Pink Sapphire Pear Shaped Engagement Rings' Allure, Meaning and Care

The Allure of Pink Sapphire Pear Shaped Rings

Pink sapphires have become increasingly popular in recent years as a unique and eye-catching alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. Often referred to as the stone of compassion, fidelity and love, the pink sapphire's romantic pinkish hues beautifully symbolize a loving relationship.

While round and oval cuts remain classic choices for engagement rings, pear shaped pink sapphire rings offer a graceful, feminine look that flatters the hand. The teardrop shape, with its single point, adds visual interest and sparkle.

The Meaning Behind Pink Sapphires

Sapphires have long been regarded as one of the four classic precious gemstones, along with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. Since antiquity, royals and high society have been drawn to sapphires not only for their incredible physical properties but also their deep symbolic value.

The ancient Persians believed the blue earth of sapphires reflected the heavens. Buddhists thought sapphires brought spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. Christians saw sapphires as a symbol of heaven while Hindus associated sapphires with Saturn and believed they had protective powers.

While blue remains the most classic sapphire hue, pink sapphires carry this rich history as well but with some added modern symbolism. Often correlated with Venus, the goddess of love, pink sapphires represent romance, caring, tenderness and fidelity—perfect qualities for an engagement ring gemstone.

Where Do Pink Sapphires Come From?

While most sapphires today come from Australia, pink sapphires originate from Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Sapphires form underground over millions of years in the presence of specific trace elements. For pink sapphires, that trace element is chromium. When chromium combines with the corundum crystals that make sapphires, it results in the light pinkish orange hue we know as pink sapphire.

Natural unenhanced pink sapphires remain relatively rare. But because the pink color results from trace elements rather than structural defects, they are very stable gemstones that retain their color under most lighting conditions.

Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring Settings

Pear shaped pink sapphire engagement rings beautifully combine the stone's elegant teardrop shape with its graceful pinkish hues. The single point of light at the bottom of the pear draws the eye down the hand for maximum sparkle. Pairing pink sapphires with both white and yellow metals like platinum, white gold, rose gold and yellow gold allows the subtle colors of the gemstone to really stand out.

For added visual impact, pink sapphire pears work well in halo settings, with small accent diamonds encircling the center stone. Pavé and micro-pavé bands also complement pink sapphire pears nicely by adding extra sparkle. Three-stone settings feature pink sapphire center stones framed by two smaller white or yellow diamonds on either side.

Vintage and antique-inspired engagement rings provide an especially lovely backdrop for pink sapphire pears. Milgrain edges, filigree details and split shanks add character that draws out the gemstone's romanticism and history.

Caring for Pink Sapphire Rings

As one of the big four precious gemstones, sapphires rate 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them extremely durable for everyday wear. However, some basic care and cleaning precautions will help pink sapphire rings maintain their sparkling beauty.

Cleaning Pink Sapphire Rings at Home

While household cleaners are too harsh for most gemstones, warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap generally cleans pink sapphire rings safely and effectively. Gently scrub the ring with a soft baby toothbrush then rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn dirt, an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with warm water can clean a pink sapphire ring without causing damage.

Professional Cleanings

Most jewelers recommend having all gemstone jewelry professionally cleaned every 6 months to keep it looking its best. Let your jeweler know your ring contains a natural pink sapphire so they select the proper solution. The safest professional methods for cleaning pink sapphire rings include steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners.

Storing Pink Sapphire Jewelry

Keep your pink sapphire ring in a fabric-lined ring box or jewelry pouch to prevent it from rubbing against other jewelry when not being worn. Store pink sapphire rings separately from harder metals and gemstones to prevent scratches and chips. Place in a cool, dry location away from heat and humidity.

Finding Your Dream Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring

Pink sapphire pear shaped engagement rings make wonderfully unique, meaningful alternatives to traditional diamond rings. When searching for that perfect ring, look for AGL or GIA gemstone reports documenting quality factors like color, clarity, cut and carat weight.

Work with jewelry designers like Valerie Madison who can help you hand select high quality pink sapphires and craft custom settings reflecting your own personal style. Their expertise will ensure your pink sapphire ring meets your expectations for beauty, quality and meaning.

Let a pink sapphire pear ring fill your engagement and marriage with the warmth, tenderness and passion symbolized by these natural pink gems of the earth.

FAQs

What is the meaning behind pink sapphires?

Often linked to the planet Venus and goddess of love, pink sapphires symbolize romance, caring, tenderness and fidelity. Their pinkish hues beautifully reflect the qualities of a loving relationship, making them a meaningful alternative to diamond engagement rings.

Where do natural pink sapphires come from?

Most pink sapphires today originate from Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Their pinkish orange color results from trace amounts of chromium mixing with the corundum crystals that form sapphires underground over millions of years.

How should I clean my pink sapphire ring?

Gently clean with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft toothbrush. Rinse well and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Have professionally steam cleaned or ultrasonically cleaned every 6 months for a deeper clean. Store ring separately in a fabric-lined box.

What makes pear shaped settings suit pink sapphires?

Pear shaped settings beautifully complement the pink sapphire's graceful teardrop shape and feminine pink tones. The single point of the pear maximizes sparkle to draw attention to the gemstone's romantic symbolism and subtle coloring.