Pink Sapphires: Everything You Need to Know
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Pink sapphires are stunning gemstones that continue to increase in popularity. There are light pink sapphires, purplish pink sapphires, orangey pink sapphires—and just about every shade in between.
Color is the most important factor when it comes to a pink sapphire’s beauty. While deeper hues tend to be more valuable, you should choose the shade that appeals to you the most. Then, design a pink sapphire engagement ring or opt for other pink sapphire jewelry.
Because color is the most crucial feature, we recommend choosing a stone from a reputable vendor that offers high-quality photography. We’ve found James Allen, Blue Nile and Leibish & Co. to offer the best selection of pink sapphires set in beautiful jewelry.
WHAT ARE PINK SAPPHIRES?
Although commonly thought of as blue, sapphires naturally occur in a variety of colors including pink, yellow, green and even white. Pink sapphires are stunning gemstones that range from light to dark pink. They can also include secondary hues like purplish pink sapphires and orangey pink stones like the rare Padparadscha sapphires.
Pink sapphires belong to the corundum family of minerals. They contain traces of iron, titanium, magnesium, copper and chromium that help determine its color. The higher the chromium content, the deeper the pink hue.
In some cases, it’s difficult to distinguish a pink sapphire from a ruby. Only a gemologist will be able to make this distinction. In the United States, for instance, a minimum color saturation is necessary for a stone to be called a ruby. In other countries, the term ruby is used more loosely.
Pink Sapphire Meaning
Many cultures and people believe pink sapphires hold special power. They symbolize trust, loyalty and sincerity. They’re also believed to carry good fortune and intense love.
The increase in popularity of pink sapphires has sparked the number of pink sapphire engagement rings on the market. Many brides prefer the unique, feminine color to a white diamond or blue sapphire. For weddings with a blush or baby pink color scheme, pink sapphires are the perfect compliment.
To find out what a pink sapphire looks like in an engagement rings, have a look at recently purchased rings from our top-rated retailers.
WHERE DO PINK SAPPHIRES COME FROM?
The leading producer of natural pink sapphires is Madagascar. Pink sapphires were considered incredibly rare prior to the 1990s when the Madagascar mines were discovered. The quality and quantity of pink sapphires from Madagascar make these gemstones more widely available and affordable. Pink sapphire mines are also present in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and East Africa. A pink sapphire’s place of origin doesn’t usually impact its price or value.
HOW RARE ARE PINK SAPPHIRES?
Emerald-Cut Pink Sapphire Ring
Until the new deposits in Madagascar were discovered in the 1990s, pink sapphires were considered to be quite rare. Now, these pink gemstones are still rare but more widely available.
Pink sapphires, for example, are much less expensive than pink diamonds.
The cost of pink sapphires varies significantly based on the color, carat and cut of the stone. For example, the stone in this 2.86 carat dark pink sapphire ring from James Allen is $1,180, while this lighter pink 2.0 carat stone also from James Allen costs $910.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PINK SAPPHIRE
Buying a sapphire of any color is less technical than buying a diamond. Like other precious gemstones, the beauty of a pink sapphire is largely dependent on its color.
You’ll also want to consider the Cut, Clarity, Carat and Shape as you determine which pink sapphire to buy.
Color
Pink sapphires range in color from pale pink to vivid magenta. The most prized pink sapphires carry a rich pink hue with purple overtones, like this 9 Carat ring from James Allen.
While diamonds have an elaborate, standardized color-grading scale, sapphires don’t have a common system for evaluating color. This lack of uniformity makes it more difficult to compare two pink sapphires.
Instead, it’s best to use your own judgment about which pink sapphire appears most vibrant and beautiful to you, whether that’s a brighter pink or a darker gemstone. In general, though, the richer the sapphire’s color, the higher the price tag will be.
It’s important to know that many pink sapphires undergo heat treatment to soften their purple overtones. Entirely natural, untreated pink sapphires are quite rare. A certificate will come with these natural stones to prove it. So unlike other colored sapphires, like blue ones, heat-treat pink sapphires are more acceptable.
THE PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE
Besides the renowned blue sapphire, the Padparadscha sapphire is a highly desirable gemstone. This extremely rare and sought-after orangey pink sapphire was originally found in a Sri Lankan mine.
Padparadscha sapphires like this selection from Leibish & Co. can fetch over $20,000 per carat! The name comes from the Sanskrit/Sihalese word “padma raga,” which means “lotus color,” as the gemstone’s color resembles that of a lotus flower.
Shape
The shape of your gemstone should be primarily based on personal preference and style. Pink sapphires are cut in everything from Round and Oval to Cushion Cut and Pear.
