All You Need To Know About Pink Sapphire Jewellery
What Are Pink Sapphires?
Most of us are familiar with sapphires as the deep blue gemstones long favoured by celebrities and the rich in striking, beautiful jewellery. What many people do not know is that sapphires, in nature, are found in many colours. As well as the regal blue gems, there are pink, green, yellow, and white sapphires. These colours have a range of secondary colours. Pink sapphires can range from a pale to very dark shade and include orangey-pink or purplish hues.
Sapphires are part of a family of minerals called corundum. The colours are derived from tiny impurities of copper, iron, titanium, and magnesium. The pink colour comes from chromium. The more chromium present, the deeper the shade of pink. Very dark pink sapphire can easily be mistaken for rubies – it takes expert skill to determine ruby from pink sapphire. Rubies and sapphires are the same primary mineral, corundum, and the distinction between them is based mainly on the colour's depth.
Only red corundum is called ruby. All other colours are called sapphire. Outside of Europe and the USA, pink sapphires are still considered rubies, just with a lighter colour.
Where Do Pink Sapphires Come From?
Until recently, pink sapphire was considered to be very rare. Pink sapphire was found in only a few places, primarily East Africa, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Most of these deposits are reaching the end of their productive life. In the late 90s, large new deposits of pink sapphire were discovered and opened for production in Madagascar. This new production caused the price to fall, making the once rare pink sapphire attainable to many more people than ever before.
Are Pink Sapphires Rare?
Pink sapphire has always been rare but not as costly as the more cherished diamond. Until new deposits in Madagascar came into production, the rarity of pink sapphire increased as supplies dwindled. Although Madagascar is now the heart of the pink sapphire mining industry, pink sapphires are still considered to be rare.
In terms of price, as noted above, pink sapphires are less valuable than diamonds; however, a high-quality pink sapphire can be more valuable than a similar-sized diamond of low quality.
What To Look For When You Choose Pink Sapphire Jewellery?
Pink sapphires are assessed using the same fundamental aspects as diamonds with the 4Cs, although they are not graded with the same consistency and rigour. However, when you buy a pink sapphire, you should consider the Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight (size). Also, look at the shape of the gemstone, just as you would a diamond, to assess its aesthetic beauty in the piece of jewellery you are considering.
Colour
The colour of a pink sapphire can range from a deep magenta to the ever-popular light pink, often referred to as 'baby pink'. The more highly saturated darker tones tend to be rarer, but many people prefer the lighter shades in their jewellery. But in the end, colour is very much an individual preference.
Clarity
Every natural sapphire will have inclusions. In fact, a sapphire that has no internal flaws is generally considered to have been treated or created artificially. Although every natural sapphire will have inclusions, you should look for a stone with no internal flaws visible to the naked eye.
Shape
Pink sapphires are cut in a similar way to diamonds, although the relative softness of sapphire makes the task a little easier. Pink sapphires are found in the same range of shapes as diamonds, so look out for round cut sapphires if you want a brightly sparkling gem. Or choose a cushion cut if your heart is set on a larger-looking but less gaudy jewel in your ring or necklace.
Cut
Just as with diamonds, the quality of the cutting is what gives the stone its beauty. The cut is not about the shape of the sapphire. A well cut, pale coloured pink sapphire can have plenty of sparkle. This is why many jewellery buyers prefer the lighter shades because the lighter colour allows more light to be reflected, giving the desired sparkle and fire.
A poorly cut pink sapphire will have poor internal reflections making the stone look dull and lifeless. Avoid badly cut stones. They will disappoint the wearer no matter how lovely the precious metal setting might be.
Size
Just as with diamonds, pink sapphires are measured in carats, and that number should be shown in the stone's labelling. Of course, the size you choose will be regulated by your budget and aesthetic concerns.
About Natural Or Treated Pink Sapphires
Almost all pink sapphires used in jewellery are heat-treated, so it is regarded as entirely usual. Unlike the treatments used on some precious stones, heat-treated pink sapphires can be considered a good thing – unless you are a collector of precious gems.
Heat treatment of pink sapphires makes the stones more consistent in colour, rather than having blotches of other colours such as blue or purpose that spoil the effect. Simultaneously, the relatively low temperature treatment can increase the clarity of the sapphire, improving its eye appeal and, to some degree, the sparkle under light.
Pink Sapphire's Symbolism
Over the centuries, pink sapphires have been thought to symbolise love, compassion and good fortune. Whether one believes in them as being 'real' or not, all these attributes still carry a message to those who give, receive, or see these precious gemstones. When one chooses pink sapphire jewellery to give as a gift or to wear, one is sending a message to the recipient and the world about the emotional intent of the jewellery.
Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings
Since the new supply of pink sapphires came onto the market at a reasonable price, pink sapphires have become increasingly popular in fine jewellery designs. They can be found in rings, earrings, necklaces and more. However, possibly the most spectacular use of pink sapphires is now in engagement rings.
Many brides love the slightly unusual feminine pink colour that can sparkle similarly to a diamond over the bright white of diamonds or the blue of normal sapphires. If you are looking for a beautiful engagement ring that is a little out of the ordinary, a pink sapphire ring may be the ideal choice for you.
The All Diamond Pink Sapphire And Diamond Collections
Our designers and craftsmen have been working to create a range of pink sapphire rings and pendant necklaces. Our team has come up with a range that blends the ongoing appeal of diamonds with the feminine charm of pink sapphire. We think that you will fall head over heels for our new collections that incorporate the latest trends in jewellery with the more traditional elements that we all enjoy.
