Have you noticed how colored gemstones are suddenly everywhere, popping up in everything from everyday rings to high-end statement pieces? Two stars in this colorful revival are blue sapphire and blue diamonds. Both have a way of drawing you in, sapphire with their rich, almost mysterious depths, and blue diamonds with their rare, icy sparkle.

In this article, we will dive into these gemstones’ geological origins and rarity, discuss their unique qualities, share insights on pricing and purchasing, and much, much more. Whether you’re hunting for your next signature piece or just love a good gemstone tale, welcome—you’re in the right place.

Geological Origins & Rarity 

Corundum, the mineral family that includes sapphire, owes its brilliance to aluminum oxide infused with trace elements like titanium and iron. This combination produces everything from pale Cornflower tones to the deep “Royal” blues prized in fine jewelry. Blue sapphire deposits are relatively widespread, with major sources in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, and Australia, plus emerging locales in Montana and Tanzania.

In contrast, blue diamonds are a subset of colored diamonds whose crystal lattice incorporates boron impurities, generating a soft to vivid blue tint. In order for blue diamonds (or any diamonds) to form, there must be specific and unique geological conditions present. These conditions have to be just right, making the formation of these stones rare.

Historically, only a handful of mines, such as Cullinan in South Africa and Argyle in Australia, have produced significant quantities of blue diamonds, and many of those deposits are now depleted. The extreme rarity of these stones directly affects both their availability and their value.

Because blue sapphires form under more common geological circumstances and have diverse global sources, they are far more attainable for jewelry manufacturers and consumers. By contrast, the ultra-rare nature of blue diamonds places them at the uppermost tier of gemstone collectability, with annual production measured in mere carats rather than kilograms.

Image via: thediamondtalk.in

Hardness & Durability According to the Mohs Scale

Hardness and durability characteristics are important considerations when choosing a gemstone. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sapphires rank at 9, making them extremely resilient and scratch-resistant. Diamonds, being the hardest of all gemstones, stand at a perfect 10. Both sapphires and diamonds can endure decades of daily wear with minimal maintenance, requiring only routine cleaning and occasional polishing. However, it is important to point out that despite their hardness, diamonds can suffer from internal stress points or be damaged by sharp impacts, so they still benefit from thoughtful handling and occasional professional maintenance.

Let’s Talk Color, Brilliance, and Cut

When it comes to grading colored gemstones like sapphires and diamonds, there’s a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to color. For sapphires, experts look closely at the tone, saturation, and hue. The very best blue sapphires are often described as “vivid royal blue”. While some treatments, like heat or diffusion, can enhance a sapphire's color and clarity, many buyers prefer untreated stones because they often carry a higher value in niche markets.

Diamonds, meanwhile, are graded according to the GIA’s guidelines, which classify colors from “faint” to “fancy vivid.” Diamonds with blue hues can be particularly interesting, as they frequently come with secondary colors, such as gray or green, that can affect their appeal and price. The top-tier blue diamonds are prized for their deep, pure blue hues that often do not present any grayish tones.

When you look at the physical properties, sapphires' refractive index is about 1.76 to 1.77. This gives them a lovely luster, but their dispersion is a bit on the low side at 0.018, meaning they don’t sparkle quite like diamonds do. In contrast, diamonds' refractive index is around 2.42 and a dispersion of 0.044, creating that spectacular sparkle we all love, especially when cut well.

While on the topic of cuts, the shape of yours can have major impacts on the gem’s appearance. To bring out the stunning color of blue sapphires, jewelers will typically lean toward oval, cushion, or emerald cuts. This is because these help preserve the depth of the blue coloring while also setting up the proper parameters for lights to shine through.

While oval and cushion cuts may be ideal for sapphires, diamonds, however, are often cut into brilliant shapes like round, princess, or radiant. These cuts are best known to maximize a diamond’s dazzling sparkle and reflective symmetry.

Learn more about blue sapphire rings: Stunning Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings – The Ultimate Guide 

Blue Diamond Pricing 

When it comes to luxury, blue diamonds offer something truly dazzling, whether you’re exploring lab-created accents or pursuing a rare natural solitaire.

