Pink sapphires are nature’s way of proving that pink isn’t just a colour—it’s a statement. Whether a soft blush hue or a vivid magenta pop, these gemstones have a charm that can’t be ignored.
But here’s the twist: not all pink sapphires are created equal. Some dazzle with a richness that steals the spotlight, while others whisper their beauty in softer tones. So, what sets a truly breathtaking pink sapphire apart from an ordinary one? It all comes down to the science and art of colour grading.
At Holdsworth, we understand that selecting the perfect pink sapphire involves more than just aesthetic appeal. It’s about knowing what defines quality. In this blog, we’ll explore the details of pink sapphire colour grading and examine the factors that determine their beauty and value.
What Are Pink Sapphires and Their Colour Significance?
Pink sapphires are a striking variety of the sapphire family, known for their stunning range of hues, from soft pastels to vivid magentas. Some even display subtle undertones of purple or orange, making each stone unique. Like all sapphires, they are composed of corundum, a mineral primarily made of aluminium oxide. Their pink colour comes from trace elements like chromium—the more chromium present, the richer and more intense the hue.
Colour is the defining feature of pink sapphires, shaping both their beauty and value. Saturation, or the intensity of colour, plays a key role in determining their desirability. Highly saturated pink sapphires are the most sought-after, though many also exhibit secondary hues due to varying levels of chromium and iron. These subtle variations add depth to each stone but also make grading more complex, highlighting the uniqueness of every pink sapphire.
Factors Used to Grade a Pink Sapphire
Unlike other gemstones, where carat weight plays a significant role in pricing, pink sapphires are valued primarily by their colour, followed by clarity, cut, and carat weight:
1. Colour
Colour is the most crucial factor in grading a pink sapphire. The more saturated and vibrant the pink, the higher the value. High-quality pink sapphires will exhibit a balanced, uniform hue without visible colour patches or inconsistencies.
2. Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or internal flaws within the sapphire. Most pink sapphires have natural inclusions, such as tiny crystals or fine needles. Those that are “eye clean,” meaning they have no visible inclusions, are considered the most valuable.
3. Cut
The cut of a pink sapphire influences its brilliance and visual impact. A well-cut sapphire beautifully reflects light, enhancing its overall appearance. The cut also affects the stone’s proportions and symmetry, which is essential for maximising its visual appeal.
4. Carat Weight
The carat weight measures the weight of the sapphire. However, due to sapphires’ higher density than diamonds, a 1-carat sapphire may appear smaller than a 1-carat diamond. Pink sapphires larger than 1 carat are considered rare, while those over 4 carats are highly sought after and come with a premium price.
Explore our exquisite collection of loose sapphires here. Our handpicked gems offer unparalleled beauty and quality.
Pink Sapphire Quality Grading Chart
Pink sapphires are evaluated using broader quality categories than diamonds, which follow standardised grading systems. Here’s how the classification works:
1. Good
Pink sapphires in this category have lighter hues and often appear less vibrant. Light does not pass through these stones effectively, giving them a more opaque look. They are typically entry-level gems suitable for fine jewellery at accessible price points.
2. Better
These stones display a light to medium pink hue, offering more vibrancy than “Good” grade sapphires. A limited amount of light passes through the gem, giving it a subtle brilliance. While inclusions are visible to the naked eye, they are not overly distracting.
3. Best
The “Best” grade stones represent the top 10% of pink sapphires. They exhibit medium pink hues with vivid saturation and few inclusions, often invisible without magnification.
4. Heirloom
The rarest and most exceptional pink sapphires fall into the “Heirloom” category. They showcase a deep, royal, velvety pink colour with incredible brilliance. These sapphires are remarkably clear, with minimal to no visible inclusions.
Origin of Pink Sapphires
Different regions produce sapphires with distinct characteristics, each contributing to their unique beauty. Madagascar offers a wide range of hues, from soft pastels to deep magentas. Many of these stones require little to no treatment, making them highly desirable to collectors.
Sri Lanka is known for its exceptionally pure pink sapphires, which exhibit bright, radiant colours that shine in both natural and artificial light. Myanmar, renowned for its rubies, also produces rare pink sapphires with striking magenta and purplish undertones. East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya, has emerged as a growing source, offering sapphires in shades ranging from bubblegum pink to deep magenta.
Pink Sapphire Pricing
On average, pink sapphires can range from as low as $100 per carat for lighter, lower-quality stones to $3,000 or more per carat for high-quality, heirloom-grade gems.
Colour grading is the most significant factor when determining the price of pink sapphires. Here’s a breakdown of pricing based on colour quality grades:
- Light Pink Sapphires: Typically more affordable, with prices starting around $100 per carat.
- Medium to Vivid Pink Sapphires: With balanced hues and good clarity, these range from $500 to $5,000 per carat.
- Rare Pinkish-Orange Sapphires: Known as Padparadscha, these highly sought-after gems range between $5,000 and $10,000 per carat.
Prices can also vary depending on the sapphire’s origin. Gems from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar typically carry higher price tags due to their premium quality and distinct colours.
Where Do I Buy Pink Sapphires?
If you are looking for high-quality pink sapphires, Holdsworth Bros. offers a carefully curated collection that is perfect for your dream jewellery. Whether you’re searching for a stunning finished piece or a loose sapphire to create your own design, we have a range of options to suit your needs. You can check out our online collection here.
In addition to the stunning gemstone collection, Holdsworth Bros. also specialises in bespoke jewellery design. If you have a vision for a unique piece, our expert jewellers will guide you through the process and create what you envision. You can choose your sapphire, decide on the cut and shape, and work with our team to bring your design to life.
Ready to design a one-of-a-kind pink sapphire piece? Book a private consultation online or visit our Melbourne store for a personalised luxury experience.
FAQs
1. How do I care for my pink sapphire?
Clean it regularly with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals, and store your sapphire in a separate jewellery box or pouch to prevent scratches. Additionally, periodic professional inspections can help maintain the security of the setting and ensure the gemstone stays in top condition.
2. What is the availability of pink sapphires?
Their availability depends on their colour quality, size, and origin. While some pink sapphires are widely available, those with intense hues or larger sizes can be more difficult to find.
3. Are pink sapphires found in Australia?
Yes, pink sapphires can be found in Australia, though they are rarer than other sapphires, such as blue or yellow. The country is more famous for its rich sapphire deposits in Queensland and New South Wales.
4. Is a pink sapphire a ruby?
No, pink sapphires are not rubies. While both are corundum gemstones, rubies are exclusively red, whereas pink sapphires range from light pink to deep magenta.
5. What is the rarest sapphire colour?
The rarest sapphire colour is Padparadscha, a unique blend of pink and orange hues primarily from Sri Lanka. It resembles the shade of a tropical lotus flower.
