Question 1

What is the difference between a pink sapphire and a ruby?

Accepted Answer

Both are corundum coloured mainly by chromium. Ruby is the red variety and pink sapphire the lighter or pinker one, but there is no single agreed boundary. Laboratories and markets draw the line differently, so a stone near the border can be called pink sapphire by one lab and ruby by another. For borderline stones, the report wording matters for pricing and resale.

Question 2

Are pink sapphires usually heated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most pink sapphires on the market have been heated to improve colour or clarity. Heating is a stable and widely accepted treatment when it is disclosed. Unheated pink sapphires are less common and valued higher, and confirming no heat requires laboratory testing. Beryllium diffusion is a separate treatment that should always be disclosed and priced accordingly.

Question 3

Where do the best pink sapphires come from?

Accepted Answer

Fine pink sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Myanmar, among other sources. Origin can influence price, but colour, clarity and cut matter more for most jewellery. Origin is given by laboratories as an opinion based on inclusions and chemistry, and it is not always possible to state one with confidence, particularly between deposits with similar geology.

Question 4

Is pink sapphire durable enough for an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Corundum is 9 on the Mohs scale and has no cleavage, although it can show parting, which makes pink sapphire one of the most practical coloured stones for daily wear. Stones with large fissures or heavy treatment residues can be more vulnerable, so check the lab report and inspect the stone before setting, especially for rings exposed to knocks.

Pink Sapphires