty, lasting value, and a meaningful representation of your personal style. Our team is here to help you design the perfect white sapphire or diamond engagement ring. Whatever you decide, the right gemstone is one that resonates with your preferences and makes you feel connected to the piece for years to come.

Soha Diamond Co. is a jewelry store located in Madison, Wisconsin:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/J8zaeQUYWAk23hDNA

View custom Soha engagement ring styles on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/sohadiamondco

Browse Soha Diamond Co. engagement ring inspirations:

https://www.sohadiamondco.com/pages/our-engagement-rings

Learn about Soha’s engagement ring design process:

https://www.sohadiamondco.com/pages/design-process

Book your custom engagement ring visit with Soha:

https://calendly.com/sohadiamondco