When it comes to gemstones, White sapphires vs diamonds are usually cheaper alternatives to diamonds due to their perceived less beauty compared to colored varieties.
White sapphires are more durable than other gemstones, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale – making them perfect for everyday wear in an engagement ring.
1. They’re Corundum
White Sapphires vs diamonds are a type of corundum, one of the most widespread minerals on Earth. With a original crystal structure made up of aluminum and oxygen, these stones possess incredible hardness and durability.
Gold and platinum are both quite malleable, which is advantageous for jewelry manufacturers who aim to make their pieces lightweight and comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, they’re not as scratch resistant as diamonds and may chip or break easily.
Corundum is commonly mined in Africa, South East Asia and certain areas of the United States. Typically, it’s treated to alter its hue and enhance its clarity.
Some of the more popular treatments for corundum include heat treating, irradiation and laser treatment. Although these methods are effective, they’re costly and time-consuming. If you want a high quality natural gemstone, take your time to research each piece you’re considering by determining its country of origin, cut and carat weight.
2. They’re Natural
White sapphires are an affordable gemstone, usually costing about one-quarter of comparable diamonds. If you’re worried about conflict diamonds, white sapphires make for a great alternative.
Natural sapphires are uncommon and only found in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and western parts of the United States. Unfortunately, they’re usually heat treated or chemically treated to achieve their clear white color.
Diamonds are highly durable, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale – just slightly lower in hardness than sapphires. Furthermore, these gemstones have excellent chip resistance which makes them a great choice for jewelry such as engagement rings.
When purchasing a sapphire, it is essential to choose one with high clarity and no blemishes or inclusions. The more blemishes and inclusions present in a stone, the lower its value will be.
3. They’re Transparent
White sapphires are translucent gemstones created from corundum mineral. Like diamonds, these gems have undergone intense heat and pressure over millions of years to achieve their brilliant white hue.
Sapphires come in an array of colors, from blue to green, yellow and white. While all sapphires have the same basic structure, their hue depends on which trace minerals were exposed during crystallization.
Due to their transparency, these rings look best against a background that’s clean and bright. Making them an ideal choice for engagement rings.
However, sapphires have one major drawback: frequent cleaning. This is because soap scum buildup, lotion and water spots can make it difficult for the facets to reflect light properly.
White sapphires may not have the sparkle of diamonds or moissanite, but they offer an affordable alternative for those on a budget. Plus, white sapphires are much easier to ethically source than diamonds since they tend not to be sold into conflict zones around the world.
4. They’re Easy to Clean
If you’re searching for an inexpensive alternative to diamond center stones, white sapphires make a great option. They don’t have any flaws that might make them appear less brilliant and they’re easy to maintain.
Like all gemstones, sapphires can be damaged by exposure to sunlight and dirt. Furthermore, they’re susceptible to fading and dullness if not properly maintained.
But the good news is that all you need is some basic tools and a dash of soap. Plus, this process doesn’t involve any chemicals, making it ideal for those who want to maintain their jewelry without needing extra supplies or hiring an expert.
Conclusion
You can even use this technique to refresh your rings on-the-go! All you need are some essential supplies, like a soft cloth, warm water and soap.
