When people are searching for the perfect stone for an engagement ring or some fine jewelry, more often than not, they are searching for something beautiful, durable, and inexpensive. At CMD Jewelry, we often get the question about the beauty of a white sapphire or moissanite. Both have a timeless feeling, but they both have their own unique characteristics.
In this guide, we will explore the looks, durability, cost, and much more to help you get the best information to choose your jewelry.
What is a white sapphire?
This is a genuine stone from the corundum family, the same family that gives birth to blue sapphires. It appears to be clear or slightly milky. Chosen by many people who want the look of diamonds without the higher cost.
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Origin: Naturally mined or lab-grown
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Look: Transparent to cloudy, and has a subtle sparkle.
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Usage: Very popular on rings of vintage styles and budget-friendly jewelry.
What Is Moissanite?
Originally found in a meteorite crater, moissanite is now created in a laboratory to ensure its quality and sustainability. Moissanite is well known for its brilliant sparkle and is one of the most popular diamond substitutes available today.
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Origin: Lab-created and eco-friendly
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Look: Extremely brilliant, often outshining diamonds
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Use: Highly popular for engagement rings and modern fine jewelry
White Sapphire vs. Moissanite: A Full Comparison
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Appearance & Sparkle
White Sapphire: It provides a soft, subtle sparkle. It will have less brilliance and will look cloudy over time if not cared for.
Moissanite: It has fire and brilliance, along with rainbow flashes that add even more to the stone than diamonds.
If sparkle is your priority, moissanite is the winner.
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Color & Clarity
White Sapphire: It may contain natural inclusions, making it less clear than moissanite.
Moissanite: Being lab-created, it has reliable clarity and an excellent quality, with generally nonexistent inclusions to the naked eye.
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Durability & Hardness
Both are durable stones, but moissanite holds its sparkle longer with less maintenance.
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Pricing and Affordability
White Sapphire: Tends to be less expensive but may require replacement or repolishing over the years.
Moissanite: Has a little higher cost upfront, but over time proves valuable from its brilliance and durability.
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Ethics and Sustainability
White Sapphire: Typically mined (lab-created options are available). Mining may also present environmental concerns.
Moissanite: Always lab-created, thus making it eco-friendly and conflict-free.
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Maintenance and Long-Lasting
White Sapphire: Requires regular polishing in order to have a brilliant stone.
Moissanite: Minimal care to keep the stone brilliant for many years.
White Sapphire vs. Moissanite in Jewelry
Pros & Cons of White Sapphire vs. Moissanite
White Sapphire Pros:
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Affordable upfront
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Natural gemstone
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Subtle, soft shine
White Sapphire Cons:
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Less brilliance
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Can appear cloudy
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Needs more maintenance
Moissanite Pros:
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Exceptional brilliance and fire
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Very durable and scratch-resistant
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Eco-friendly and conflict-free
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Long-lasting value
Moissanite Cons:
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Slightly higher price than sapphire
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Rainbow sparkle may feel too bright for some
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Your choice will thus ultimately depend upon your tastes and priorities:
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If you wish to wear something soft, understated, natural, and diamond-like, a white sapphire will suit your fancy.
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If you want brilliance, durability, and an 'easy-care' stone that sparkles like a diamond, make your choice Moissanite.
Why Go for Moissanite from CMD Jewelry?
CMD Jewelry specializes in elegant, ethical, and affordable moissanite jewelry. With timeless designs molded by modern craftsmanship, the jewelry gives you a piece worthy of heritage. From brilliant engagement rings to everyday essentials, CMD Jewelry offers brilliance you can trust.
Ready to browse? Explore our Moissanite collection and find your perfect piece.
FAQs:
1. Is moissanite closer to a diamond than a white sapphire?
Yes, moissanite is much closer in brilliance and durability to a diamond compared to white sapphire, which has a softer shine.
2. White sapphire vs diamond vs moissanite, which is the most durable?
Diamonds rank highest at 10 on the Mohs scale, followed by moissanite (9.25) and white sapphire (9.0). All are durable, but diamonds and moissanite retain brilliance longer.
3. Does blue moissanite look different from sapphire?
Yes, blue moissanite has a brighter, more fiery sparkle compared to sapphire, which has a deeper and more natural blue tone.
