Pink Sapphires are nearly as rare as rubies and are sought after by collectors, especially for special occasion jewelry like engagement and anniversary rings. One reason is that pink sapphire can have a similar look to the very expensive pink diamond, with excellent brilliance and sparkle. But pink sapphire is not only more affordable than pink diamond, it can also be found in larger sizes and with much better color saturation.
Sapphire and Ruby are aluminum oxide by chemical composition, the different colors result from traces of other minerals. Pink sapphire, like ruby, is colored by traces of chromium; and the greater the concentration of chromium, the deeper the pink color.
Pink sapphire ranges in color from a pale pink to coral pink to purplish pink and reddish pink. The presence of titanium adds a bluish hue, yielding a purplish pink. An exceptionally rare pink-orange color is known as Padparadscha. Pinkish-red corundum is usually called Ruby, but the dividing line between Pink Sapphire and Ruby is fuzzy.
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Pink sapphire, like Ruby, tends to have some inclusions. In general, Ruby and Pink Sapphire will tend to have more inclusions than blue or yellow Sapphire. Thus a Pink Sapphire graded as eye clean (no inclusions detectable by the unaided eye) would count as a very clean specimen. Most Pink Sapphire is heated to improve the clarity or reduce the purplish secondary hue.
The classic sources for Pink Sapphire are Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Burma. More recently, fine stones have come from Africa, especially from Madagascar, where major deposits were found in the late 1990's. Some of the best Madgascar material occurs in rare large sizes (over 2 carats) with excellent color saturation.
See our collection of Fine Pink Sapphires
Notable Gems from the AJS Collection
This month we feature fine Pink Gems from our collection, including Pink Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, Morganite and Kunzite. Click on any photo to view the details for the gem.
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A gorgeous Purplish-Pink Sapphire from Tanzania. This is beautifully clean material with an intense color and wonderful brilliance. It will surely make a stunning piece of jewelry. Guaranteed natural.
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An outstanding 2.78 ct oval Spinel from Mahenge, Tanzania. A vivid reddish pink with a nice silhouette, this gem glows even in low light. These neon Mahenge Spinels are amazing! It is perfectly sized for an impressive ring. Included is a certificate from GemResearch Swisslab (GRS) stating a vivid pink natural Spinel from Tanzania.
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A large gem Morganite in the rare pink color! Completely clean material fashioned in an elegant cushion in a portuguese cut to bring out the full brilliance. This impressive gem will set up beautifully in a ring or pendant. Guaranteed natural and untreated. |
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A fine Pink Tourmaline from Nigeria with a truly sweet color. This is a real beauty, bright and lively and perfectly sized for a stunning ring. Guaranteed natural and untreated. |
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27.02 ct Magenta Kunzite from Afghanistan [SOLD]
A impressive large Kunzite from Afghanistan with intense color saturation! This 27 ct Kunzite cushion displays a vivid magenta or fuchsia hue that is rare in Kunzite (and indeed in any gem). Very clean and expertly fashioned in a portuguese cut for maximum brilliance. This is a rare collector's gem that will be an important addition to your collection. Guaranteed natural and untreated. |
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An extremely bright and lively Pink Sapphire with a pure pink color. Ceylon Sapphires are famed for their beauty and quality, and this gem is a shining example. This beauty has a spectacular cut, the sparkle and fire in this stone must be seen to be believed. Fine color, clean and brilliant, this gem has got it all. Guaranteed natural by AJS Gems, Bangkok. |
News from AJS and the Gems World
Client Story: A 20.12 ct Black Star Sapphire Ring
Rare Kashmir Sapphire Doubles Estimate at Bonham's
A 17.43 ct Kashmir Sapphire was sold at Bonham's London auction for nearly twice the pre-auction estimate, an unusual event in the world of gemstone auctions. The rare Sapphire sold for $944,713, or almost $54,000 per carat, beating the high end of the pre-auction estimate ($521,440) by more than $400,000.
The vivid blue cushion cut gem, set in a ring with diamonds, dates to the late 19th or early 20th century and was formerly owned by a European noble family. It headlined Bonhams’ London sale in its first appearance at auction.
Ask the Gem Experts
Each month we answer questions from our customers. We welcome your questions and you can submit a question from our contact page.
Could you explain the difference between cabochon and faceted gems? Is it just a difference of cutting style? PT, Canada
It is a difference of cutting style, to be sure, but not only that. In general, high quality transparent gem material will be cut with facets, while translucent or opaque material will be cut in the smooth domed shape known as a cabochon. So "cabochon-grade" material is considered to be lower grade than "facet-grade" material.
However, there are important exceptions to this general rule. Gems that display a star (asterism) or a cat's eye (chatoyancy) are always cut as cabochons. Some of these cabochons are quite valuable, such as especially fine Star Ruby or Star Sapphire or Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl or Alexandrite.
All the best in gems,
Ron, May & and Rung
