White/Colorless Sapphire?

[TiCoyote]

We're still exploring non-diamond engagement ring options. Will a white or colorless sapphire have "fire" like a diamond, or will it just look glassy?
-Jamie

 

[T L]

Does it have to be white or colorless? How about a blue sapphire, or another durable colored gem?

 

[MustangGal]

I white sapphire will never look the same as a diamond or CZ, but they are pretty in their own way.

 

[ma re]

Date: 1/14/2009 8:49:02 AM
Author:TiCoyote
We're still exploring non-diamond engagement ring options. Will a white or colorless sapphire have 'fire' like a diamond, or will it just look glassy?
-Jamie

Define prettier? That is a matter of one's individual sense of style we call "taste". Eventhough it will not be as sparkly as these two, it can be a very nice and elegant stone if sufficiently large (say, 2 ct) and fashioned in a step cut, so that it gives the impression of a more scintillating stone than it really is. Maybe getting one custom cut wouldn't be a bad idea.

BTW, it won't have diamond's fire cause it doesen't have the same degree of dispersion (diamond's is .44 and sapphire's is .1. It will look somewhat glassy, not just because of dispersion, but also because of luster, which has to do with refractive index.

 

[Pandora II]

I wouldn''t use sapphire as a diamond substitute - it won''t have fire or sparkle in the same way.

Not to say that white sapphire can''t be lovely - but you need to be buying it in the same way as you would buy another coloured stone. ie for the characteristics that are particular to that type of gemstone not as an imitation for another.

 

[T L]

The only other stone I can think of that comes close to a diamond in RI is sphalerite, which is a very rare and soft gem. I have one that looks a lot like, but not exactly, an orange yellow diamond to the untrained eye. However, it is not suitable for jewelry.

Truth be told is that diamonds are popular because there really isn't anything in a natural gemstone that can match the way they break up light, plus they have incredible hardness. I do get a bit bored with colorless diamonds, but I see why they are so popular.

Therefore, if you want a natural colorless stone just to have a diamond simulant, you're pretty much out of luck there. Some well cut colorless stones might have some pretty scintillation and sparkle, but I personally don't care for them unless they're a specialty cut in a fancy setting. JMO.

 

[TiCoyote]

Thanks for the info. I think we''re going to go with a cornflower sapphire.

 

[neatfreak]

Yeah...better choice. White sapphire looks a bit dead IMO.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 1/14/2009 11:00:48 AM
Author: TiCoyote
Thanks for the info. I think we''re going to go with a cornflower sapphire.

Good move, but be prepared for sticker shock - you are going for one of the most expensive and sought after colours.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/14/2009 11:00:48 AM
Author: TiCoyote
Thanks for the info. I think we''re going to go with a cornflower sapphire.

Great choice.