Blushing Beauties: Exploring Pink Sapphires & Pink Diamonds

Picture this: a kaleidoscope of pink hues, from pale peach pink to deep and vibrant magenta, sparkling and shimmering with unparalleled brilliance. If you're captivated by the allure of gemstones, then pink diamonds and pink sapphires are bound to ignite your curiosity. Beyond their captivating beauty lies a world of intriguing facts and fascinating comparisons. Let's explore pink diamonds and pink sapphires, including their popularity, differences, shades, costs, and more.

Pink diamonds, like other diamonds, are formed deep within the Earth's mantle (or in a laboratory!), under intense heat and pressure. However, what makes pink diamonds unique is the presence of a rare geological phenomenon during their formation.

Pink diamonds owe their captivating color to a structural irregularity within their crystal lattice. When diamonds are exposed to specific conditions, such as extreme pressure combined with the presence of a specific mineral, the lattice structure becomes distorted. This distortion affects the way the diamond interacts with light, resulting in the absorption of green light and the reflection of a pink hue.

Scientists believe that the presence of a specific lattice defect, known as "plastic deformation," is responsible for the formation of pink diamonds. This defect can occur due to the presence of intense geological forces during the diamond's journey to the Earth's surface. The combination of this defect and the unique conditions during their formation gives rise to the mesmerizing pink color that is so highly prized.

As for where pink diamonds originate, about 90% of all Pink Diamonds come from the Argyle mine in Australia. In recent years, the mine closed down which increased the value of these small pink diamonds even more.

Pink sapphires, like other colored sapphires, are formed through either a geological or laboratory process involving the mineral corundum. Corundum is an aluminum oxide mineral with a crystalline structure. While pure corundum is colorless, trace amounts of certain impurities can give rise to various colors, including pink.

Impurities are the main cause of the various colors observed in sapphires. Here's a breakdown of the most common colors and their corresponding impurities:

• Blue Sapphire: The blue color in sapphires is typically caused by the presence of iron and titanium.
• Pink Sapphire: Pink sapphires owe their color to the presence of trace amounts of chromium.
• Yellow Sapphire: Iron impurities are responsible for the yellow coloration in sapphires. A higher concentration of iron impurities can result in more intense yellow hues.
• Green Sapphire: Green sapphires can be created by a combination of iron and chromium impurities. The presence of both impurities can result in various shades of green, ranging from light to deep green.
• Purple Sapphire: Purple sapphires typically contain a combination of iron and titanium impurities. The specific ratio and concentration of these impurities determine the shade of purple.
• Orange Sapphire: Orange sapphires are usually the result of a combination of iron and chromium impurities.
• Padparadscha Sapphire: Padparadscha sapphires display a unique blend of pink and orange hues. The precise cause of this coloration is still debated, but it is thought to be the result of a mix of iron, chromium, and vanadium impurities.

So, the pink color in sapphires is primarily attributed to the presence of chromium or iron impurities within the crystal lattice of corundum. The exact combination and concentration of impurities determine the shade and intensity of the pink color. The presence of these impurities alters the way light interacts with the crystal structure, resulting in the characteristic pink hue. It's important to note that other factors can affect color, including including the specific geological conditions during formation.

When it comes to shades, pink diamonds, pink sapphires, and champagne sapphires offer an extensive palette of captivating colors. Pink diamonds exhibit a breathtaking range, encompassing pastel pinks, rose pinks, and intense purplish-pinks.

Pink sapphires, with their broad spectrum of hues, can range from soft baby pinks to vivid magentas. Champagne sapphires, an exquisite alternative to pink gemstones, exhibit warm, golden tones with a hint of pink, creating a distinctive and sophisticated look. Each shade tells a unique story and offers a plethora of options for those seeking a personalized touch.

Pink diamond and pink sapphire rings have soared in popularity over the years, as they symbolize love, femininity, and elegance. These unique pieces have become a favorite choice for engagement rings and other significant milestones.

