How should you assess a blue sapphire’s quality and value?

When our gemmologists evaluate pink sapphires, they first consider clarity. A sapphire that lets in generous quantities of light will sparkle beautifully.

COLOUR

Pink sapphires come in many shades, varying from pale pink to magenta. Our gem experts advise you to look for vivid colour. Whether light or dark pink, your sapphire should look vibrant. This will of course be enhanced by good clarity and a good cut.

CARAT

Large, perfectly clear pink sapphires are extremely rare. This means that big sapphires are more expensive per carat, than smaller ones of a similar quality. If you’re looking for a sizeable pink sapphire ring, a 1-carat pink sapphire can look quite impressive yet be reasonably priced.

CLARITY

When buying a pink sapphire, avoid gems that look dull. However, you should expect some barely visible lines or markings in a pink sapphire. Flawless pink sapphires with no inclusions are very rare and expensive. All earth-mined sapphires that are genuine and untreated will have some markings that make them unique and natural.

CUT

A good cut brings our a pink sapphire’s radiance and complements its colour. Skilled gemstone cutters also know how to minimise the visibility of any natural sapphire markings. Because pink sapphires are rare, they are often cut so that a maximum amount of the rough stone can be kept. Therefore the most common pink sapphire cuts are oval and round.

Totally clear pink sapphires with no inclusions are almost priceless, and not seen in high street jewellery. Therefore, pink sapphires set in jewellery will always have some slight inclusions, even if barely noticeable to the naked eye.

Still, our gem experts recommends avoiding heat treated or fracture filled pink sapphires. While these artificial remedies may initially enhance the beauty of a sapphire, they may decrease its value and durability in the long term. That’s why all the pink sapphires we sell are untreated.

Pink sapphires are extremely durable. However, as natural precious gems, you should treat them gently. The safest way to polish up pink sapphires is to carefully scrub them with an old toothbrush, using warm water and a drop of mild soap. Always do this in a bowl, because jewellery washed over a sink could accidentally wash down the drain. Don’t expose pink sapphires to sudden, intense heat as this could damage their colour and crystal structure.

Today, pink sapphires represent romance and feminine elegance. They are often seen in ornate jewellery items worn by royals and celebrities. Queen Elizabeth II is well known for her stunning brooches, the most famous one being a huge pink sapphire floral design. Pink sapphires are also a popular and affordable alternatives to pink diamonds.

Grace Kelly, the American actress who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, was world known for her elegance and sense of style. Precious pink gemstones combined with diamonds were always Princess Grace’s favourites.

Many modern jewellery styles and pink sapphire collections are still inspired by the floral designs she wore.

Throughout history, pink sapphires have been symbols of love. In Asian lore, they are sometimes compared to the sacred lotus flower, representing beauty, wisdom and purity. The earliest accounts of sapphire engagement rings date back to the Roman Empire, while in medieval Europe, people wore sapphires as talismans for luck and protection.