Affordable Elegance: Everything You Need to Know About White Sapphires
White Sapphires: A Complete Guide
White sapphires are a popular and affordable alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about white sapphires, including their characteristics, benefits, and tips for buying and caring for your white sapphire jewellery.
Characteristics of White Sapphires
White sapphires are a type of corundum, a mineral that is also the basis for rubies. While most sapphires come in various shades of blue, white sapphires are colourless and transparent. They are also known for their excellent durability, ranking 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings and other everyday jewellery.
Benefits of White Sapphires
One of the main benefits of white sapphires is their affordability. Unlike diamonds, which are priced based on the 4 Cs (carat, colour, clarity, and cut), white sapphires are priced based on their size and quality, making them a great option for those on a budget.
Another benefit of white sapphires is their versatility. They can be used as the main stone in an engagement ring or as accent stones in other jewellery pieces. They also pair well with a variety of metals, including white gold, platinum, and rose gold.
Buying White Sapphire Jewellery
When buying white sapphire jewellery, it's important to consider the 4 Cs of gemstones: carat, colour, clarity, and cut.
Carat refers to the size of the white sapphire, with larger stones typically being more expensive. Colourless stones with minimal inclusions are considered to be of the highest quality.
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions, or imperfections, in the stone. The fewer inclusions a white sapphire has, the higher its clarity grade.
Cut refers to the shape and style of the stone. A well-cut white sapphire will have excellent sparkle and brilliance.
Caring for White Sapphire Jewellery
To care for your white sapphire jewellery, it's important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Clean your white sapphire jewellery regularly using a soft-bristled brush and mild soap and water, and avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
Conclusion
White sapphires offer an affordable and versatile alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. With their excellent durability, colourlessness, and transparency, white sapphires are a great choice for everyday wear. When buying white sapphire jewellery, be sure to consider the 4 Cs of gemstones and buy from a reputable jeweller. With proper care, your white sapphire jewellery will last a lifetime.