Pink Sapphires
Pink sapphire is natural corundum — the same mineral as blue sapphire and ruby — coloured by traces of chromium, running from pale blush through vivid hot pink to the pink-orange of padparadscha. Sri Lanka has long been the classic source of fine pink sapphire, and ours comes from our own family gem fields around Ratnapura, worked across three generations reaching back to the 1960s. Every stone is cut, graded and disclosed in-house by our FGAA gemmologist; most pink sapphire on the market is heated, and we state plainly which of ours is not.
We work the whole chain ourselves — family mines, our own cutting wheels, our own gemmologist in Sydney — so nothing passes through a trader's hands before yours. Each pink sapphire leaves us with its treatment stated in writing, independent laboratory certification available on request, and free lifetime re-authentication.
Common questions
How much does a pink sapphire cost per carat?
In Australia, expect roughly AUD 600 to 1,500 per carat for a pleasant commercial pink under one carat, AUD 2,000 to 6,000 per carat for a well-cut vivid stone of one to three carats, and considerably more for fine unheated material or certified padparadscha. Colour saturation, clarity, cut and treatment status drive the price.
Are pink sapphires heated or treated?
Most pink sapphire on the market has been heat-treated — a stable, permanent, industry-accepted process that improves colour and clarity. Unheated stones are far scarcer and command a premium. Beryllium lattice diffusion, which drives colour deep into the stone and can push pink towards padparadscha orange, produces a far less valuable product. Ministry of Gems states the treatment of every stone in writing and can arrange independent laboratory testing.
What is the difference between a pink sapphire and a padparadscha?
Padparadscha is a pink sapphire with a distinct orange component — the delicate pink-orange colour traditionally associated with Sri Lanka. The line between pink sapphire, padparadscha and orange sapphire is a judgement call and laboratories disagree; padparadscha is a colour opinion recorded on a report, not a separate species. Certified padparadscha sells at a substantial premium over ordinary pink sapphire.
Is a pink sapphire durable enough for an everyday engagement ring?
Yes. Pink sapphire is corundum, Mohs 9 — the same hardness as blue sapphire and ruby, second only to diamond, and well suited to daily wear. Choose a setting that protects exposed corners and thin girdles, and have the claws checked annually. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners on heavily included stones.
