Complete Guide to Pink Sapphires

Pink Sapphires are among the most desirable pink gemstones on the market and an incredible choice for a jewelry piece’s featured gemstone. In this article, Benjamin Khordipour, an author, lecturer, and one of the leading experts in vintage jewelry and rare gemstones will explain everything you need to know before you shop for a pink sapphire.

• What is a Pink Sapphire?
• How Rare Are Pink Sapphires?
• How much do Pink Sapphires Cost?
• Pink Sapphires vs Other Pink Gemstones
• Shop Pink Sapphires

What is a Pink Sapphire?

Pink sapphires are a variety of sapphires known for their captivating, rosy, pinkish hues. Their colors range from delicate pastels to vibrant hot pink. These gemstones belong to the corundum family, which is the same mineral group as blue sapphires and rubies. The pink color in these sapphires comes from the trace amounts of elements like chromium and iron within the crystal structure, affecting how the gem absorbs and reflects light. This can result in a spectrum of pink shades, making each pink sapphire unique in its appearance.

These gemstones are admired for their beauty and durability. Like the blue sapphire, the pink sapphire ranks nine on the Mohs Scale, meaning it is extremely tough. They are an excellent choice for everyday wear in jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces.

Pink sapphires are often associated with meanings of love, compassion, and emotional healing, which makes them popular gifts for romantic occasions and personal milestones.

How Rare Are Pink Sapphires?

Pink Sapphires are not as rare as they used to be, and although they are still less commonly found than blue sapphires, they can be readily found.

They can be found in several locations worldwide, including Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa; the perfect combination of natural elements needed to create their pink color makes them relatively rare.

That being said, orangish-pink sapphires (also known as Padparadscha Sapphires) are extremely rare and always fetch very high prices at rare gemstone auctions. In fact, they are one of the rarest gemstones in the world.

How much do Pink Sapphires Cost?

Pink Sapphires that are jewelry-worthy can range from $100 per carat to $5,000 per carat. See below for examples.

The price of pink sapphires can vary widely depending on three primary factors, making them accessible to various budgets.

1. Color Saturation. The deeper the natural color (especially the correct colors)
2. Size/carat-size. The bigger, the rarer the gemstone
3. Clarity. The fewer inclusions, the more expensive

The cost of these gemstones is generally influenced by their color, clarity, size, and the quality of the cut. Deeper, more vivid pink sapphires typically command higher prices because they are rarer and often more sought after. For instance, a richly saturated pink sapphire can be quite expensive.

On the other hand, lighter pinks or those with more subtle hues are usually more affordable but still very beautiful. The clarity of a pink sapphire also plays a crucial role in its value; stones with fewer inclusions (internal flaws) are more prized and, therefore, more expensive. The gem’s cut can enhance its color and clarity, making a well-cut sapphire sparkle brilliantly, which might also increase its price.

Pink Sapphires vs Other Pink Gemstones

Comparing their features side-by-side is helpful when considering pink gemstones as alternatives to pink sapphires.

Here’s a table that evaluates pink sapphire, pink diamond, kunzite, pink tourmaline, and morganite across different attributes, including price bracket, color saturation, rarity, hardness (Mohs Scale), and the presence of secondary colors:

My Top Tips for Buying Pink Sapphires

Here are my top pieces of advice when shopping for a pink sapphire.

1. Certification and Warranty. Do not buy a pink sapphire unless it has a reliable certification and a solid warranty. This certification should also detail if any treatments were done to the sapphire.
2. Get Good Color. The color of the pink sapphire is the most defining characteristic of the gem. Look for a stone that holds its color well under different types of lighting. Pinks can range from pale blush to deep magenta, but it will not be visibly pink unless your gemstone has enough saturation.
3. Examining the Clarity. While pink sapphires often contain natural inclusions, look for a stone with the fewest large flaws. These inclusions can really detract from the gem’s overall beauty.
4. Consider the Cut. The cut of the sapphire influences how it reflects light, enhancing both the stone’s color and its overall sparkle. Choose a cut that complements the shape and natural properties of the gemstone. Well-cut sapphires should appear symmetrical and proportionate.
5. Choose Matching Metals. The metal you choose to complement the pink sapphire can impact the ring’s overall look. White gold and platinum are popular choices, as they highlight the sapphire’s pink hue well. Rose gold can also be a complementary choice, enhancing the warmth of the pink tones.

Important Note: My top recommendation when buying a gemstone as nuanced as a pink sapphire is to ensure that you are purchasing it from a vendor with a history and track record of trust and reliability.

Pink Sapphire Meaning

Pink sapphires are relatively new, and so the stones themselves don’t have much of a genuine tradition of meaning behind them. They are, however, believed to represent love, emotional healing, and compassion, making them popular choices for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.

Whether worn for their stunning appearance or their meaningful symbolism, pink sapphires can be a powerful addition to any jewelry collection.

Advanced: Different Types of Pink Sapphires

Pink sapphires come in a delightful array of types, each offering unique shades and qualities that make them stand out. The range in color can vary from a soft, subtle pastel to a bold, deep magenta, providing options for every taste and occasion.

One popular type is the hot pink sapphire, known for its intense, vivid color that captures the eye and heart alike. These are highly sought after for their striking appearance and are often the centerpiece in statement jewelry.

Another type is the baby pink sapphire, which features a lighter, more delicate pink hue. These sapphires are perfect for those who prefer a softer, more understated look but still want a gem that radiates with a gentle glow. There are also padparadscha sapphires, a rare and valuable variety that blends pink and orange hues. Although traditionally not purely pink, their unique color spectrum can include pinkish tones, making them a coveted choice among collectors and connoisseurs.

Additionally, some pink sapphires show interesting color gradients or “bicolor” effects, where pink shades mix with purple or orange, adding depth and intrigue to the gem.

Shop Pink Sapphires

Here are some of the stunning pink sapphire rings from our collection.

Famous Pink Sapphires

Pink sapphires have often captured the spotlight, sparkling on red carpets and in royal collections. The “Star of India,” a massive 100-carat gem, is one of the most famous pink-colored sapphires known for its vibrant hue and breathtaking clarity. This remarkable gem dazzles viewers with its sheer size and striking color.

Another standout is the “Delong Star Sapphire,” which features a unique star-like pattern when hit by light. Its deep pink shade and captivating light play make it a treasure among gem enthusiasts. Pink-colored sapphires have also adorned royalty and celebrities; Queen Elizabeth and Grace Kelly, for instance, have been seen wearing exquisite pink sapphire jewelry. These gems enhance their elegant ensembles and add a touch of romantic allure, demonstrating the timeless appeal and cherished status in high fashion and royal heirlooms.

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