LEARN MORE ABOUT PINK SAPPHIRE
The word sapphire stone comes from the Greek word "sappheiros", which means blue. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to be very powerful. While blue sapphires are the most well-known variety, pink sapphires are becoming increasingly popular, particularly as an alternative to pink diamonds, which can be quite expensive.
In many cultures, pink sapphires are also associated with trust, loyalty, sincerity, and intense love. That is the reason that they became a famous choice for engagement rings, particularly among brides who want something unique and feminine. Natural pink sapphires can complement blush or baby pink wedding themes making an ideal option.
One of the reasons that pink sapphires are less expensive than pink diamonds is that diamonds are much rarer. While diamonds are formed deep within the earth, pink sapphire is formed closer to the surface, which means that it is more abundant in quantity. However, this doesn't mean that pink sapphires are any less beautiful or valuable. Some pink sapphires can be just as rare and valuable and have the same diamond quality, depending on their size, quality, and color intensity.
Gemstone Attributes
| Mineral | Corrundum |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Al2O3 |
| Color | Pale - Deep Pink |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Birefringence | 0.008 - 0.010 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.00 |
| Mohs Hardness | 9.0 |
PINK Sapphire Value
Since pink sapphires are considered lighter-colored stones, their rarity and beauty make them highly valued gemstones. Whether in raw form or set in jewelry, pink sapphires are a luxurious and unique addition to any collection. These stones are rarer than other colored sapphires, which contributes to their high value. Any stone over half a carat in size is kept to that size to preserve the few large pink sapphires that exist.
The value and price of pink sapphire can vary depending on several factors, including quality, cut, and size. Raw stones can range from $0.25 to $50 per carat, while faceted pink sapphires can start around $100 per carat and go up to $3,300 per carat for exceptional-quality specimens. Cabochons generally range from $50 to $2,000 per carat.
Pink sapphire jewelry prices also vary depending on the design, other gems used, carat weight, and the precious metal used. High-quality pieces can range from $200 to $10,000 for rings, $300 to $15,000 for bracelets, and $700 to $20,000 for pendants.
Pink Sapphire Sources
Pink sapphires are considered extremely rare due to their limited geographical distribution around the world. The main sources of these stones are Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa. However, thanks to the discovery of pink sapphires in Madagascar in late 1990, pink sapphires became a little bit more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
This new source of precious stones quickly gained attention from gemstone enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Despite the increase in supply, these fascinating gemstones are still considered rare due to their exceptional unique characteristics. They make a perfect alternative to diamonds as a pink sapphire ring for engagements, weddings, and other special occasions.
Pink Sapphire Properties
Pink sapphires share many similarities with ruby, as both stones are essentially the same mineral (corundum) with the same chemical composition. The color of both pink sapphires and rubies comes from the presence of chromium in the crystal structure, with deeper shades of pink and red indicating higher concentrations of chromium.
While gemologists use color grading to distinguish between rubies and pink sapphires, both stones can exhibit red fluorescence under UV light depending on the amount of chromium and iron present.
Some of the characteristics of pink sapphire are that it is a hard and durable gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it suitable for everyday wear. It typically has a light, rosy pink to intense magenta color, and can be transparent to nearly opaque.
The crystal structure of this stone is hexagonal (trigonal), and it has a vitreous luster. Other notable properties of pink sapphire include a refractive index of 1.76 to 1.77, a density of 3.99 to 4.1, and a pleochroism that can show shifts of two shades of the body color. Heat treatment is sometimes used to enhance the color of pink sapphires.
PINK Sapphire Colors
The range of colors within pink sapphires can be breathtaking to behold. Here are some of the most famous shades of pink sapphire:
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Intense magenta: These pink sapphires come in a deep, rich pink color with a touch of purple. It's a very bold and dramatic color that can make a statement on its own.
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Pale pink or "baby pink": This shade of pink sapphire is a soft, delicate pink color that's often associated with femininity and innocence. It's a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry.
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Purple-pink: This shade of pink sapphire has a more purple tone to it, giving it a cooler and more sophisticated feel. It's a great choice for someone who wants a unique and unexpected color for their jewelry.
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Red-pink: This shade of pink sapphire has a warmer, reddish tone to it, making it a bit more vibrant and energetic than some of the other shades. It can be a great choice for someone who wants a pink sapphire with a bit of a pop.
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Hot pink or "bubble-gum pink": This shade of pink sapphire is a highly coveted color in the market. It's a vibrant and saturated purplish-red hue with a medium tone that's often described as "hot pink" or "bubble-gum pink." It's a very bold and playful color that can add a fun and youthful touch to any piece of jewelry.
