A Pink Sapphire’s “cut” is not only its shape, but also to how prettily the gem is faceted. Sapphire is cut to enhance its color, which makes analyzing its cut different than analyzing a diamond, which is cut for sparkle. In other words, Sapphire is not judged by its angles and proportions. Instead, gemologists analyze Sapphire cut by how pretty its shape is, how symmetrical its facets are, if it flashes light and dark in a pleasing way, and if it loses light in the center at all. Here’s a brief chart on things to look for in a great Sapphire cut:
Pink Sapphires
Pink Sapphire is romantic, different, and also super durable! In fact, Sapphire is a 9/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale – only diamond is stronger. So, this fun and flirty gem makes a great engagement ring center stone and diamond alternative. Couples looking for a unique, feminine gem have met their match!
Table, Depth & Other Specifications for Ideal Pink Sapphires
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AAA (Best)
AA (Good)
A (Fair-Poor)
Shape
Pleasing
Slightly-off
Misshapen
Facet Symmetry
Mirror Image
Slight Variation
Haphazard
Window
None-Slight
Slight-Moderate
Gem is See-Through
Extinction
Even Light/Dark
Slightly Too Dark
Gem is Too Dark
Color Recommendations for Pink Sapphires
Color is the most important factor when choosing a gemstone, like Sapphire. Pink Sapphire can be hot pink, pastel pink, and anything in-between! It can also be purplish-Pink or orangey-Pink. The most valuable Pink Sapphire is vivid, hot Pink. However, many of our couples like the idea of a lighter tone for an engagement ring, as it is more traditionally “bridal” looking. It just depends on what you want!
Your Pink Sapphire’s “color” is described in terms of hue (pink, purplish-Pink or orangey-Pink), tone (how light or dark the color is) and saturation (how vivid or brownish the stone is). Your gem’s quality is also affected by how consistent the color is. As you can imagine, having a vivid pink gem with a pale pink corner will detract from its beauty. Likewise, having a soft pastel stone with a vivid orange streak would be distracting.
The chart below gives some guidance on judging Sapphire Color:
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AAA (Best)
AA (Good)
A (Fair-Poor)
Hue
Pink, purplish-Pink, Orangey Pink
Pink, purplish-Pink, orangey Pink
brownish-Pink
Tone
Medium
Light or Dark
Very Light or Very Dark
Saturation
Vivid
Moderately Strong
Brownish
Color Zoning
None
None
Apparent
Clarity Recommendations for Pink Sapphires
Sapphires naturally contain a few birthmarks, called “inclusions.” However, they are also regularly “eye clean.” This means that although a stone may have some inclusions under magnification, you cannot see them with your naked eye. So, when looking for an engagement ring, we suggest that couples only consider Eye Clean gems (or possibly Slightly Included stones, if the slight inclusion is barely noticeable). Here is some guidance on how to choose the right clarity for you:
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AAA (Best)
AA (Good)
A (Fair-Poor)
Clarity
Eye Clean
Visible Blemishes OK if Not Noticeable
Blemishes Detract From Beauty
Settings that Pair Well with Pink Sapphires
Pink Sapphire engagement rings look great in white gold, palladium, and platinum, and also look lovely in rose and yellow gold. We suggest diamond accented settings for our Pink Sapphire engagement ring couples, because the contrast of color against white diamonds really makes them pop. Here are our favorite Pink Sapphire engagement rings:
Money Tips
Always make color your top priority. But, you don’t need a “vivid” pink – moderately strong saturation is just as beautiful, and much less expensive!
3 Things to Ask Your Jeweler
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01.
Photo & Video
Always ask the jeweler you are buying from for a detailed picture. Look for pleasing shape, symmetrical facets, and pretty color.
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02.
Inspect It
Ask the jeweler to pull the Sapphire and actually visually inspect it. Remember to check for consistent color, windowing, and even extinction!
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03.
Measure It
Make sure your stone measures up to the size you want. Sapphire is heavier than diamond – so a 2.0 ct Sapphire will appear smaller than a 2.0 ct Diamond.
Other Ring Resources
See our in-depth educational guides, which were made to give practical advice with every aspect of your ring.
Diamonds
Moissanite
Sapphires
Gold Palladium & Platinum