WHITE SAPPHIRES

A white sapphire is a completely colourless sapphire. It belongs to the same family as blue sapphire, ruby and all other coloured varieties. The absence of trace elements within its crystal structure accounts for its transparent, crystalline appearance, which closely resembles that of a diamond. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it offers excellent resistance to everyday wear.

White sapphires come primarily from two countries. Sri Lanka remains the historic and most prized source, renowned for the purity of its stones. Madagascar has established itself as the world's second major source since the 1990s. White sapphires are also found in Australia and Tanzania. At Bonnot Paris, we source our white sapphires directly through our office in Sri Lanka.

White sapphire is one of the most accessible sapphire varieties. For a good-quality stone around 1 carat, expect to pay between €200 and €600 per carat. For 2–3 carats of equivalent quality, prices range from €800 to €1,800 per carat. Exceptional white sapphires — fully transparent and free of inclusions — can reach €3,000 per carat. That is 10 to 30 times less than a comparable-quality diamond.

Both stones are colourless and highly brilliant. The diamond, however, offers superior sparkle thanks to a higher refractive index. It also disperses light into flashes of colour — the characteristic 'fire' of its unique brilliance. The white sapphire shines in a softer, more crystalline way. In terms of durability, both stones stand up comfortably to daily wear (hardness 9 versus 10). In terms of budget, white sapphire costs 10 to 30 times less for a comparable appearance at first glance — a compelling alternative for those with a considered budget.

Yes, without reservation. White sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, equal to other sapphires and ruby. It withstands daily wear with ease and requires no protective setting. Its transparency and brilliance evoke purity, clarity and timeless commitment — a sentiment close to that of the classic diamond. It is a cost-effective alternative to diamond for an elegant, long-lasting engagement ring.

The colour of a sapphire depends on the trace elements present within its crystal structure. Iron and titanium produce blue. Chromium gives rise to pink or red (ruby). The white sapphire, by contrast, contains little or no coloured trace elements. Its absolute transparency is the result of this chemical purity — making it a naturally rare variety in its purest form.

Most white sapphires on the market require no treatment. Their colour — or rather their absence of colour — is entirely natural. Some slightly tinted stones do undergo heat treatment to remove residual yellowish or greyish hues. Bonnot Paris favours naturally transparent white sapphires. Any treatment is systematically disclosed on the gemmological certificate accompanying each stone.

White sapphire pairs beautifully with all precious metals, though some suit it particularly well. White gold and platinum preserve the stone's pure, crystalline reading — ideal for the most transparent white sapphires. Yellow gold creates a warm, luminous contrast, while rose gold adds a touch of romantic softness. For an effect closest to a diamond solitaire, platinum or white gold is the natural choice.