Pink Sapphires vs Pink Diamonds – The Key Differences that Distinguish these Two Top Gemstones

In the world of gemstones, two key factors determine a stone’s value: Its rarity and beauty. However, when it comes to picking a top gemstone your decision can come down to a host of factors. One of the key reasons is the gemstone’s colour. Colour is an increasingly significant variable that many modern buyers value when it comes to their choice of gemstone. This is interesting, since diamonds, which have for a long time been the most dominant gemstone in the world, in their traditional and most recognized form are colourless.

However, all of that changed with the growing popularity of coloured gemstones, led by the big three: sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, which stand for their representative colours: blue, red and green. Which have made serious inroads in the world of gemstones, and notably in fine jewellery. In this mix, the importance of colour as a distinct variable has also entered the world of diamonds with the rise of fancy coloured diamonds. Led by the notable blue diamonds, followed by pink and yellow diamonds, and more recently green diamonds.

Arguably the most notable coloured diamond in the world is the pink variant, which also includes its most distinct variant in the pink diamond family, the Argyle diamond. However, that does mean that coloured diamonds, the pink ones in this instance are without their challengers in the gemstone world. Enter the pink sapphire. In this post, we shall compare and contrast pink sapphires with the famous pink diamonds, including the prestigious Argyle variant, so you would have a good understanding of their character and differences.

What is a Pink Sapphire?

Pink sapphires are corundum crystals, which are just like their much better recognized blue sapphires, with the key difference being the trace mineral character of the gem. So blue sapphires derive their colour from the presence of iron and titanium, and pink sapphires get their colour from the presence of chromium. Though only in lesser amounts, for when chromium is the founder in higher concentrations in a corundum gemstone, that gemstone becomes a ruby. Chromium is a trace mineral, whilst relatively abundant in nature, its presence in corundum crystal formation is relatively rare, hence the rarity of these gemstones.

As corundum crystals, pink sapphires feature all of the main strengths and features that are found in other corundum-based gemstones. High durability, great reflectivity and great clarity depending on the gemstone in question. A key strength of the pink sapphire is the distinct character of its hue. Whilst the world of gemstones is dominated by classical blue, red, green and to some extent purple (amethyst) gemstones, pink as a colour is a standout, and its adoption is a relatively new phenomenon. Corresponding in many ways with the rise of rose gold jewellery.

Rarity and the Country of Origin of Pink Sapphires

Sapphires, despite their rarity in the world of gemstones, are found in several countries, and today are sourced from a variety of regions. The historical base for good quality sapphires is the top sapphire-producing nations like Thailand, Myanmar and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The latter, the gem-rich island in the Indian Ocean, has built a reputation for producing top-quality sapphires that stand out in terms of rich colours with high saturation. So much so that corundum stones from this part of the world have built a reputation as Ceylon Sapphires.

Pink sapphires as noted require the presence of chromium at various levels for the distinct colour of the stone to emerge. Which, as noted is a rarity within corundum deposits, particularly in higher levels. With corundum stones with higher concentrations of chromium elements, veering closer to the hue of a precious ruby. When one speaks of gemstone rarity, it is important to note that sapphires are rarer than great diamonds. Whilst gem quality diamonds are only sourced from relative nations, the overall supply of the stones surpasses those of sapphires. And pink sapphires, particularly the gem quality stone with rich hues are even rarer.

What are Pink Diamonds?

Pink diamonds are technically diamonds: meaning they are carbon-based stones that form deep within the Earth throughout billions (yes billions) of years. Diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle, which sits hundreds of kilometres below the Earth’s crust. Diamond formation takes place when carbon deposits which are found deep within the Earth’s surface are subjected to extreme heat and pressure, that occur throughout aeons.

In terms of the country of origin, pink diamonds are sourced only from a handful of countries in the world. Whilst Australia has been the major source of pink diamonds, led by the famous Argyle pink diamonds of Western Australia. However, variants of pink diamonds have been found in other parts of the world, in countries like Brazil. Going back in time, India at one point was the source of these exotic gems, however, in modern times, the supply of diamonds in the subcontinent has fallen to practically nothing.

When one speaks of the character of pink diamonds, a pertinent question is the gemstone’s colour: where the stone gets its distinct hue has been a source of fascination for experts in the field. Unlike in most gems in the world from corundum to beryllium-based stones, where the colour is a function of trace minerals, in diamonds, this is a subject that is still open to debate.

