

Many consumers appreciate the sustainability factor of lab-grown stones." They are grown in a lab simulating the elements and conditions that are present when they form naturally in the earth. "They are just made in a controlled environment. "Lab-created white sapphires have the same chemical properties, crystal structure, and optical qualities as sapphires that came from the ground," Schatner explains. Like colored sapphires, white sapphires have been found in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Madagascar, Pakistan, East Africa, and Montana. "Therefore, many white sapphires you see have been heat-treated to remove the slight tinges of other hues and to also improve their clarity."Īccording to Schatner, heat treatment is the oldest and most stable form of gem treatment and is very common in the industry it doesn’t damage the stone and offers lasting results. Sapphires that are clear and white enough to be faceted into gems are rare since most sapphires have at least a slight tinge of color like blue or yellow," explains Schatner. What’s the difference between a natural gem and a lab-created stone, and how do you know which one is right for you? "Finding white sapphires straight out of the ground is not common. Prices can range anywhere from $100 for a lab-created stone to the low thousands for a piece with added gemstones. The first thing to note is the price white sapphires are a very accessible gem, though natural stones will have a higher price tag than lab-created stones. When shopping for a white sapphire engagement ring, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. What to Look For When Buying White Sapphire Engagement Rings Interested in a white sapphire engagement ring or as part of your wedding set? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite white sapphire pieces for inspiration and shared what you need to know about this intriguing stone. "White sapphires have the advantage of keeping the traditional look of a colorless stone engagement ring but without needing it to be a diamond." "White sapphires do sparkle but not nearly as much as diamonds because of diamonds’ high refractive index and dispersion, which are two measures for how a gemstone handles light," Schatner shares. It is important to note, however, that white sapphires are not quite as sparkly as diamonds. This clear stone has a diamond-esque vibe without the higher cost, making it a popular option for budget-conscious couples. If you love the look of a colorless stone but don’t want to spend diamond-worthy prices, white sapphires may be for you. Sharon Schatner is a GIA diamond graduate and self-proclaimed "rock nerd" at Filigree Jewelers in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
