Imagine two gorgeous tiaras; one sparkling with diamonds and the other with stunning sapphires. If you could get your hands on just one of them, which one would you pick?
While some of us have a clear answer, some don’t. If you’re not sure of which one to buy then take a look at this quick comparative analysis.
7 Key Differences between Sapphire and Diamond
What Are the Main Differences Between Sapphire and Diamond?
1. Composition
Diamond is the only gem made of a single element, i.e., carbon, while sapphire is a variety of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminium oxide.
2. Brilliance & Fire
In terms of brilliance, i.e., the white light coming out of the gemstone undispersed, diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42, whereas sapphires have a refractive index that falls anywhere between 1.76 – 1.77. Therefore, diamonds have more brilliance (brightness) and fire (colourful flashes when shone with white light) than sapphire.
3. Origin & History
It is believed that the oldest diamond deposits were formed around 900 million years ago deep in the Earth’s mantle. As per historical records, diamonds were first found in India and were traded as early as the 4th century B.C. Ever since their discovery, diamonds were coveted by royalty and the wealthy. The early Greeks believed that this gemstone was formed from the tears of God. Today, diamonds are coveted for their unparalleled sparkle and are a symbol of love, fearlessness and abundance.
Angara says:
In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with the very first diamond engagement ring! Inspired?
Just like diamonds, sapphires also have been cherished for millennia. Some historians believe that Moses inscribed God’s Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire. For several centuries, these gemstones were worn by royals and aristocrats to protect themselves from harm and envy. Sapphires are associated with virtues like fidelity, nobility and sincerity. Even today, sapphires are synonymous with royalty and are a popular choice for jewellery, especially engagement rings.
4. Birthstone & Zodiac Sign
Diamonds are the official birthstone for April and the gemstone for the Aries zodiac sign. They’re also considered the traditional gifting gem for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
Sapphires are regarded as the official birthstone for September and the zodiac stone for the Virgo star sign. You can gift them to a loved one to commemorate the 5th and 45th wedding anniversary.
5. Clarity
Flaws such as liquids, gases and even crystals of other minerals are commonly found in sapphires.
Most diamonds have inclusions. The highest quality grade diamonds (FL-flawless) are rare.
6. Gemological Phenomenon
Sapphires are pleochroic. This means they can exhibit different colours when viewed from different angles. Some sapphires also display asterism (a star-like effect) and chatoyancy effect (resemblance to the slit in a cat’s eye).
Some diamonds, like chameleon diamonds, display a colour change when exposed to UV lamps.
7. Pricing
The price of a very good quality sapphire can range from $50 to $10,000 per carat. Depending on the quality, the price of a 1-carat diamond can start from $2,500 and go as high as $30,000.
8. Cut
Round-cut is the most sought-after shape for diamonds as this shape maximises the brilliance and fire of the gem. However, diamonds are also found in other modern cuts like oval, emerald-cut, pear, cushion, marquise, etc.
Sapphires are also available in a range of shapes like round, cushion, oval, emerald-cut, pear, etc.
9. Hardness
Diamonds are the hardest mineral known to mankind and score a full 10/10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, whereas sapphires score a rating of 9.
Angara says: The only thing that can scratch a diamond is a diamond. So, diamond jewellery is safer to wear than other gemstone jewellery while working out.
Good To Know:
When it comes to affordability, diamonds will cost more. If you don’t want to spend too much and still sport a colourless/white diamond, then consider going for VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) diamonds, but not a grade below this.
Coming to size, sapphire is denser (heavy in mass) than a diamond. So, it will look smaller than a one-carat diamond even though both have the same weight. The price of this gem also rises drastically once it reaches the 5-carat mark. You can enjoy the remarkable beauty of this stone by opting for a 1 to 2-carat sapphire.
Why Should You Buy Sapphire?
Sapphires are the perfect gemstone if you want a gem that’s associated with virtues like nobility, sincerity and wisdom. Moreover, it’s a gem that’s synonymous with luxury and royalty, and donning a sapphire ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings will make you feel like a queen!
Why Should You Buy Diamond?
A diamond is and will always remain a woman’s best friend. The fire, radiance and hardness of this gemstone are quite remarkable. Additionally, this gorgeous gem is associated with love and eternity and is believed to bring abundance and clarity to its wearer. You can enjoy the shine and brilliance of a diamond in the form of a ring, necklace, pendant, or even earrings.
Verdict:
We love both these gems, and they are great choices for special occasions, such as an engagement, or even a surprise gift for your mom. coloured sapphires are the perfect options for those who want to flaunt a pop of vibrant hue. The translucency, brilliance and fire of a diamond, on the other hand, will forever remain magical. No matter what you pick, excellent looks and compliments are guaranteed!
Where Should You Buy GIA-Certified Sapphire or Diamond Jewellery From?
You can buy jewellery with GIA-certified sapphires and diamonds right here at Angara. These pieces come with a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (the most trusted name in gem grading and identification) that confirms the authenticity and quality of the gem. The report confirms every detail about the gem’s physical characteristics and treatments (if any), so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Furthermore, we offer rings and pendants crafted with GIA-certified gems in exquisite designs like solitaire, halo, infinity, three-stone, vintage-inspired, etc., so you can get the best of style and quality.
Angara’s Collection of Sapphire and Diamond Jewellery
What if we told you, you could treat yourself to the sapphire and diamond jewellery of your dreams and still have it fit your budget?
We, at Angara, believe that jewellery is exceedingly personal. It’s an expression of who you are – your style, your personality and your story. Therefore, every piece is made-to-order where you can choose your jewellery design, gemstone quality, carat weight and metal to suit your style needs.
We also provide a Certificate of Authenticity (a certificate that mentions all the required details of the gemstone) and a Free Lifetime Warranty with every purchase so you can enjoy shopping for your favourite gemstone jewellery with utmost confidence.
Sapphire Vs Diamond FAQs
- What does a sapphire look like?Although sapphires are typically associated with the color blue, they come in a variety of hues like pink, white, yellow, orange, green and even teal.
- Which is more expensive, diamond or sapphire?Diamonds are more expensive than sapphires. A good quality 1-carat sapphire can cost you anywhere between $50 to $10,000, while the starting price of a fine quality diamond is approximately $2,500, and it can go as high as $30,000.
- Where do sapphires come from?Sapphires are found all over the world. Burma, Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, China, Columbia and the US are some of the well-known sources of sapphires.
