White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Which is Better, White Sapphire or Moissanite?
The modern man has more options at his fingertips than ever before when shopping for jewelry. Gone are the days when you had to save up to afford diamonds and then stress about wearing them anywhere. But with so many alternatives to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
We’ll compare two of the most popular: white sapphire vs moissanite. Each has its place, but only one is right for you. Learn which has an edge between moissanite vs white sapphire based on durability, appearance, cost, and more below so you can shop with confidence.
If you’re tight on time and just wanted the short answer, though, which is better - white sapphire or moissanite? If we could only recommend one, it would be moissanite. It’s not particularly close, either.
No other gemstone matches its incredible balance of durability, brilliance, fire, versatility, and affordability. That’s why it’s used across our jewelry. Whether you're looking for a moissanite chain, moissanite bracelet, or anything else to up your style game, shop Adamans today.
| Feature | Moissanite | White Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9.25 - Highly resistant to scratches and chips. | 9 - Durable but more prone to scratches over time. |
| Brilliance (Refractive Index) | 2.65 - Unmatched sparkle and fire. | 1.77 - Subtle brilliance with less fire. |
| Longevity | Retains brilliance and durability for a lifetime. | May dull and require polishing with regular wear. |
| Cost | Affordable with long-term value. | Lower initial cost but higher maintenance over time. |
| Environmental Impact | Lab-created and 100% eco-friendly. | Available in lab-created options; mined options may have ethical concerns. |
What is White Sapphire?
While most sapphires are associated with a color, be it blue, yellow, or green, there are also colorless varieties - known as white sapphires. Like its colored alternatives, it’s a form of the mineral corundum, which mostly consists of aluminum oxide.
So why is it colorless? How does this happen? While sometimes it happens in nature, most white sapphire is lab-grown with the goal of producing a flawless, consistent appearance without inclusions or color variations.
White sapphire is a popular alternative to traditional diamonds in jewelry for a few reasons. It’s fairly hard with a 9 on the Mohs ranking scale, so you won’t have to worry about scratches or fading from wear and tear.
Its subtle sparkle is perfect for anyone craving an understated piece of jewelry that still turns heads without looking as flashy as other fiery gemstones.
This speaks to its versatility, another reason it’s so popular. White sapphire complements a variety of metals and settings, from modern minimalist designs to vintage-inspired jewelry.
Its affordability is just the cherry on top, making it a compelling choice for more accessible jewelry that won’t break the bank - or come with any ethical concerns.
What is Moissanite?
Now, let’s introduce the other half of the white sapphire vs moissanite comparison. This unique gemstone was originally discovered in meteorite fragments, but like white sapphire, it’s very rare in nature. That’s why most moissanite is lab-created as well.
Moissanite is known for its unrivaled brilliance - shining brighter than even genuine diamonds. Its refractive index is as high as it gets. It puts out an intense sparkle with a rainbow-like fire that captures light in a way no other gemstone can.
You can also find moissanite in virtually flawless clarities with zero visible inclusions. But, moissanite is much more than a looker - it’s also among the most durable gemstones in the world, second only to diamonds with a 9.25 ranking on the Mohs hardness scale.
That means you can proudly wear your moissanite jewelry anywhere life takes you, knowing it’ll retain its appearance for years to come. It can even get wet without worry. We’ll talk more about this later, but its durability is why we have no issue offering a lifetime warranty on our pieces.
Similar to white sapphire, you’ll find so many different types of jewelry made from moissanite. There are the basics like moissanite rings and moissanite pendants but also more unique options such as moissanite grillz.
The possibilities are endless, whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a delicate design. The best part? Moissanite is a fraction of the price of diamonds, so you can spoil yourself or a loved one without breaking the bank.
But, which is better: white sapphire or moissanite? Don’t sweat it if you’re still on the fence. We’ll compare and contrast white sapphire vs moissanite below to leave you with a clear grasp on which suits your preferences.
Moissanite vs White Sapphire: Which is the Right Diamond Alternative For Your Jewelry?
We want to preface this by saying that there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether moissanite vs white sapphire is better. Each has its pros and cons, and only you can determine which best suits your needs.
What we can help with, though, is laying out the facts regarding white sapphire vs diamond and guiding you in the right direction. Let’s see where each has an edge below.
Durability and Longevity
The durability of a gemstone speaks to its longevity. You want a piece that is going to stand the test of time, looking as good as it did the day you unboxed it way down the road. Moissanite has a slight edge here with its Mohs hardness rating of 9.25.
As we said earlier, this stone is second only to diamonds which are a perfect 10/10 on the Mohs scale. It's resistant to scratches, chips, and everyday wear and tear. You can wear it anywhere life takes you without stressing about damaging it.
Oh, and does moissanite get cloudy? Nope. It’ll keep dancing in the light for years to come, looking as flawless as it did when it arrived. That’s not to say white sapphire isn’t durable as well - it’s just a bit shy with a Mohs rating of 9/10.
