The Buyer’s Guide to White Sapphire

When we think of iconic gemstones, diamonds usually steal the spotlight. But tucked quietly behind the glittering curtain is a gemstone just as dazzling, and perhaps even more magical: the white sapphire! With its captivating sparkle, sturdy structure, and guilt-free price tag, white sapphires have been charming modern romantics everywhere. Ready to fall in love? Let’s dive into what makes white sapphires so special!

What Is A Sapphire?

Sapphires belong to the corundum family of minerals - think of them as the sophisticated siblings of rubies. While rubies flaunt their fiery reds, sapphires come in an enchanting rainbow of colors. When it comes to white sapphires, their signature colorless look is usually achieved through gentle lab treatments that enhance their natural beauty!

Corundum is one tough cookie, second only to the diamond in hardness. This makes white sapphires a brilliant (and budget-friendly) alternative for engagement rings, everyday jewelry, and heirloom pieces!

Natural vs Lab-Created Sapphires

Natural: mined straight from the earth, untouched by synthetic processes - thus not chemically changed in any way. Primarily differentiated by the cutting of the gemstone, the composition of natural and untreated sapphires is as close to the raw material as possible. What you see is pure nature with each gem’s subtle character and inclusions, making it one-of-a-kind.

Lab-Created: on the other hand, are grown in high-tech labs that mimic the natural conditions sapphires form under. While there are a few different approaches to synthesizing sapphires, the process typically involves applying high pressure and heat to corundum. The result? Chemically identical gems with equally captivating beauty. Bonus: lab-created sapphires are often more affordable and eco-conscious.

How To Choose Your Perfect White Sapphire

Just like diamonds, the 4 C’s still apply to white sapphires: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat.

Color: Look for colorless or near-colorless stones to capture that icy diamond-like glow.

Cut: A precise cut enhances sparkle and brilliance. Whether you adore ovals, cushions, or classic rounds, the cut plays a big role in your sapphire’s shine. It’s highly recommended that you inspect the cut in person to judge whether it’s too deep or shallow. At Love & Promise Jewelers, we only carry sapphires with good to excellent cuts — the top 40% of cuts on the market. 

Clarity: Tiny inclusions are part of a sapphire's natural story. Fewer inclusions generally mean a higher value, but minor imperfections often go unnoticed to the naked eye. Natural sapphires may even include feathers, cavities, and fingerprints. However, as a general rule of thumb, the fewer the imperfections, the more valuable the sapphire.

Carat: Similar to diamonds, the higher the carat weight, the more valuable the gemstone. One carat is equivalent to 0.20 grams. It is worth noting that sapphires are much denser than diamonds, so when the two gemstones with similar carat weights are compared, the diamond will appear much larger than the sapphire.

White sapphires offer an enchanting, ethical, and budget-friendly path to forever! If you're searching for a conflict-free, guilt-free, and absolutely gorgeous alternative to traditional diamonds, a white sapphire may just steal your heart.

Are you ready to say yes to white sapphire? Feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation - we can't wait to hear from you!

How fun was this white sapphire guide? As always, be sure to follow us on our socials, check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter to see what's new here at Love & Promise! Catch you next time, friends!