White sapphire – the alternative to diamonds
White sapphire is often also referred to as “colorless sapphire” or “leucosapphire”. It looks very similar to diamonds, but is more affordable in comparison. That is why it is often used as an alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. However, its color is often a bit milkier than that of diamonds.
White sapphire is a fancy sapphire
White sapphires are classified as fancy sapphires, like all non-blue sapphires. Other fancy sapphires include:
The value of white sapphires
White sapphires are relatively rare compared to other sapphires. This also affects the price. In addition, the 4 C's determine the price of a white sapphire. These are the four factors Carat (weight), Color (color), Clarity (purity) and Cut (cut). The better these factors of a white sapphire are rated, the higher the price.
White sapphire can be found on almost all continents
Significant deposits of these colorless gemstones can be found in Russia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, China, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and several European countries (Norway, Finland, Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece), among others.
Use: white sapphire for engagement rings and co.
As already mentioned, white sapphire is often used as an alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. It is still a valuable gemstone, but less expensive than a diamond. Of course, this precious stone is not only suitable for engagement rings. It is also ideal for other occasions. For example, as a gift for a fifth or 45th wedding anniversary or as a birthday present for those born in September. According to the American Gem Society, sapphires are the birthstones for the month of September.
You can have white sapphires made into rings, bracelets or necklaces, either individually or in combination with colored gemstones. They can be set in silver, white or yellow gold.
Characteristics: a hard and robust gemstone
Like all sapphires and rubies, white sapphire belongs to the corundum group of minerals. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it the second hardest precious stone after diamonds and therefore a very robust precious stone.
Diffusion treatment can be used to convert cloudy white sapphires into blue sapphires.
White sapphire is usually faceted
The luster and purity of white sapphires are particularly emphasized by facet cuts. Among others, round and oval brilliant cuts, the Asscher cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, baguette cut, pear cut and the marquise cut are used for white sapphires.