Review a range of engagement ring styles before settling on your shape.
Clarity
Clarity grading is a more general process for sapphires than with diamonds—and it doesn’t have as much impact on the stone’s value, either.
Gemologists use 10x magnification to inspect a diamond’s inclusions. Colored gemstones, on the other hand, are reviewed with a careful non-magnified examination. Most importantly, we look to see if the gemstone is “eye-clean” to the naked eye. The cleaner the stone, the higher the price tag.
It’s highly unlikely to find a pink sapphire without any blemishes or inclusions, though. If there are no imperfections in the stone, gemologists suspect the sapphire was treated or is fake. As we explain in our ruby article, all sapphires have rutile needles or “silk.”
If possible, though, we recommend finding a pink sapphire with a clarity grade in the VS (Very Slightly included) or VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) range.
Note: Most pink sapphires on the market today are heat-treated to improve their clarity and color. If they aren’t treated at all, they can be sold for large prices.
Cut
Cut is a critical component of any diamond or gemstone’s beauty. With pink sapphires, however, there aren’t standardized cut options like there are with diamonds. You can choose an “ideal” cut to showcase a diamond’s color and fire. However, with sapphires—and most colored gemstones—we rely on the gem cutter to maximize the individual sapphire’s unique combination of clarity, color and brilliance.
In general, well-cut sapphires are symmetrical and reflect light at the proper angles to enhance the stone’s luster. Usually, gem cutters opt for a deeper cut if the pink sapphire carries a light tone. The deep cut makes the stone appear to have a richer, darker color. The opposite is also true: if the sapphire is very dark, the gem cutter may choose a shallow cut to bring more light in and soften the overall look of the stone.
If the pink sapphire is poorly cut, it will appear dull and lifeless. Skilled cutters take all of these elements into consideration, as well as the inclusions and blemishes. Imperfections, for example, are more apparent in lighter colored stones.
Carat Weight
Like shape, carat weight is dependent on your personal style and budget. While carat weight is important to some wearers, we recommend focusing on the overall beauty and color of a pink sapphire rather than trying to achieve a certain carat weight.
You can find a stunning pink sapphire at a smaller carat weight, like this emerald-cut pink sapphire double halo engagement ring from Blue Nile. You can also find incredible pink sapphires at larger weights, like this 2.59 oval sapphire ring from James Allen.
WHERE TO BUY A PINK SAPPHIRE
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Floral Stud Earrings
Because color is such a critical factor in a pink sapphire’s beauty, you’ll want to purchase your gemstone from a vendor who offers high-quality photos. Before purchasing, you need to evaluate the stone’s hue, tone and saturation.
You also want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company, which is why we suggest buying a pink sapphire from one of the vendors below.
Through our years of experience in the industry, we’ve vetted several diamond and gemstone dealers. We have a consistent pulse on the companies you can trust.
For the best sapphires at an exceptional value, we recommend:
James Allen
Provides high-tech photography (the best in the business) for their pink sapphire collection
Offers appealing prices on gemstones and diamonds
Focuses on an excellent customer experience
Blue Nile
Maintains a beautiful collection of pink sapphire jewelry
Emphasizes remarkable gemstone and jewelry quality
Offers the largest online inventory of diamonds and settings
Leibish & Co.
Carries an extensive inventory of colored gemstone jewelry
Known for their stunning, well-built settings
Offers competitive prices for rare gemstones
TIPS FOR BUYING A PINK SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RING
After Princess Diana received an 18 carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince Charles in 1981, sapphires have become increasingly popular as center stones in engagement rings.
Pink sapphires have several unique characteristics that set them apart from diamonds and other gemstones, making them worth considering if you want an engagement ring that’s a little unique and special:
First, a pink sapphire can look incredible as an engagement ring center stone. Thanks to its delicate color and feminine appearance, it’s an eye-catching stone that can really set an engagement ring apart from the crowd.
Second, pink sapphires are affordable. While a high quality 1.5 carat round diamond will cost $6,000 or more, a beautiful pink sapphire such as this stunning 1.48 carat sapphire from James Allen can be purchased for less than $1,800. This means that if you’re on a budget, you can choose an elegant, impressive center stone that has real presence on your fiancé-to-be’s finger. If you’re not on a budget, it also allows you to splash on a more unique and elegant setting.
Third, pink sapphires are surprisingly easy to buy. Although you’ll still need to pay some attention to the four Cs, factors like a sapphire’s color and clarity aren’t quite as big of a deal as they are for a diamond.