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Dark pink sapphire or "fuchsia sapphire": It has a rich and intense pink color that is darker than other shades of pink sapphire. The tone of dark pink sapphire can vary from medium to dark, and it usually has a higher saturation level than pale pink sapphire. The color of dark pink sapphire can also be influenced by the lighting conditions, and it may appear more reddish or purplish depending on the gemstone's cut and the surrounding colors
Pink Sapphire Care
Pink sapphires are stunning gemstones that require regular care to maintain their lustrous shine. Despite their durability, they can accidentally scratch other gems, so it's crucial to handle them with care. When your pink sapphire ring isn't being worn, store it in a separate pouch or jewelry compartment to avoid any damage to the ring or other jewelry.
To keep your pink sapphire engagement ring looking its best, clean it regularly with warm, soapy water. Use a gentle degreasing soap like mild dish soap to remove any residue on the ring, and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, such as an old toothbrush. This will loosen and remove any dirt, dust, oil, or other debris that has accumulated in the ring's setting, ensuring thorough cleanliness and a dazzling ring. For deeper cleaning, soak the ring in soapy water for 10-20 minutes.
After washing, dry the ring gently with a lint-free cloth, polishing the surface of the stone for the brightest shine. To prevent damage to the ring, remove it before coming into contact with harsh chemicals, greases, or activities that may cause it to get knocked around. Activities like gardening, swimming in chlorinated water, and doing housework with cleaning chemicals can all harm your ring.
It's also essential to inspect your pink sapphire engagement ring regularly for any signs of damage, such as loosened settings or bent prongs that may not hold the stones securely. While you can often spot such damage on your own, it's a good idea to take your ring to a jeweler every year for a more thorough inspection and any necessary repairs.
By following these care instructions, you can keep your pink sapphire ring looking gorgeous and sparkling for years to come.
Buying Guide
When buying a pink sapphire, you have to keep in mind its color, clarity, cut, and any heat treatment it may have undergone.
Clarity: One of the most important things that you need to know is that sapphires with vivid pink hues are more expensive than those with pale pink tones. However, pale pink sapphires are becoming more popular as they resemble pink diamonds. It is also essential to choose stones that are eye-clean and without any distracting inclusions. While clarity is important, examining the sapphire under magnification as you would with diamonds is not necessary. Some pink sapphires have an attractive haziness that enhances their color.
Cut: Pink sapphires are often found in oval and cushion cut shapes as these cuts are well-suited to the shape of rough gemstones. If you are looking for smaller pink sapphires, you may commonly find them in round brilliant shapes, which are ideal for eternity bands and as accent gems.
Heat treatment: It is essential to note that most pink sapphires have been heat-treated after they are mined. This process is done to enhance the sapphire's color, eliminate purple overtones, and improve its clarity. As such, it is safe to assume that your pink sapphire has been heat-treated unless there is a laboratory report that states otherwise.
Diffusion Treatment: Pink sapphires that are subjected to diffusion treatment are infused with color elements on the outer layer, which creates a colored coating that cannot be repolished or recut. Due to this limitation, diffusion-treated sapphires are less costly than other types. Therefore, if you come across pink sapphires that are remarkably affordable and have vivid colors, they are most likely treated with diffusion.
How Rare are Pink Sapphires?
Although pink sapphires may not be as expensive as their diamond counterparts, they are still remarkable and uncommon gemstones. Pink sapphires of exceptional quality, which are untreated, lack inclusions, and have good clarity, are highly demanded and can command a big price in the market.
Tips for Buying a Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring
If you're looking for a unique and special engagement ring, you might consider a pink sapphire as the center stone. Pink sapphires have a variety of unique characteristics that set them apart from diamonds and other gemstones. To ensure that your pink sapphire engagement ring suits your personal preferences, here are 3 main points to consider before buying:
Setting: Pink sapphires can be set in a variety of metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Each metal has its unique characteristics. White gold and platinum emphasize the vivid color of the pink sapphire, making them great choices if you want the gemstone's color to stand out. Yellow and rose gold can give the ring a warmer appearance with less visual contrast between the setting and the stone.
Color: When shopping for a pink sapphire engagement ring, color is a critical factor in the gemstone's beauty. Look for vendors that offer high-resolution, flawless-quality photos of their pink sapphires, so you can see the gemstone's color accurately. If you're browsing on your phone, make sure the brightness setting is high enough to accurately view the stone's color.
Style: Choose a pink sapphire that reflects your personality. It is essential to choose a ring that you love and feel comfortable wearing, whether you prefer a classic or contemporary setting so that it can serve as a meaningful symbol of your love and devotion for many years to come.