Sapphires and diamonds are both sought-after gemstones for engagement rings, wedding rings, and other sentimental jewelry. But how do you choose between them? 

In this guide, we’ll outline all the key differences you need to know when shopping for sapphires vs. diamonds. They vary in prices, origins, appearance, meaning, and durability. Keep reading for everything you need to know about these two stunning stones.

What is a Sapphire?

Sapphire is a precious gemstone and member of the corundum family. While sapphires are famous for their blue hues, they can come in almost any other color, except for red. 

We’ll cover the key differences between sapphire and diamond in this article. If you’re ready to take a deep dive into the different types of sapphires, check out our sapphire guide.

What is a Diamond?

Diamond is formed of pure carbon, and is the hardest natural material on earth. The traditional engagement ring choice is a white diamond, but diamonds can also come in champagne, yellow, or other ‘fancy’ colors.  

See all the essential diamond information in one place in our diamond guide.

Diamond vs Sapphire Prices

Overall, natural diamonds are more expensive than sapphires. For both, the cost per carat increases with the total carat weight of the stone. This is because raw diamonds or sapphires large enough to yield a high carat weight stone are exceedingly rare. Gemstone quality factors, such as clarity and cut, also play a significant role in the stone’s value.

Sapphires can cost as little as $25 per carat, while large, high-quality sapphires can cost over $11,000 per carat. Natural diamonds range from $2,000 per carat to as high as $30,000 per carat. Lab grown diamonds have a more affordable price tag, ranging from $500 to $1000 per carat.

Where Sapphires Come From

Sapphires are made of the mineral corundum, also called aluminum oxide. They can take millions of years to form and are typically found in limestone and metamorphic rocks. Trace minerals within the stone give sapphires their color, from signature blue shades to other colors of the rainbow.

Sapphire has been treasured as a meaningful gemstone since 800 BCE. Over the millennia, cultures across the world have valued sapphire as a symbol of protection and spiritual enlightenment. In the 1980s, sapphire engagement rings saw a surge in popularity when Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana with a 12-carat blue sapphire. 

Sapphires are mined underground, or from alluvial deposits: sediment that is deposited by running water into a stream bed. The leading regions for sapphire mines are South East Asia, Africa, Central Asia, Australia, and Montana.

Different locations yield different types and colors of sapphires. Kashmir is famous for its deep blue sapphires with a silky texture, which were predominantly mined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sri Lanka is famous for its bright pink-orange Padparadscha sapphires, which look like a lotus flower. Learn more about sapphire appearances by origin in our sapphire guide.

Where Diamonds Come From

Diamonds were formed millions of years ago within the earth’s crust. They were first found in India, at least 3,000 years ago, and have been treasured as gemstones and adornments ever since. Diamonds were also historically used for engraving because of their hardness.  

Diamonds rose in popularity following new developments in cutting and polishing in the 19th century. In the mid 20th century, an advertising campaign by the diamond company De Beers boosted diamonds to new heights. 

Diamonds are found in two types of environments. Most are found in kimberlites: pipe-like formations created by volcanic activity. Other diamonds are found in alluvial deposits from kimberlite that has been eroded by water.

Diamonds are mined all over the world. Russia is currently the world’s leading diamond producer. Other top producers are Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. Lab grown diamonds are also a popular and affordable alternative to natural diamonds. Learn more about lab grown diamonds here.

Diamond vs Sapphire Appearance

Inclusions

Both sapphire and diamond are naturally found with inclusions, tiny abnormalities or foreign minerals included in the gemstone. Virtually all sapphires and diamonds have inclusions, but they may not be visible to the naked eye. 

While inclusions are often called “flaws”, they can also produce stunning and desirable effects. Sapphires with many inclusions take on a luxurious “silky” texture. Kashmir sapphires are famous for this silky quality. Heavily included diamonds can take on a galaxy, salt-and-pepper, or rustic appearance.

Sparkle

A stone’s sparkle is measured by its refractive index: how much a light is reflected or passes through a material. Diamonds have an exceptionally high refractive index, giving them their signature bright white sparkle. When the white sparkle from a diamond reflects into colorful flashes, it’s called “fire”.

Size

Both sapphires and diamonds are measured in carat weight. However, sapphires are denser than diamonds. That means a one-carat sapphire will appear smaller than a similarly-cut one-carat diamond.

Color change

While both sapphires and diamonds can have colors, only sapphires can change color. Many sapphires shift between purple and violet under different lighting conditions, for example, natural light vs white light vs incandescent light. Sapphires that change colors dramatically are highly prized by collectors.

