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By Benji, Content ManagerWhile sapphires are mainly known for their blue variety, many other colors exist as well, including white. This transparent stone has been compared to a diamond due to its similarity, but there are vast differences. Still, white sapphires have a unique charm; something that sets them apart from other colorless stones and from their colored sapphire counterparts. Here is a look at this interesting stone, its benefits, and how it compares with other stones, particularly diamonds.
About the Stone
The white sapphire is the colorless version of a sapphire. Sapphires are mostly recognized for their deep blue hue, but there are other colors too such as pink, yellow, green, and of course, white. At first glance the stone may look identical to some other popular colorless stones such as a diamond, a moissanite, and a topaz. However, upon further investigation one can notice the cloudier appearance of the stone; especially when held up next to another stone. White sapphires tend to display a cloudy white look. Like all sapphires, blue sapphires included, white sapphires are a form of the mineral corundum, which ranks 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness right after diamonds. It is a rather durable stone that was created under the earth’s surface over millions of years.
White Sapphires Vs. Diamonds
With its similar appearance to diamonds and substantially lower prices, the white sapphire seems like the perfect alternative to the beautiful yet pricey diamond. Putting the prestige factor aside for a moment, since one can’t help but acknowledge that diamonds are inseparable from prestige and status, there are still plenty of differences between a white sapphire and a diamond. For starters, a white sapphire does not exude brilliance, the fiery element that only a girl’s best friend is capable of showcasing. This shouldn’t really come as a surprise; since this is truly what diamonds are known for and what makes them so expensive. Still, when looking at the two stones side by side, it may come as a quite a shock what a difference the brilliance and scintillation of a diamond can make. All of a sudden the shiny transparent white sapphire looks dull next to the gleaming diamond. Aside from the brilliance though, diamonds and sapphires can look quite remarkably similar to the untrained eye. If you care less about the shine and more about the size and price of the stone, a white sapphire might be for you. Having an untraditional stone, whether it’s for an engagement ring or any other piece of jewelry, has its own special charm and appeal.
Advantages of a White Sapphire
Though we have already touched upon the main characteristics of a white sapphire and how it differs from a diamond, we have yet to really focus on this remarkable stone’s many advantages. The cost factor is a standout element here. The prices for white sapphires are far lower than diamonds. This means you can get a much larger stone. Another advantage of these transparent stones is that they can be used as side stones instead of splurging on more diamonds for your piece of jewelry. They can also be used to replace diamonds that have fallen out instead of buying the real thing again or settling for cubic zirconia. Lastly, never forget that sapphires, even white sapphires, are one of the four precious gemstones, which include diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. This means that while they may not be diamonds, they are certainly rare and special.
Like all gemstones, white sapphires should be selected carefully. Only go to a trusted dealer who can ensure that the stone you are buying is genuine and high quality. Serious flaws can be hiding in a stone unbeknownst to you, or it can be a complete knockoff altogether. Do your research and shop carefully.
Though we don’t hold any white Sapphires, at least at the moment this was written, browse through our Sapphire jewelry collection and let us know what you like best!
