Since the very late 1800's synthetic corundum has been produced by the Flame Fusion process invented by the French chemist, Auguste Verneuil. Many other processes and methods have also been developed since then, and virtually flawless synthetic corundum (the mineral species for ruby and sapphire varieties) are now easy to find at many jewelry and gemstone markets.

Lab-grown / synthetic colorless sapphire seems to be gaining a little bit of popularity, mostly as the "budget-goer's" choice for engagement stone alternative. Today you can find synthetic sapphires on many platforms for just a few dollars per carat. It can be very tempting to opt for a non-diamond stone due to diamond's relatively steep pricing index. Cubic zirconia is also a contender for the cheapest alternative gemstone choice for diamonds.

Regardless of whether natural or lab-grown colorless sapphire is used though, the gem variety does not have the same brilliance as diamond. It's luster is described as sub-adamantine, which while very good- directly means "just lower than diamond's". Likewise it also does not have diamond's color dispersion (fire) and hardness. These property differences may be seen by the naked eye, but according to some people not everyone notices by just glancing at the stone.

For our opinion, looking at a diamond versus a colorless sapphire will show you an obvious difference. Diamond's sharp color flashes, it's scintillation and luster are all superior in visual appeal to white sapphire's more mute optical properties. Colored varieties like blue sapphire can have a depth of color that presents its own vivid, eye-catching impact, but white sapphire does not have this advantage.



It really depends though if you would choose to opt for white sapphire as a center-stone, it is very affordable indeed. At the same time, natural white sapphire does hold that status of being a true earth-mined gemstone, which other alternatives like moissanite cannot claim. You can firmly say that your stone was created deep within the earth through natural geological events, and holds that rarity for all of its existence.

Sapphires rank at a 9 on the Moh's scale, second only to diamond in hardness. They are also extremely tough (durable) and resist splitting better than diamond (which has directions of atomic weakness called cleavage planes). Based on these traits, it does make for a practical stone to wear, even on an everyday basis.

For a lot of people, buying jewelry denotes having a varied collection of fashionable yet interchangeable pieces that one could mix and match for different occasions. Most would say that jewelry, much like all other accessory types, pairs itself to the moods and tastes of wearers- which can change from day to day.

In contrast to this, a growing trend seems to be banking on the complete opposite mentality. Although not technically new, people are now emphasizing the permanence of certain pieces of jewelry in their lives.

I'm sure you know some friends who every single day wear the same necklaces or rings that were given to them family heirlooms. Wedding bands also work in he same way- that you never really remove them much after you say your vows. This concept of jewelry holding a deep sense of sentimental value can be seen in a revised retro-classical trend called permanent jewelry.



Photography by American jewelry design store Catbird, which just opened a welding annex for this trend of jewelry usage.

This basically involves certain pieces (most notably bracelets and necklaces) that are subtly yet strongly welded from end-to-end around a wearer's body. The length or size of the piece is usually just large enough to fit comfortably, but not to squeeze out of or slip past.

Many who follow this trend, do so with the purpose of commitment- much similar to how engagement rings act as a promise of marriage. These people commit to wearing their jewelry items for long durations or even for their entire lifetimes. In some cases this act is done because the person wants a visual and lasting remembrance of someone or something, which could be a partner, a promise, a family member or even a milestone in his or her life.


Permanent jewelry usually takes the form of more simple, less showy styles. If diamonds or other precious stones are used, these are most often of lower carat weights to provide a long-term comfortable feel to the piece. It would also be unwise to wear a giant 3ct diamond for example, to some certain localities, like a dark alleyway or a place known for pickpockets.



Whether the jewelry styles you subscribe to, are for permanence or switch-ability, the industry always creates more trends that seem to relate to most people's sentimental needs in life.