White Sapphire Engagement Rings: A Complete Guide
What is white, but isn’t actually white? The answer is colorless sapphires. Intrigued? White sapphires are beautiful gemstones and top alternatives to diamonds. They have been used in jewelry for centuries. Often confused with diamonds, white sapphire is an entirely different gem. Known for their durability, mystic powers, and brilliance, white sapphires make an excellent choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Read on to learn more about white sapphire engagement rings and what makes them so popular.
What Is a White Sapphire?
White sapphires aren’t white at all. They’re colorless. While sapphires are generally associated with blue gemstones, they come in various colors, including pink, yellow, green, and white.
White sapphire is a type of aluminum oxide containing traces of iron, titanium, copper, magnesium, and chromium and belonging to the Corundum family of minerals. The presence of the mineral gives the stone its color.
In most cases, white sapphires are yellow or grey stones that have been chemically treated or heated to achieve their clear color. White sapphires are the most common diamond alternative because they are ‘colorless’ and less expensive. If you compare a diamond and a white sapphire engagement ring, both appear identical.
White sapphires are incredibly rare. They are mostly found in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the western parts of the United States. Just like diamonds, white sapphires are man-made (lab-created) and natural, both of which are used to make jewelry.
How Do White Sapphires Differ From Diamonds?
At first glance, a diamond and white sapphire appear similar. However, these stones have several differences that you can easily identify when comparing them.
| Specs | White Sapphire | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 | 10 |
| Color | White, slightly cloudy | clear |
| Brilliance (Refractive Index Score) | 1.77 RI | 2.42 RI |
| Scratch-resistant | No | Yes |
To the untrained eye, both diamonds and white sapphires look similar in brilliance. However, the diamond is the winner containing more fire and brilliance than a white sapphire. On the Mohs scale of hardness, white sapphires measure 9, whereas diamonds measure 10, so white sapphires are durable enough for everyday wear. Unlike diamonds, white sapphires have no grading scale, and they are much cheaper, which is why they are a popular jewelry stone.
Pros of White Sapphire Engagement Rings:
So, what are the perks of buying a white sapphire engagement ring? Here you go.
- They are highly valued gemstones. They offer great value so you can afford to get a large, glamorous gem at a more reasonable price than a diamond
- White sapphires are durable and sturdy and can last a lifetime. They are heirlooms in the making
- These stones are low maintenance and easy to care for
- White sapphires are said to have mystical powers. They symbolize purity, innocence, sincerity, and loyalty. During the Middle Ages, these stones were used to ward off evil spirits
- White sapphires come in a variety of shapes, so you have many more options.
All these advantages make white sapphires an excellent choice for couples looking for a white non-diamond gemstones.
Cons of White Sapphire Engagement Rings:
- Compared to diamonds, white sapphires are not as sparkling or brilliant
- White sapphires have a low refractive index, so they need regular upkeep and cleaning.
How to Buy White Sapphire Engagement Rings at Dolphin Galleries?
Buying the right engagement ring is almost as important as choosing the right life partner. If you have no idea where to start your search for engagement rings, check out our detailed guide on how to choose the right engagement ring.
While you may have a long list of specifics, you must buy your engagement ring from a reliable and credible online store, like Dolphin Galleries.
We are one of the top-rated online retailers of engagement rings and other designer jewelry. So, if you are looking for white sapphire engagement rings for your special someone, we have you covered. We have a huge collection of white sapphire rings based on carat weight and cut. Just visit our online store and explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do white sapphires go cloudy?
White sapphires are prone to dust and dirt. They can also pick up residue from soaps and other cleaning products, causing them to lose some of their shine and sparkle. Adequately sapphire care and cleaning will reverse the lost luster and sparkle.
Are white sapphires rare?
Naturally occurring white sapphires are quite rare. They are of high quality, and their price reflects their rarity. On the other hand, heat-treated sapphires are not nearly as rare and are reasonably priced. Higher carat weight sapphires are much rarer. So, the price also increases with an increase in the carat weight of white sapphires.
Do white sapphires sparkle?
Yes, they have plenty of sparkle and fire but not as much as a diamond. If you put a diamond and a white sapphire next to one another in bright light, you will notice the difference.
Steve Schlag
Owner of Dolphin Galleries, Art & Jewelry Expert.