Blue diamonds and sapphires are both stunning gemstones, each with its own unique charm. Struggling to decide between them? We’re here to help! In this guide on how to decide between a blue diamond and a sapphire, we’ll compare the two in detail, highlighting their unique qualities, differences and investment potential. So whether you’re looking to shop for sapphire jewellery or blue diamond jewellery for women, we’ll help you make an informed choice.
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Differences Between Blue Diamonds and Sapphires
When it comes to blue diamond vs sapphire, although they might appear similar visually, both have their own unique characteristics. Let’s explore to find out more.
| Feature | Blue Diamonds | Sapphires |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Blue diamonds are far rarer than sapphires. | Most sapphires are found more abundantly than blue diamonds. However, there are some exceptions, such as Kashmir and Burmese sapphires. |
| Colour and Brilliance | Blue diamonds stand out with their superior refractive index, giving them a heightened brilliance. They often exhibit a vivid, intense blue and some can even display fluorescence, which makes them glow under UV light. | Sapphires have a slightly lower brilliance. Their colours range from deep blue to violet. They can even show a captivating phenomenon called asterism, where star-like patterns appear under certain lighting conditions. |
| Durability | Blue diamonds are the toughest gems, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. | Sapphires come second in durability, with a solid 9 on the Mohs scale. |
| Value | Blue diamonds are highly priced owing to their rarity. | Sapphires can be slightly costly, but not as much as blue diamonds. |
| Symbolism and Meaning | Speaking of a blue diamond’s meaning, it symbolises faith, trust and wisdom. Plus, it’s the birthstone for those born in April. | Sapphire is closely associated with positivity, fidelity, trust and loyalty. Plus, it’s the birthstone for those born in September. |
| Composition and Structure | One of the main differences between blue diamonds vs. blue sapphires is how they are formed. Blue diamonds are composed of pure carbon, just like their colourless counterparts. However, traces of boron in their structure cause their distinct blue hue. | Sapphires are a variety of corundum, an aluminium oxide mineral. Iron and titanium lend these beautiful gems their blue colour. They belong to the trigonal crystal system. |
Investment Potential of Blue Diamonds and Sapphires
Blue Diamonds
Blue diamonds are among the most valuable gemstones, making them an excellent long-term investment. Their scarcity and high demand in value have led to record-breaking auction prices, with fancy vivid blue diamonds fetching millions per carat. Plus, their value tends to increase over time. This is why investors consider them a secure asset.
Also Read: Blue Diamond Meaning
Sapphires
Although found abundantly compared to blue diamonds, sapphires, especially untreated ones, are a strong investment. High-quality sapphires from Kashmir, Burma and Sri Lanka are extremely rare, making them sought-after and highly valued.
Now that we’ve got a good understanding of the investment potential of sapphire vs. blue diamond, let’s take a look at some handy tips to pick the best gemstone.
Also Read: Learn About Sapphire
Tips to Choose Between a Sapphire and a Blue Diamond
- Consider your budget. Since blue diamonds are more expensive than sapphires, it’s best to pick the latter if you’re seeking an affordable option.
- Speaking of beauty and brilliance, blue diamonds have more brilliance and fire than sapphires due to their unmatched light dispersion.
- Blue diamonds have higher appreciation potential, making them a premium investment choice, so if a good investment is your goal, this is the best option.
Now that you’ve learned everything about blue sapphires vs. blue diamonds, head over to Angara and shop your preferred jewellery!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are blue diamonds more expensive than sapphires?
Yes, natural blue diamonds are extremely rare and can cost millions per carat, depending on the cut, colour and clarity. They are significantly more expensive than sapphires of comparable size.
2. Do sapphires lose their colour over time?
Not really! High-quality sapphires maintain their colour permanently. However, heat-treated sapphires may show slight changes if exposed to extreme conditions.
3. What is the rarest type of blue sapphire?
Kashmir produces the rarest and most valuable blue sapphires, which are well-known for their deep blue colour. Burmese and Sri Lankan sapphires are also highly prized.
