A gemstone with the most excellent value for money is usually chosen by most people when choosing a gemstone to purchase. The latter is particularly relevant when considering whether to purchase a blue diamond or a sapphire. Blue diamonds are prized for their color and glitter, which is frequently attributed to their rarity, whereas sapphires are prized for their color, mainly due to their haziness. The sapphire, on the other hand, is the more popular choice.
While both gemstones are gorgeous and can be used to create exquisite jewelry, they have distinct characteristics that distinguish them from one another. Sapphires are less expensive and easier to get by, whereas diamonds are more expensive and complicated. Apart from their reduced pricing, they can be more expensive when compared to precious metals such as gold and silver. A ring set with a blue sapphire will last a lifetime and is significantly less expensive than a diamond set in gold or platinum. Aside from being less expensive, sapphires are also more scratch-resistant than other gemstones.
Blue Diamond Vs. Sapphire- Is There A Difference?
Even though many people compare blue diamonds and sapphires, and they feel nearly identical, the two varieties of gemstones are pretty distinct. The following are the most significant distinctions:
Origins
Another important distinguishing characteristic is the location of where these stones are located. Blue diamonds are found in only a few sites worldwide, and they are scarce. Argyle Mine in Australia, and the Cullinan mine in South Africa, both owned by Rio Tinto, are where the vast bulk of them have been discovered. It has been discovered that smaller quantities of these colored diamonds have been discovered in the Golconda mine in India.
Meanwhile, sapphires (also known as the birthstone of September) are mined in various locations around the world, including the United States. The International Colored Gemstones Association (ICGA) reported that these countries include India and Burma; Ceylon; Thailand; Vietnam; Australia; Brazil and Africa; and the United States. Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s oldest sapphires. In recent years, geologists discovered early indications of two large-scale concentrations of giant sapphire crystals in Tanzania, which they believe to be the first of their kind.
The world’s oldest sapphire discoveries have been made in Ceylon, or Sri Lanka as it is now known. These are called Ceylon Sapphires, and they are often regarded as the finest sapphires currently available for purchase.
Durability
Using the Mohs Scale, diamonds are the hardest mineral known to man, obtaining a rating of 10. As a result, Brilliant Earth explains that diamonds are less susceptible to scratching and scuffing than other materials. As a result, sapphires require repolishing at a higher rate than blue diamonds, which is also a result of this. Diamonds, on the other hand, are not chip-resistant.
While sapphires do not have the same hardness as blue diamonds, they are a nine on the Mohs hardness scale. In other words, the only natural gemstone capable of scratching a sapphire is a diamond; the rest are all synthetic. Sapphires are highly resistant to surface scratching and abrasions, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear and exposure to the elements.
Rarity And Price
One of the primary reasons some consumers may choose blue sapphires over blue diamonds is that they are frequently significantly less expensive. This is because sapphires are more readily available. Even though these stones are more widely mined than diamonds, the return on high-quality sapphires is much less than the return on many other gemstones due to the lower production and availability of high-quality sapphires, making them a sound investment.
On the other hand, natural blue diamonds are highly uncommon – far more so than sapphires – and are becoming increasingly difficult to come by. This is one of the reasons why blue diamonds have been fetching record prices at auctions over the last few years. Over the last decade, prices of blue diamonds have climbed on average by 12 percent to 17 percent per year, according to the Natural Color Diamonds Association of America.
Blue diamonds are significantly more challenging than sapphires, and locating a blue diamond engagement ring is both time-consuming and costly. Sapphire, on the other hand, is a relatively abundant mineral.
Color
When it comes to color, both blue diamonds and sapphires may be found in various shades and intensities. Depending on the color of the blue diamond, the scale may be as follows: faint blue, very light blue, light blue, fancy light blue, fancy blue, fancy intense blue, fancy deep blue, fancy vivid blue, and fancy vivid blue. The intensity of the blue color grows in direct proportion to the amount of boron present.
Sapphires can also be found in various colors, ranging from a faint sky blue to a deep, royal blue hue. The higher the concentration of titanium in the sapphire, the more saturated the color of the sapphire is. According to The Natural Sapphire Company, sapphires that contain secondary colors such as green or purple cannot be categorized as blue sapphires because they contain too much of the primary hue. Instead, they are referred to as “fancy” colors. When describing a sapphire with a particular hue, it’s common to hear “cornflower blue” used. Still, it’s crucial to remember that this is not an official grading classification but rather a marketing buzzphrase.
Brilliance
Due to their higher capacity to refract light, blue diamonds are more brilliant and have more excellent sparkle than sapphires. Even though sapphires have perfect glitter, they are not as dazzling as blue diamonds, and their sparkle can quickly be reduced when they become unclean.
