How Much is Pink Sapphire Worth?
Pink sapphires are rare and captivating gemstones that see a rise in popularity each year. Prior to the 1990s, they were exceedingly rare, but the discovery of pink sapphire mines in Madagascar significantly boosted their availability, making them more affordable.
If you’re contemplating a purchase that includes pink sapphire, you might be curious about its value. Below is a comprehensive guide on the worth and valuation of pink sapphires.
Pink Sapphire Popularity
The last few decades have witnessed a substantial increase in the popularity of pink sapphires, inspiring more individuals to acquire pink sapphire jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings, and particularly pink sapphire engagement rings.
The inherently feminine color of pink sapphires makes them an ideal choice for engagement rings and various other jewelry pieces.
Pink Sapphire in the Past
Ever since their discovery, pink sapphires have been symbols of love. Historical references to sapphires date back to the Roman Empire, where they were considered good luck charms and believed to offer protection.
In Asian traditions, pink sapphires have been likened to the lotus flower, which symbolizes beauty and purity.
Pink Sapphire Today
In the present day, sapphire is the birthstone for September. Pink sapphires are known to stand for femininity, truth, love, and romance. These meanings, coupled with their calming and delicate pink hues, make pink sapphires perfect for engagement rings.
What is Pink Sapphire?
Pink sapphire is a variant of sapphire that comes in a range of pink shades, sometimes with hints of purple or orange. While sapphires are often thought of as blue, they can indeed be found in other colors, including green and pink.
Belonging to the corundum family, pink sapphires contain traces of minerals like iron, copper, and titanium, along with magnesium and chromium. The proportions of these minerals determine the final hue of the pink sapphire, with more chromium yielding a deeper pink.
Pink Sapphire Pricing
Several factors influence the value of pink sapphires, primarily the 4 C’s: color, clarity, carat, and cut. Let’s explore these factors further.
Color
Pink sapphires can vary widely in color, from pale pink to vivid magenta. The most valuable pink sapphires have a rich pink hue, especially if they have purple overtones.
Unlike other gemstones, there isn’t a single standardized system for evaluating the color of pink sapphires. Generally, it’s advisable to choose a color that appears most vibrant to you. Preferences can vary, with some favoring bright pink and others opting for darker tones.
Clarity
When it comes to clarity, a significant factor is whether the pink sapphire is “eye-clean,” meaning it has few visible inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the gemstone. Note, however, that most pink sapphires will have some inclusions; completely flawless stones are rare and might be synthetic.
The two most common clarity grades for pink sapphires are VS (Very Slightly Included) and VVS (Very Very Slightly Included). A pink sapphire within these ranges is considered a good find.
Carat
Pink sapphires come in varying carat weights, suitable for different types of jewelry, like engagement rings. Like most gemstones, a higher carat weight generally means a higher price. There is no best carat weight; it depends on personal taste and budget.
Cut
The cut of a pink sapphire significantly impacts its value. The best cuts enhance the stone’s color, clarity, and brilliance, featuring symmetry and effective light reflection. Lighter pink stones may be cut deeper to seem darker, while poorly cut stones will appear dull.
How Much Does Pink Sapphire Cost?
Pink sapphires are relatively affordable gemstones. Their price is influenced by clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. More vivid pink stones with fewer inclusions are more expensive. For instance, a high-quality pink sapphire weighing 1.5 carats can cost under $2000.
Pink Sapphire Treatments
Many pink sapphires undergo heat treatment aimed at reducing purple overtones. Finding untreated pink sapphires is rare, and heat treatments are generally accepted in the industry.
FAQs
Is pink sapphire durable?
Yes, pink sapphires are highly durable, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness with a rating of 9 out of 10.
What color is pink sapphire?
Pink sapphires come in various shades of pink, from pale to vivid magenta. A richer hue generally increases the gemstone’s value.
Is pink sapphire real or artificial?
Pink sapphires are natural gemstones found in the earth, though lab-grown varieties are also available.
Are pink sapphires valuable?
Yes, pink sapphires are valuable, especially those with higher carat weights and fewer inclusions.