Still very strong, but it will scratch a bit easier than Moissanite and could deal with some level of dulling as time goes on. This can be avoided through routine cleaning and proper storage, but it’s inevitable to a certain extent.
Brilliance and Fire (Aesthetics)
Let’s get to what most people are interested in when it comes to moissanite vs white sapphire: which looks better? There will be some level of personal preference here, as not everyone wants the flashiest, most vibrant gemstone available.
So if you’re looking to keep things simple and subtle, you might actually prefer white sapphire. Its refractive index of 1.77 is impressive but won’t necessarily dance in the light or catch eyes quite like moissanite will.
On the other hand, moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69 - it literally outshines diamonds in terms of brilliance and fire. If you want to make a statement when you wear your jewelry, you can’t beat moissanite. It’s as flashy as it gets.
You may be wondering, though, does moissanite pass diamond tester? Yes it does. It’s indistinguishable to both the naked eye and diamond testers. In contrast, white sapphire will fail a diamond tester.
The Price Points
Now, how much is a moissanite chain compared to white sapphire? We want to be clear in saying that you shouldn’t choose between white sapphire vs moissanite based on price alone. Because at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.
That being said, both gemstones are considered highly affordable options compared to natural diamonds. They’re accessible for anyone looking for luxury without the price tag.
However, you’ll likely find that white sapphire is the cheaper option for budget-conscious shoppers. Just remember what you’re sacrificing in choosing white sapphire over moissanite: brilliance, fire, and durability.
While you may pay a bit less for white sapphire, you could end up underwhelmed by how it doesn’t catch the light like you’d hoped - or how it starts to dull within a few years. In the long run, moissanite proves to be the better value.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Again, there’s no clear winner in comparing moissanite vs white sapphire from an eco-conscious perspective. You can’t go wrong either way since both are more ethical and environmentally friendly than diamonds.
If we had to give one of these stones an edge, though, it would be moissanite since it’s just about 100% lab-grown for consistent quality and 100% conflict-free origins.
Sapphires are frequently lab grown as well, but they’re still mined which could be problematic depending on how they’re mined. You’ll need to verify the source if you choose white sapphire.
Versatility in Jewelry Designs
Finally, let’s see which is more versatile between white sapphire vs moissanite. Each can work well across a multitude of jewelry styles and personal preferences. However, we feel moissanite is a more versatile option.
Its unmatched brilliance and durability make it a perfect pick for a moissanite cross pendant, engagement ring, bracelet, watch, grill - you name it. Nothing is off limits when it comes to moissnaite. That speaks to the settings used as well as the designs, from minimalist to bold.
White sapphire’s softer sparkle lends well to vintage-inspired or more understated jewelry styles. It works beautifully in delicate settings, offering a timeless and elegant appeal. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
So, Which is Better: White Sapphire or Moissanite?
There you have it, our side-by-side comparison of moissanite vs white sapphire. Hopefully you have a clear understanding of which is right for you at this point. If not, let’s make it crystal clear: which is better, white sapphire or moissanite?
As we said from the start, only you can answer that for yourself based on your style preferences and budget. The vast majority of people, though, will find moissanite checks all their boxes.
Its superior refractive index delivers unmatched sparkle, and it stands up to everyday wear with a 9.25 rating on the Mohs hardness scale. While white sapphire offers a softer, more understated look at a lower price point, it’s prone to scratching and dulling over time.
We’ve written similar comparisons of moissanite vs cubic zirconia and simulated diamond vs moissanite if you want to explore other alternatives, but just know that the takeaway remains the same - moissanite is the #1 diamond alternative in the world.
So at this point, why not take a look at our catalog and see what catches your eye? From custom moissanite pendants to moissanite Cuban link chains, moissanite tennis chains, moissanite watches, and much, much more, Adamans is your one-stop shop.
All our jewelry is handcrafted with care using VVS moissanite backed by GRA reports (along with a lifetime guarantee). We use genuine gold for the settings, too.
Whether you want to command attention when you enter a space or enjoy something more simple and understated, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect piece in our online shop.
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of White Sapphire vs Moissanite
Moissanite vs white sapphire both have their merits, but they serve different needs. If your heart is set on a brilliant, durable, and low-maintenance gemstone that won’t break the bank, Moissanite is the better investment.
In contrast, those who want to fly under the radar with something simpler and subtler might be drawn towards white sapphire. Just know that although it’s cheaper, it’s less durable and won’t put out the brilliance or fire that catches eyes like moissanite does.
Our blog has additional resources like how to clean moissanite chain or the various tennis chain sizes. Otherwise, the only thing left to do today is spoil yourself or a loved one at Adamans.
Whether it’s a chain, ring, or pendant, make a statement with moissanite jewelry crafted with care and guaranteed for life. The perfect piece is just a few clicks away.