For those just dipping their toes into the blue diamond world, entry-level synthetic accents are surprisingly accessible. You’ll find lab-created blue diamonds set into elegant twist-style engagement rings for around $1,715, while more intricate vintage-inspired pavé settings climb toward $5,590. These options let you enjoy that attractive icy hue without stretching your budget.

If you’re ready to invest in a genuine natural blue diamond, a one-carat solitaire in a classic setting starts at about $5,705, an attainable entry point for an authentic piece. From there, prices broaden considerably: treated stones with lower color intensity begin near $8,500 per carat, while top-tier, untreated “fancy vivid” specimens can reach up to $200,000 per carat.

Key value drivers include color intensity (from Fancy Light to Fancy Vivid), clarity grades, and whether the gem is natural or lab-grown, so you can tailor your choice to both your aesthetic and your budget.

Blue Sapphire Pricing

If you’re considering a blue sapphire, you’re in for a treat! These stunning gems provide color that won’t break the bank compared to diamonds. For instance, a lovely pair of 1-carat blue sapphire stud earrings in 14K white gold can be yours for around $3,555. They’re a classic choice that works beautifully for everyday wear.

If you’re in the market for an engagement ring, a 1-carat round blue sapphire halo ring typically starts at around $5,035. This option adds a touch of elegance, as it beautifully combines the rich depth of the sapphire with a sparkling diamond halo.

For those who appreciate intricate designs, you might find more elaborate settings like vintage marquise or split-shank styles, ranging from $6,185 to $8,115. The details in these designs are truly eye-catching!

When shopping for blue sapphires, keep in mind several factors that affect pricing. The quality of the cut, whether the stone has been treated, its origin (like the highly sought-after stones from Kashmir and Burma), and the complexity of the setting all play a significant role. You can find quality sapphire pieces for under $4,000, or if you're feeling adventurous, explore custom designs that can reach up to $10,000!

Also read: Affordable Gemstone Rings for Fashionistas 

Which Should You Choose and Why

Deciding between a blue sapphire and a blue diamond comes down to your style, budget, and how you plan to wear it. Here is a breakdown of how each of those considerations applies to blue sapphire and blue diamonds to help you decide which is right for you.

Budget & Investment Considerations

You can find treated blue sapphires starting at around $25 per carat. For higher-quality heat-treated sapphires, prices range from $450 to $1,600 per carat. This makes them a great option if you want vibrant color without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking at lab-created blue diamonds, they start around $1,715 for smaller settings. Natural one-carat solitaires begin at about $5,705 and can go up to $200,000 per carat for top-quality “fancy vivid” stones.

Everyday Wear & Durability

With a Mohs hardness of 9, sapphires are incredibly scratch-resistant, making them perfect for everyday bracelets and rings.  However, diamonds are the hardest gemstones, rated 10 on the Mohs scale. But do keep in mind that they can chip if they hit something sharp, so they’re best suited for pieces you wear with care.

Color & Sparkle

From sapphires, you can expect a rich, consistent blue with a deep color saturation. While they don’t have the same brilliance as diamonds, their depth makes them really appealing to those who love vibrant hues.  Diamonds, on the other hand, are known for their unmatched sparkle and reflect light beautifully while also presenting subtle secondary tones like gray or green that add to their icy appeal.

Style Statement

Sapphire stones have a timeless and versatile charm. They look especially stunning when paired with rose or yellow gold settings but can be integrated with just about any metal. Alternatively, diamonds exude ultra-luxury and red-carpet glamour. They often shine best in minimalist white metal designs that highlight their brilliance.

With these considerations in mind, choose a sapphire if you want a bold, colorful gem that is budget-friendly and stands up to daily life. However, consider opting for a blue diamond if you’re seeking rare brilliance and are ready to invest in a true showstopper.

Ready To Find Your Perfect Blue Gem? 

At Barkev’s, our expert gemologists have carefully created an exclusive selection of blue sapphires and blue diamonds in every price range and style. Whether you’re drawn to a vivid royal-blue sapphire or an icy blue diamond, you’ll discover something to treasure for a lifetime.

Visit our website to browse detailed product pages, see high-resolution images, and read comprehensive gemstone reports.  Surf through our complete selection until you find the gem that calls you.

Get browsing today! Your dream blue gem awaits.