Celebrities also contributing to their rise in prominence for pink diamond engagement rings include:

• Jennifer Lopez: Received a 6-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck in 2002.
• Mariah Carey: Received a 17-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Nick Cannon in 2008.
• Blake Lively: Received a pink diamond engagement ring, estimated to be around 12 carats, from Ryan Reynolds in 2012.
• Anna Kournikova: Received a pink diamond engagement ring from Enrique Iglesias in 2004.
• Portia de Rossi: Received a 3-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ellen DeGeneres in 2008.

Trendsetters who embrace pink sapphires for wear beyond engagement rings include:

• Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, received a pink sapphire ring from her husband, Prince William, as a gift after the birth of their first child, Prince George, in 2013. The ring features an oval-shaped pink sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
• Victoria Beckham: renowned fashion designer and former Spice Girls member, has been seen wearing a pink sapphire ring.
• Halle Berry: The actress and former Bond girl has been spotted wearing a pink sapphire ring on various occasions. The ring is believed to be a personal accessory rather than an engagement ring.

The trend of pink gemstone rings shows no signs of waning, as they continue to captivate jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.

Pink diamonds are incredibly rare and coveted, making them one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. Their scarcity, coupled with their enchanting beauty, contributes to their astronomical prices.

On the other hand, pink sapphires, while still valuable, are more accessible. The price of pink sapphires can vary depending on factors such as size, color intensity, clarity, and overall quality. Champagne sapphires, being less sought-after, offer a more affordable option without compromising on elegance and charm. When considering a pink gemstone for your next jewelry piece, it's essential to understand the cost implications and align them with your budget.

Beyond cost, there are a few other aspects to consider when selecting between pink diamonds and pink sapphires. Durability is an important factor to contemplate when choosing an engagement ring or any piece of jewelry.

Diamonds, renowned for their exceptional hardness, score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, ensuring they are highly resistant to scratches and damage. This remarkable durability makes diamonds an ideal choice for jewelry that will withstand the test of time.

Pink sapphires, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, possess impressive durability as well. While slightly lower than diamonds, their hardness ensures they can withstand everyday wear and maintain their exquisite beauty for years to come. This makes pink sapphires a reliable and stylish alternative to diamonds for those seeking durability without compromising on elegance.

When buyers shop for Pink Diamond rings, they often get sticker shock because of how much they cost. They may also find it difficult to find their perfect shade within the broad spectrum of pink hues available. From your opaque dark pink diamonds to your near-invisible translucent pink diamonds, customers may not realize they want a shade much lighter than they originally thought.

When buyers sit with a jeweler, what they often discover is that the pink they had in their mind does not match up with the pink they end up choosing. Based on our experience, what buyers often choose is either Pink Sapphire or Pink Champagne Sapphire.

The beauty of Lab Grown Gemstones is that they can predictably get closer to the coveted shades of pink that customers see on celebrities. This is done through a special process by a Chatham Lab, a partner of MiaDonna.

Chatham creates the highest quality gemstones using a method called Flux Fusion. The process takes about six months to a year. Through the use of custom-designed chambers, the temperature and chemistry are controlled to mimic the environment where a particular gemstone naturally forms in the ground.  

In this controlled environment, devoid of any element that might negatively alter the final result, a seed crystal grows into the desirable gemstone. Because of this, we can consistently produce lab-grown gemstones that are even better than those found in nature. This is highly desirable since all the unethical labor, pollution, and conflict earth-mined gemstones bring is eliminated. Consumers get a more ethical and attractive gemstone.

Pink diamonds are stunning, but sometimes they can be beyond our budgets. You can get the same looks from a Sapphire at a significant price difference. However, sapphires come in many colors and shades. Opt for a Champagne Pink Sapphire instead of a Pink Sapphire to give you a similar look to a Pink Diamond.

Shop our loose Lab Grown Gemstones or make an appointment with one of our fine jewelry experts today!