Although buying a pink sapphire engagement ring isn’t quite as complicated as shopping for a diamond ring, there are still several factors that you’ll want to pay attention to.
Oval Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
It’s important to choose a setting that complements the sapphire. Pink sapphires can be set in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum. All of these metals complement a pink sapphire nicely, albeit with their own unique characteristics:
White gold and platinum emphasize the vivid color of the pink sapphire, making them good choices if you want the gemstone’s color to really shine and stand out.
Yellow and rose gold can give the ring a warmer appearance with less visual contrast between the setting and the stone.
Pink sapphires look fantastic in halo settings, in which the center stone is surrounded by a loop of smaller diamonds. Because pink sapphire is considerably less expensive than a diamond of the same size, choosing an eye-catching, beautiful halo setting is more affordable.
For example, this stunning pink sapphire halo engagement ring in 14K white gold from Blue Nile features a full loop of round diamonds surrounding the center stone, making the pink sapphire appear even more beautiful.
This gorgeous oval cut pink sapphire engagement ring from James Allen also features a full loop of diamonds, as well as a pavé band. The smaller diamonds surrounding the pink sapphire emphasize its color and size, adding to its appearance.
For something simple, beautiful and timeless, a pink sapphire can look fantastic set in a solitaire engagement ring. This 1.34 carat pink sapphire solitaire engagement ring from James Allen is a beautiful ring that shows the vivid pink gemstone without any distractions.
As we mentioned above, color is a critical factor in a pink sapphire’s beauty. Because of this, it helps a lot to buy from a vendor that offers high-resolution, flawless quality photos of their pink sapphires.
When it comes to photos, James Allen is by far the best vendor online. Make sure you view the close-up photo of the gemstone for pre-made rings (to view it, click the thumbnail of the stone in the image of the engagement ring). If you’re browsing on your phone, check that the brightness setting is high enough that you can see the sapphire’s color accurately.
Finally, choose a pink sapphire and setting that suits you and your partner’s personality. From shape to carat weight and setting, the best engagement ring is always one that matches your tastes as a couple, and pink sapphire is no exception.
WHAT IS PINK SAPPHIRE JEWELRY? MEANING AND FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
What are pink sapphires? Consider the meaning and facts about pink sapphire jewelry before making your next purchase.
There’s no denying that pink sapphire jewelry is stunning but do you know much more about it than that? The truth is, there are so many cool facts about sapphires that this post is going to educate you all about it. Now when you go to your jewelry box, you can wear your jewelry piece with confidence and know that you’re educated to share some fun and interesting information with others as well.
IS PINK SAPPHIRE A PRECIOUS STONE?
Pink Sapphire is a rare stone, but not as rare as some of the others. You’ll see this in a lot of rings and necklaces and some people choose pink sapphire overall jewelry, etc. because it’s more affordable but still gives that “wow” factor that they’re looking for.
WHAT DO PINK SAPPHIRES SYMBOLIZE?
They actually mean a lot of different things but the main one that tends to stand out and be referenced quite a lot is that the pink sapphire symbolizes compassion and love. It just makes sense with the stone being pink. It just gives it a light, feminine look that is in line with the colors of pink or red that are always associated with love.
HOW RARE ARE PINK SAPPHIRES?
They are actually very rare and if you happen to own one, you’ve got a stone that a lot of people don’t. Depending on the cut and size of the stone, it can be in the hundreds of dollars as far as affordability goes but the larger the stone, it will increase in price quickly.
HOW CAN YOU TELL A PINK SAPPHIRE?
Many people are fooled into buying stones that aren’t actually what they claim they are. To not have this issue, you need to test and see if the sapphire is actually a sapphire or not. In a pinch, the fog test will do. This is where you take the sapphire, hold it up to your mouth and breathe on it and cover it with fog. If the fog remains for several seconds, you should put the stone down and walk away because more than likely, it’s not real.
DO PINK SAPPHIRES FADE?
Typically, no. There are some colors of sapphires that are more prone to feeding but pink usually isn’t one of them. If you are worried about it fading just make certain that you’re taking good care of it and storing it properly when not in use.
If you’ve read this far, then you know more probably than you ever thought you’d know about pink sapphire jewelry. And that’s good news. But there are still a few more fun facts to share with you!
HOW DO YOU CLEAN PINK SAPPHIRES?
Cleaning the pink sapphire is simple and doesn’t take much time at all. All you need is a little bit of warm water, some soap, and a soft toothbrush and you can scrub on it and make it shine in no time at all!
HOW CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PINK DIAMOND AND A PINK SAPPHIRE?
