Pink Sapphires are one of the HOTTEST of the fancy color Sapphires. There is a wide variance in color, from Light Pink similar to the Fancy Pink Diamond color, to very Hot Pinks similar to the Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond color. Light Pinks are very very hard to find, customarily the medium pinks are the most commonly found. Light pinks have become extremely popular, since they are so close to the color of a Fancy Pink Diamond, and a few Hollywood celebrities have been seen wearing them.
The Top Quality Hot Pinks are getting rare, and as a result they have seen the largest increase in value over the past 5 years of any of the Sapphires. Pink Sapphire carries a premium price nearing and oftentimes surpassing the price for fine Ceylon (kashmir and royal) Blue Sapphire. Pink Sapphire is a treasured Gemstones in any Collection. Price per carat reflects the size, evenness of the color, the clarity and the brightness of the stone.
TREATMENTS - Almost all (99%) Sapphire on the market is routinely treated with 'heat' to enhance and stabilize the color. The typical heat treatment process is a permanent process and it does not normally adversely affect the performance, and durability of the gem, but in recent years demand for natural non-heated non-treated top quality Sapphire has caused these gems to command a somewhat higher premium, depending on the gem. When we disclose a gem as enhanced with 'heat', we are typically referring to the heat enhancement procedure performed in Sri Lanka right near the mines, using the lower temperature wood heat method. This 'blow' heat method typically is used on very very good quality Ceylon gems, only to slightly enhance the color and/or to stabilize the color from fading in sunlight. There's no need to worry when you see this enhancement disclosed. Almost all Ceylon Pink, Padparadscha, Golden, and Orange Sapphire on the market was subjected to 'blow' heat. This 'blow' heating method has been an accepted trade practice for many many generations. There are other types of heat enhancement procedures, however, one of which is a high temperature furnace fired method. This 'furnace' process is typically performed on Sapphire of a much lesser quality. The goal is to seriously enhance or alter the color and/or clarity of the stone. Most of these gemstones are highly heated, almost to the melting point of the gem, so it is 'cooked' over and over until the gem dealers feel it is a more desirable color and will fetch a better price in the market. We normally do not offer gemstones that have been highly heated.
CARE - It is usually safe to clean Sapphire in an UltraSonic Cleaner, and generally safe to use a steamer. The best practice is to use an Ionic Cleaner and/or warm soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Sapphire Jewelry.
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