Sapphires have a lower refractive index, making them less sparkly than diamonds. Sapphires have a more subtle sparkle that gives these stones an elegant look.

Sapphire Colors

Sapphires are famously blue, but can come in many vivid colors, except for red. That’s because red corundum stones (the mineral sapphires are formed of) are called rubies!

Sapphires are found in the following colors:

- Blue

- Pink

- Yellow

- Green

- White (colorless)

- Purple

- Violet

Some sapphires are comprised of multiple colors:

- Padparadscha (pink, leaning orange)

- Peacock/parti-color (blend of blue, green, and sometimes yellow)

Diamond Colors

Not all diamonds have a colorless appearance. Naturally-colored diamonds are formed when trace elements interact with the carbon during the diamond’s creation. Peachy or yellow-tinted champagne diamonds are a popular alternative to white diamonds, but diamonds can also be found in other “fancy” colors.

Diamonds are found in the following main colors:

- White (colorless)

- Yellow

- Blue

- Pink

- Orange

- Green

- Brown

- Gray

- Purple

- Violet

- Red

- Black

Diamonds can have more than one of these colors, creating subtle hybrid colors like “grayish purple” or “pinkish orange” diamonds.

Sapphire vs Diamond Hardness

Both sapphires and diamonds are measured on the Mohs hardness scale. This scale ranges from 1 (soft talc) to 10 (diamond). If you scratch two minerals together, the harder mineral will scratch the softer one.

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone on earth, making them a popular choice to represent your enduring love story. Sapphires are nearly as hard as diamonds, clocking in at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. 

For both sapphires and diamonds, inclusions can influence the practical hardness and durability for everyday life. Stones with many inclusions, like silky sapphires or galaxy diamonds, are more susceptible to chipping.

Sapphire Meanings

Sapphires have long been a symbol of nobility and protection. Ancient cultures were inspired by the stone’s beauty and durability, and believed sapphire would protect its wearer from harm.

Today, sapphire symbolizes royalty, truth, and faithfulness. This steadfast stone is the perfect gem for a meaningful engagement ring. Sapphire is also the birthstone for the month of September.

Diamond Meanings

Throughout history, diamonds have been a symbol of strength and invincibility, drawing from the stone’s hardness. The Ancient Greeks called diamonds “adamas”, meaning “unconquerable”. In medieval Europe, diamonds were worn into battle as amulets of protection.

In modern day, diamonds have come to represent eternal love because of their unbreakable quality and romantic appearance. They are also the birthstone for the month of April.

How Rare are Sapphires?

Sapphires are rarer than diamonds. However, they are still the most common colored gemstone. Certain colors of sapphires are rarer than others. For example, natural unheated blue sapphires with high clarity are extremely rare. Padparadscha sapphires are another rare variety.

How Rare are Diamonds?

Diamonds are not rare. Despite their value and durability, they are one of the more common gemstone options.

Jewelry-grade diamonds are rarer than raw diamonds. However, at least 133 carats of jewelry-grade diamonds are sold annually.

What Makes Sapphires Special?

Sapphires are beloved worldwide for their beautiful colors, rarity, and exceptionally durable structure. Sapphires are highly varied with many show-stopping variations, like silky blue Kashmir sapphires or sunset-colored Padparadscha. They can even change colors in different lighting. 

When shopping for a colorful ring with unique characteristics, sapphires are a timeless choice.

What Makes Diamonds Special?

Diamonds are prized for their unmatched durability and timeless brilliance. A well-cut diamond produces eye-catching rainbow fire when the light hits it just right, creating fine jewelry that’s simply captivating. They’re the popular choice for engagement rings for a reason.

Choosing Between Sapphire and Diamond

Both sapphires and diamonds are excellent choices for an engagement ring or other jewelry. We hope that this guide helped give you the tools you need to decide whether sapphire or diamond is the right stone for your personal preference and unique style.

Whether you choose a diamond or a sapphire, make sure your stone is certified by the Gemological Institute of America to confirm the gem’s authenticity and quality. Purchasing a GIA-certified gem ensures that you’re buying the real deal, just like your true love.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards purchasing your new jewelry, check out our collections of sapphire engagement rings and classic white diamond engagement rings. Not seeing your dream ring? Book a custom engagement ring consultation to bring your vision to life with Sarah O. today.

Get more gemstone, diamond, and engagement ring tips on the Sarah O. blog.