One of the hypotheses that have been forwarded to explain the origins of colour in pink diamonds is the changes introduced to the diamond's crystal lattice structure, which is understood to affect the type of light the stone can reflect. Since colour is a function of light absorption and reflection the change in the molecular structure of the stone and how it changes the stone’s interaction with light rays is the reason that is understood to be the cause of colour in the pink diamonds.

What Distinguishes Argyle Pink Diamonds?

Argyle diamonds are a type of diamonds that are mined in the Argyle mines in Eastern Australia. A mine that has now for all sense and purposes ended its supply run of producing natural gem-quality diamonds. The mines were once the home to the extremely rare fancy-coloured diamond. The most renowned and rarest form of pink diamonds in the world. With the supply of Argyle diamonds now almost complete, and whatever that is left on the market command exorbitant prices. Often surpassing the prices of other rare (fancy) coloured diamonds.

If one is to ask what sets Argyle pink diamonds apart from other pink diamonds on the market, the main one is the country of origin and the legendary mine that produces them. Whilst pink diamonds are sourced from other countries like Brazil and even South Africa, the Argyle mines in Western Australia were the only source of this particular carbon-based gemstone. Interestingly the Argyle mines also produced other diamonds, however, only around 1 per cent or less is of the Argyle pink variety.

Further, the Argyle pink diamonds are also understood to be structurally distinct from other pink diamonds in the world. Which contributes to the darker hues. Certain Argyle pink diamonds are so concentrated in their tones that they verge close to red.

Distinct Mineralogy of Argyle Diamonds

One of the factors that set Argyle diamonds apart is the history of their formation. Which in geological terms extends into the hundreds to the billions of years. However one of the interesting aspects of Argyle diamonds is their relatively short period of formation. Whilst most diamonds take around a billion or more years to form deep within the Earth’s surface, these diamonds, based on the age of the lamproite pipes (which are distinct from kimberlite pipes where most other diamonds from non-alluvial sources are mined) form over a few hundred million years, which is believed to be the reason for their relatively smaller size on average. This distinct formation history is believed to have contributed to the Argyle diamond's distinct structure.

7 Key Differences Between Pink Sapphires and Pink Diamonds

So where do pink sapphires fit into this equation? Since sapphires are viewed as natural alternatives or possibly competitors to diamonds. It is important to note that the kind of diamonds in question is often the colourless variant. However, since colours are an increasingly popular variable when it comes to gemstones, sapphires are a natural choice owing to their greater accessibility. When it comes to Argyle diamonds, and other types of pink diamonds, which are extremely rare and very expensive, their appeal lies in their exotic character, and their purchase can be viewed as Veblen goods: which in economics refers to goods where the demand for a certain product or commodity increases in proportion to its price.

Thus pink sapphires enter the playing field and can be viewed as a natural challenger to diamonds, but only as a more affordable and accessible gemstone alternative. Effectively pink diamonds and more Argyle pink diamonds are prestige goods, whose purchase goes beyond the economic value that a person may attach to its purchase. Here is a list of factors on how Pink sapphires compare with Argyle (pink) diamonds.

Pink Diamonds and Pink Sapphire Jewelry

When it comes to both gemstones the focus of buyers tends to vary depending on their budget and expectations. Realistically those who opt for pink diamonds often go without a budgetary concern. Hence their purchases tend to be of a very particular and very custom character: the buyer wishes to own a pink diamond and then later adopts it into jewellery. The gemstone tends to come first.

With pink sapphires, the options are more varied. Since these types of gemstones are more abundant in nature, they can be bought individually or as a part of a set of fine jewellery items. Pink sapphire engagement rings have risen in popularity in recent years, growing on the strength of demand for greater colour and style in jewellery, pink sapphires are a great feminine option that complements the lightness of white gold or the romantic touch of rose gold. Though both stones make a great jewellery option, only one comes with that special distinction of being a rose-coloured carbon-based stone.

In Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between pink sapphires and pink diamonds there are several factors to consider. Leaving aside the challenge of actually being able to get hold of a quality pink diamond, let alone afford one for many buyers, to the beauty and appeal of pink sapphires with a much greater range of tones. However, some wish to possess a coloured diamond, with pink diamonds being among the top choice. And today if one wishes to own a pink diamond, as an uncut gemstone, or as a part of a fine jewellery item, one must go beyond the remits of mainstream fine jewellery and gems and be willing to pay a higher but for some rewarding price.