Choosing between white sapphire vs diamond is one of the more common dilemmas our couples come up against. How to choose? Can you tell the difference? What is the benefit to choosing diamond vs white sapphire anyway? While both of these stones are beautiful, natural, and durable – there are some major differences between them, too! Find out which gem is right for you below!

White Sapphire vs Diamond: The Look

Can you tell the difference between Diamond and White Sapphire?

Yes. There is a huge visual difference between Diamond vs White Sapphire. While both gems are colorless (or “white”), they differ quite noticeably in terms of their “brilliance” (white sparkle) and “fire” (colored sparkle). Also, they differ in terms of how they handle dirt and oil. That said, each gem has its own unique look and beauty!

Do White Sapphires sparkle like Diamonds?

No. White Sapphire’s sparkle is a silvery white-gray, whereas Diamond’s sparkle is rainbow colored with some white mixed in. This is due to Diamond’s high refractive index and dispersion (two measures for how a gemstone handles light). Remember those prisms you played with as a kid? Just like that! So, White Sapphire handles light by returning a more muted silvery sparkle. And, Diamond handles light by returning a rainbow of glittering sparkle. This is important in terms of look, as well as planning for ring cleaning/upkeep. In other words, a Diamond’s high Refractive Index (RI) allows it to sparkle through dirt and oil, whereas White Sapphire’s lower RI means it need more regular cleaning to keep it brilliant.

Refractive Index

(White Light)

 Dispersion/Fire

(Colored Light)
Diamond 2.42 .04
White Sapphire 1.77 .018

How can you tell a White Sapphire?

You can tell a White Sapphire from a Diamond, CZ, and Moissanite by its more muted, silvery sparkle. It’s also way heavier! You can tell White Sapphire from other white gemstones, such as White Topaz, Rock Crystal (White Quartz), or Paste (white glass used in jewelry) by its crisp facet edges. That is because White Sapphire is an incredibly hard gemstone at 9/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale! So, it stands up to wear and tear much better than Topaz, Quartz, or Paste (which will show micro chipping called “abrasion” on its facet edges more readily).

White Sapphire vs Diamond Side by Side

Side by side, White Sapphire looks less brilliant than Diamond. Next to White Sapphire, Diamond’s sparkle appears much more colorful.

White Sapphire vs Diamond: What’s Right for You?

In order to choose the right stone, couples should consider what “look” they are going for. Is it sparkle? What kind of sparkle? Or do you want a big size? Ease of wear? How does cost factor in?

What are the benefits of White Sapphire?

White Sapphire is elegant, durable, comes in large sizes, and is incredibly affordable. In addition, those who believe in gemstone lore will love White Sapphire for its ability to bring clarity to your mind. Finally, Sapphire has a royal pedigree, bringing a unique level of sophistication to a White Sapphire engagement ring.

What are the benefits of wearing Diamond?

Diamond is mega brilliant, supremely durable, highly sought after, and shines through dirt, oil, and even in low light. Those who love gemstone powers will also love that Diamond brings you strength. Finally, given Diamond’s legacy as the gift of love and status, a Diamond also carries with it better long-term investment potential.

What are the drawbacks of White Sapphire vs Diamond?

The biggest drawbacks to White Sapphire are lower sparkle and need for more frequent cleaning to keep it brilliant. But, in exchange, you get a larger stone for less money.

What are the drawbacks of Diamond vs White Sapphire?

Cost! Diamonds are significantly more money than White Sapphire, and you get a smaller stone for your dollar. However, in exchange, you get much more brilliance and ease of wear.

White Sapphire vs Diamond Cost

Ah, the $64,000 question! White Sapphire is significantly less expensive than Diamond!

Carat Size GIA Certified Diamond (Round, I-color, VS2) White Sapphire
.50ct (5mm) $1,100+ $430
1.0ct (6.5mm) $4,000+ $980
1.5ct (7.5mm) $10,000+ $1,680

White Sapphire vs Diamond vs Moissanite

Another common question we get is whether a couple should choose White Sapphire or Moissanite. It’s a great question because both gems are fantastic diamond alternatives! Both of these colorless stones offer superior hardness and lovely sparkle at a fraction of the cost of Diamond.

Which is better White Sapphire or Moissanite?

It depends. Couples looking for a natural diamond alternative should choose White Sapphire. That is because White Sapphire grows in the Earth’s crust, and it’s naturally white, too (so, it’s untreated, unlike most blue sapphire)! On the other hand, Moissanite is a man-made gem. So, if natural origin or rarity is important to you, White Sapphire is a great option.

Those looking for extreme sparkle and fire should choose Moissanite! As White Sapphire gives off a more subtle, silvery glint, couples looking for knock-your-socks-off pizzazz should definitely choose Moissanite. Its high refractive index and dispersion means it will sparkle from across the room!

White Sapphire vs Moissanite Side by Side

Side by side, White Sapphire will look more light gray than white. Next to White Sapphire, Moissanite looks like a firework.

Is White Sapphire better than Cubic Zirconia (CZ)?

It depends (I know, your favorite answer)! Cubic Zirconia is the most common diamond alternative out there, and one of the least expensive. However, it is a man made gemstone, while also being less durable and less brilliant than Moissanite. So, against the standards above of rarity and brilliance, CZ doesn’t win either contest. As a result, we choose not to sell CZ and would recommend White Sapphire or Moissanite.

Can you help me choose between White Sapphire vs Diamond vs Moissanite?

We sure can! Send us a message here or email us at care@doamore.com! Feel free to ask for me, Corinne, the gemologist. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you make the right decision for your ring!