Sapphire vs. Diamond: Which One Suits You?

It’s true that diamonds are rare and precious stones, but it’s the distinct color, clarity, carat and cut of each particular diamond that defines its individuality. Diamonds have been mined for over two millennia, with the first stones coming from India. Now, diamonds are found around the world, with the majority sourced in Canada, Australia, Africa and Russia. There are also lab made diamonds entering the jewelry space. 

Diamonds have historically commanded attention as priceless shining stones. Starting in India’s rivers and streams during the 4th century, diamonds found their way to Europe where they were the elite’s favorite fashion starting in the 1400s. Since then, diamond demand has exploded globally and the trade has been reformed with conflict-free diamonds. 

Sapphires are made of the mineral corundum, and high-quality sapphires can be even rarer than diamonds. They are also mined around the world, with notable mines in South-East and Central Asia, Australia, Africa and the U.S. in Montana. Traditionally, sapphires are available in blue and white, though additional colors are available. 

Historically, sapphires have been worn by royalty for centuries. Ancient Greek and Roman kings and queens would use blue sapphires to protect themselves from harm.

When comparing white sapphires to more colorless diamonds, there are some main differences between these two stones. Diamonds will typically appear more sparkly than sapphires of similar qualities because of the differences in how these stones reflect light. In smaller sizes, the differences are typically less apparent.  

Diamonds possess a signature sparkle, thanks to their high rating on the refractive index. They brilliantly reflect white light and split it into a dazzling spectrum of colors, creating a striking fire.

Sapphires feature a more subtle sparkle and a lower rating on the refractive index. A high-quality cut is important for maximizing a sapphire’s sparkle. Keeping your stone clean is also key for making sure it looks its best as it catches the light.

A diamond will sparkle with more colors and intensity while a white sapphire will more likely return a silver, milky sparkle. 

Gemstone color is an important factor in choosing jewelry you love. Diamonds are well-known as glistening clear stones, but they are available in a dazzling array of hues, including blue—although this color is uncommon for diamonds. Blue diamonds are formed when traces of boron lend a blue tone to the diamond’s carbon make-up. This blue hue can range greatly in tone, from dark gray to mesmerizing shades of aqua. 

Sapphires are acclaimed for their azure blue hues, but they are available in almost any color. There are even sapphires that change color under different lighting conditions. This variety makes sapphires ideal stones if the wearer craves a ring in a statement color. Sapphires are not available in red hues, though, as red sapphires are classified as rubies. Saturation indicates the vibrance of a sapphire, with higher saturation often increasing the value of the stone. 

When comparing colors in sapphires vs diamonds, the white-toned stones are often compared. Colorless diamonds and white sapphires can have a lot of similarities in terms of the hues of these stones. The largest differences in white sapphires and diamonds are the brilliance and clarity of these stones. Diamonds will typically provide more brilliance and clarity.  

Sapphires generally have some inclusions. Stones featuring exceptional clarity are very valuable and hard to come across. However, some inclusions can increase the value of a sapphire. Silk inclusions, which appear as small, needle-like lines, can create a star effect, while other inclusions can give a sapphire a beautiful velvet-like appearance.