Blue Diamond Vs Blue Sapphire

Both stones are popular. Their color blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, strength, and wisdom. They represent the sky and the sea. The blue color of the two gemstones in focus gives a feeling of openness and freedom. Though both gemstones are glamorous and attractive, there is some difference between them. Let us find below the major differences between both of them. 

Hardness and Durability

The hardness ranking of blue diamonds on Moh’s scale is 10 while that of blue sapphires is 9. Blue diamonds are more durable and more scratch-resistant than blue sapphires. 

Maintenance and Cleaning

The difference in hardness between blue sapphires and blue diamonds is only one grade. But it needs to be noted that sapphires need frequent cleaning and polishing than blue diamonds. 

Rarity and Brilliance

Blue diamonds are rarer to find than blue sapphires. It makes finding blue diamond jewelry more difficult and expensive than blue sapphire. 

Blue diamonds have a superior ability to refract light. It makes blue diamonds sparkle more than blue sapphires. Further, blue diamonds are more brilliant compared to blue sapphires. 

Chemical Composition

Blue diamonds are made of carbon. The trace of the boron element in it gives the blue color to blue diamonds. 

Sapphires are made of corundum i.e. aluminum oxide. The presence of titanium in it gives the blue color to blue sapphires. 

Origins

Blue diamonds are a rarity. In Australia, they are found in Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine. They also come from Petra Diamond’s Cullinan Mine in South Africa. 

Blue Sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia, the US, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and Tanzania. 

What Determines the Cost of Blue Diamonds and Sapphires?

Being popular gemstones for bridal jewelry, both – blue diamonds and blue sapphires, are majorly used as center stones for engagement rings. 

So, what determines the value of these two extremely popular and precious gemstones? To answer it in simple words, the value of blue diamonds and sapphires is determined by the four Cs – Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat. 

But, unlike blue diamonds which are a rarity, blue sapphires are easier to come by. And that’s the reason why many consumers opt for blue sapphires. Blue sapphires are also more affordable than blue diamonds. 

Apart from being used in engagement rings, popularly used blue diamond jewelry includes rings, earrings, and necklaces. However, the rarity of blue diamonds has made their value go up drastically making them a pricey affair. Blue Sapphires in contrast can be a more affordable option. 

Final Words

Blue sapphires and blue Diamonds are popular precious gemstones. Apart from being used in several jewelry pieces, they are most preferred as center stones for engagement rings. 

While both stones are great choices for engagement rings, blue diamonds have more brilliance and that extra sparkle. 

Whether you choose a blue diamond or a blue sapphire depends entirely on your personal preference. It also most importantly depends on your budget.