How to tell yellow diamond from yellow sapphire

At first glance, yellow diamonds and yellow sapphires appear to be just the same especially if they’re of the same shade. But if you would take a closer look and run a few tests, there are significant differences between the two. Learn how to differentiate a yellow diamond from a yellow sapphire and lessen your chances of getting tricked.

Find out how to spot the differences when shopping for either of the two stones:

Sapphires are less expensive than diamonds. When at a jewellery store, ask for quotes on yellow diamond engagement rings and yellow sapphire ones. Compare the prices and weigh the differences. Yellow diamonds should be priced at a costlier rate even though they’re less expensive than diamonds of other colours like pink, green, blue and white.

Diamonds are harder than sapphires and less susceptible to scratches. Sapphires rate as 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness whilst diamonds get a 10. In fact, diamonds are so hard that they could scratch granite, one of the toughest rocks out there used as a building stone. If you’re looking for yellow sapphire, you might want to bring a piece of yellow glass with you for comparison. Many fake yellow sapphires are made of yellow glass that looks too colourful to be true. They’re also prone to scratches because glass rates only at a 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale compared to the 9 and 10 of sapphires and diamonds respectively.

Yellow diamond and yellow sapphire, no matter how similar their hues are, can be differentiated through their lustre. Owners of jewellery with the said stones notice that yellow sapphires are shiny but don’t have the sparkle closest to a diamond’s. When having a closer look at a diamond, you’ll notice that there are rainbow colours reflected by the stone to create the sparkle.

Buying jewellery can be a milestone for some people, especially for those who are getting married. Wedding and white gold engagement rings symbolise a life-changing event for any person. If you’re going to buy one, make sure you get the authenticity you paid for.