This is actually tricky! If you’re comparing the two, just know that pink sapphires will be a wide range of pinks while typically the pink diamond is going to be one shade which is usually a paler shade of the color pink.
DO SAPPHIRES SPARKLE LIKE DIAMONDS?
They actually don’t. Their setup is not like a diamond so your pink sapphire jewelry isn’t going to have that same sparkle and shine. Keeping it clean and clear of dust and grime is going to make it look bright and beautiful but it won’t sparkle in the sunlight in the same way that a diamond does.
CAN YOU CHIP A SAPPHIRE?
It’s possible but probably not likely. They’re a tough stone so you can wear them a lot without worry. The surface might end up with scratches but those can always be buffed out by a professional if it gets to that point.
Pink sapphire jewelry is a beautiful piece of jewelry to own and have because it’s unique and certain to catch the eye. And since it’s quite durable and easy to clean, this is one stone that you can wear in your everyday life without fear or worry of harming it!
SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE MEANING AND FUN FACTS ABOUT SAPPHIRE GEMSTONES
Learn about the meaning of the September birthstone: the Sapphire gemstone. Find out fun facts about this precious gem representing those born in the month of September.
Everyone knows that the Sapphire is the September birthstone and to say it’s a beautiful stone is truly an understatement. The dark blue intensity of the blue sapphire is certainly striking, but did you know sapphires come in other colors?
Even though we’re all aware that this is the stone of that month, do you truly know the meaning of the September birthstone? There are so many great facts about Sapphires to learn!
THE MEANING OF THE SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE AND OTHER FACTS ABOUT SAPPHIRES
WHY IS SAPPHIRE THE BIRTHSTONE FOR SEPTEMBER?
It was chosen to be the birthstone of September because of the dark blue color that represents trust. Maybe it means that those who are born during the month of September are very loyal and trustworthy individuals.
WHAT DO SAPPHIRES SYMBOLIZE?
Sapphires actually symbolize a lot of different things but one of the biggest meanings that they have is that they are known to protect those who are close to you from harm.
CAN YOU WEAR A SAPPHIRE EVERY DAY?
Absolutely. If it’s your birthstone, wear it proudly. Just know that there is always a chance of it scratching or getting lost so please keep that in mind. There are actually engagement rings and wedding rings that have Sapphire in them so there’s no doubt that these would be worn daily.
WHAT IS A SAPPHIRE WORTH?
It really all depends on the color. While the blue Sapphire is the birthstone of September, there are other colors like yellow and pink as well. The worth of a Sapphire can be very inexpensive to over the top costly and it all depends on the size of the stone.
HOW DO YOU PICK A SAPPHIRE?
If you’re trying to pick out the best Sapphire, you need to find one that you can see through clearly. If there are any imperfections that are collecting your eye, move on and let that one be.
Who knew that there were so many fun things to learn about the September birthstone, right?! But wait – there are plenty more fun facts about Sapphires to keep in mind!
WHERE ARE SAPPHIRES FOUND?
Even though Sapphires aren’t considered to be “rare”, you can actually only find them in select locations around the world. Sri Lanka, Kashmir, and Burma are the top places to find Sapphires but you might also find a few in India and Vietnam as well.
DOES SAPPHIRE BREAK EASILY?
It actually doesn’t. It’s a really, really strong stone that isn’t known to break or scratch easily. This is why most people will wear them on a daily basis because they don’t have to worry about damaging it.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A SAPPHIRE?
Taking care of a Sapphire is relatively easy. All you need to do is have a little bit of dish soap and some warm water to get it all nice and clean. Don’t use any type of weird cleaners or lotions on it though because you never know what could harm it or start to turn the gem cloudy.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST GEMSTONE IN THE WORLD?
It’s actually too close to call when it comes to deciding what the hardest gemstone in the world is. The Sapphire, Diamond, and Ruby are all three up there on the list. Talk about quite the powerful trio of gems!
WHAT IS THE BEST CUT FOR SAPPHIRES?
When it comes to how a Sapphire is cut and shaped, you’ll notice that most of them are shaved in either an oval or a circle. The reason for this is that it showcases the gem in a way that shows off the natural shine and beauty. This doesn’t mean that any of the other cuts that you might have seen are wrong, it just means that it’s a more unique cut than most.
Having the Sapphire as your birthstone is a great gem to proudly wear! It’s a tough, hard gem that is certain to be an eye-catcher no matter how or when you wear it.
While the color of the September birthstone is blue, keep your eyes peeled to see if you have the knowledge to spot some of the other Sapphire colors out there. It really is such a beautiful stone to keep on display.
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