Are Sapphires More Expensive Than Diamonds?

Vintage Sapphire Solitaire Ring

What Affects the Cost?

Many classes of gemstones are considered precious, and there are standards in place that help professional geologists determine their exact value. Beauty alone is not enough to merit a high price, and careful consideration of clarity and color will play a major role in determining a stone's value. A gemstone's mineral family, chemical composition, durability, and rarity all play a part, as well as the care and expertise employed by a cutter to facet the gem. Ultimately, cost will come down to a professional appraisal, but we can offer several comparisons between diamonds and sapphires that will help you come to your own conclusions.

Comparing Sapphires and Diamonds

History and Symbolism

Sapphires were first adored by kings and queens of Ancient Greece and Rome and have been worn as talismans of good health. A symbol of innocence, abundance, and prosperity, a sapphire is said to bring its wearer peace and tranquility. On the flip side, the earliest deposits of diamonds were discovered in India in the 4th century BC and were associated with healing powers. Diamonds throughout history have long symbolized eternal love, driving up their popularity and, perhaps, their price.

Colour and Fire

Both diamonds and sapphires form naturally in a variety of colours, including pinks, yellows, oranges, browns, and blues. Fancy coloured diamonds, however, are more expensive because they are rarer, so a rare blue diamond will always cost more than a blue sapphire. White sapphires are a popular affordable stand-in for diamonds, though they lack the multi-coloured fire of a diamond.

Carat and Mass

When compared carat for carat, sapphires are almost always cheaper than diamonds. That's because a sapphire is denser than a diamond, meaning its equal mass will make it appear smaller. Sapphires can become extremely pricey, however, at 4 carats and above.