Pink sapphires represent just one of the colors of this popular gemstone found in limited regions of the world. Colors range from pale, baby pink to hot pink shades that might appear violet. Pink sapphires symbolize loyalty, trust, and sincerity, making them popular stones for engagement rings.
Pink sapphire stones are considered rare, but they are less expensive than diamonds and second to them in their degree of hardness.
Where Do Pink Sapphires Come From?
Most pink sapphires in the past came from Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
The discovery of alluvial deposits of these gems in the southwestern region of Madagascar in the 1990s increased the availability of the stone.
This source represents one of the largest deposits of sapphires in the world, making the stones less rare and attainable by more people.
Pink Sapphire Color and Value
Most people think of blue when sapphires are mentioned. Sapphires actually come in a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, orange, and pink.
The shade of the stone is determined by the amount the mineral corundum in the gem. Darker pink hues contain more of the mineral, with some also containing traces of titanium or other minerals.
Pink sapphires are valued similarly to diamonds by assessing the uniformity of color, the size, and clarity of the stone. More vividly colored sapphires sell for more.
Artificial Treatment of Pink Sapphires
These gems are commonly treated with heat to preserve their natural beauty. Historians found evidence that Romans heated sapphires to increase color and clarity.
Madagascar pink sapphires are heated at lower temperatures for less time than the process used for blue stones.
Finding an untreated pink sapphire in its natural state is very rare and usually comes with lab certification to prove it.
Click here to take a look at a collection of pink sapphire jewelry.
Wearing Pink Sapphires
Sapphires gained popularity as the stone for engagement rings after Princess Diana received an 18-carat, oval sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince Charles in 1981.
This ring, valued at $.5 million, contained a blue stone and was stored in a royal safe until it was passed on to Kate Middleton by Prince William.
Pink sapphires soon gained attention as an ideal gem set into an engagement ring. They are usually combined with white gold, platinum, or silver that sets off the richness of the stone.
Pink Sapphires and Related Healing Beliefs
It is believed that pink sapphires used for therapeutic purposes as crystals might nourish the emotional well-being of the person wearing jewelry crafted from the gems.
The theory behind these therapeutic beliefs centers on clearing emotional blockages from the past to release hurtful experiences.
This supposedly clears the way for energy that promotes love and healing and an awakened inner intelligence.
Sapphires might create balance between water and fire, making people stronger, freer, and capable of making healthier decisions. They are sometimes referred to as the gems of truth.
Caring for Pink Sapphires
Caring for sapphire jewelry is easy because stones are so durable. Jewelry can be soaked in mild dishwashing soap and water before cleaning with a soft brush.
Alternatively, you can use a jewelry cleaner that is safe to use on sapphires — here’s a jewelry cleaning kit that can be used on most popular gemstones (including sapphires).
Owners of pink sapphire jewelry should take care to protect the stone from scratches and exposure to harsh chemicals.
Long exposure to extreme heat and light might cause irreversible changes in color to heat-treated gems.
Sapphire jewelry stays clean longer when protected from hairspray, cosmetics, and other substances that could dull the clarity of stones.
Popular Pink Sapphire Shapes
The most common shapes of pink sapphire jewelry include rectangle and square because these designs retain the original shape of natural stones.
In addition to rings, many styles of pendants and earrings made with pink sapphire are available.
Where to Buy Pink Sapphire?
We recommend James Allen (read review) because you can take a 360-degree look at any pink sapphire before having it set in a piece of jewelry.
Also take a look at GemsNY and at the vast selection of pink sapphire at Amazon.