White sapphires can provide you with all the benefits of a diamond, but at a reduced price. The naturally occurring and artificially created gems carry many of the same characteristics as diamonds; they can be cut and polished to a gleaming brightness. What follows is a brief primer on the popular gem.
Geography
Genuine white sapphires can be found in the western United States, as well as southeast Asia, India and Africa.
Identification
White sapphires are colorless gems, although they are usually heat-treated to bring out the prized color. Natural white sapphires are very rare.
Features
Sapphires have the same hardness factor as diamonds. They can be cut and faceted the same as diamonds, with much the same result. This is why sapphires are seen as substitutes for diamonds in many cases.
Fun Fact
Sapphires can occur naturally, or they can be synthesized. The first sapphires were artificially created in the early 1900s.
Size
White sapphires come in the same carat weights as diamonds, but they are not as expensive.
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