Hardness
Blue diamonds, like other diamonds, are tough to work with. Blue sapphires are also beautiful, but a blue diamond takes the cake in this category. According to the manufacturer, on the average Mohs hardness scale, diamonds are rated 10 out of ten, while blue sapphires are rated nine out of ten. While both of these rings have a high level of toughness, if you are looking for something that will stand up to some decent punishment, a blue diamond engagement ring is an excellent alternative (not that you should not take great care of either, you should).
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of sapphires and blue diamonds differs significantly, one of the most visible differences between the two gemstones. A blue diamond is a diamond that is entirely made of pure carbon. During the crystal structure formation, small amounts of the element boron become trapped, giving these stones their distinctive color. According to PriceScope, hydrogen impurities are frequently responsible for the greyish or more violet-blue color in diamonds, whereas nitrogen impurities typically cause greenish-blue diamonds.
On the other hand, blue sapphires are made of corundum, also known as aluminum oxide. The presence of titanium traces is responsible for the hue of the minerals.
Is It True That Blue Diamonds Cost More Than Sapphires?
Generally speaking, though, a one-carat sapphire will be less expensive than a one-carat diamond. Blue sapphires are the most expensive sapphire color since they are the most sought-after color in the world. Furthermore, the more dazzling and pure the hue, the more expensive it will be to purchase it. Sapphires are almost usually less expensive than diamonds when compared to carat for carat. As an illustration, here is a 1.05-carat blue sapphire from James Allen, which sells for 700 dollars. A 1 carat diamond from James Allen, on the other hand, costs more than $4,000 in contrast.
Because gems have varying densities, a sapphire and a diamond of the same carat weight appear visually different sizes. Sapphires are often slightly smaller than diamonds because they are heavier than diamonds, and a one-carat sapphire is generally slightly smaller in size than a one-carat diamond.
Is Blue Sapphire The Same As Blue Diamond?
Color enhancement is also possible with blue diamonds. While blue is the most traditional and primary color for sapphire, the gemstone may also be found in a range of other colors. Purplish blue to velvety blue sapphires are the most highly prized and valuable blue sapphires, and they have a vibrant color saturation and a powerful color saturation.
According to PriceScope, hydrogen impurities are frequently responsible for the greyish or more violet-blue color in diamonds, whereas nitrogen impurities typically cause greenish-blue diamonds. On the other hand, blue sapphires are made of corundum, also known as aluminum oxide, and the presence of titanium traces is responsible for the hue of the minerals.
Is It Possible To Detect If A Blue Diamond Is Genuine?
Hold the blue diamond stone between your index and middle fingers and blow on it with a puff of fresh air. Because of the heat emitted by your breath, a thin layer of fog will form on the surface of the diamond. If the fog dissipates immediately, it is a genuine phenomenon. Diamonds are excellent heat conductors and dispersers.
When using a flashlight to determine whether or not a diamond is genuine, hold the flashlight vertically with the beam pointing upward and place the stone upside down on the lens. Study the passage and exit of light from the flashlight as it passes through and through the stone.
What Are The Meanings Of Blue Diamond And Sapphire?
Blue diamonds symbolize faith and trust, which are essential qualities in any relationship. Those who wear diamonds with a blue tint are thought to be more protected from misunderstandings and unneeded fights.
In the ancient and medieval civilizations, blue sapphires were thought to represent the pinnacle of celestial trust and optimism. They were also thought to have protective characteristics and the ability to provide spiritual enlightenment and good fortune.
Conclusion
The sapphire is the most expensive form of gemstone available. While sapphire is the most popular, it is difficult to top a flawless blue diamond in terms of beauty. A flawless blue sapphire will last you a lifetime if cared for properly. An uncut sapphire can be any color, ranging from pale blue to deep royal in hue. A flawless blue diamond is the most enthralling and desirable of all diamonds. Your favorite ring will be set with a beautiful purple sapphire.
The blue diamond is the most valuable gemstone in the world. Despite its modest cost, it is also the most widely used product. One aspect contributing to its increased value is its hue and uniqueness. Nonetheless, both blue diamonds and sapphires are stunning gemstones, but there are specific differences that must be considered. While a blue diamond is more expensive than a white diamond, it is still the more attractive of the two options. Furthermore, sapphire is much more challenging than a pink diamond.
The decision between a sapphire and a blue diamond is entirely subjective and is influenced by your preferences and, most significantly, your budget. Even though both diamonds are fantastic choices for engagement rings, blue diamonds are unquestionably more brilliant and have a more significant amount of shine.
