Designs and Photography
by David Trout

© 2007 Coffin and Trout

PINK SAPPHIRE.

The color Pink. Where does pink stop and red begin? It may strike you as a bit odd, but it is a question we must answer everyday in the world of gemstones. Is this gem red enough to be Ruby or is it pink enough to be Pink Sapphire?

Long before there were microscopes and refractometers, our ancestors did not realize that rubies and sapphires were actually the same mineral, corundum. Once that distinction was made, they decided that all colors of corundum would be called sapphire except for red, which would continue to be called ruby. Unfortunately, it left us with a dilemma of where the line should be drawn between red and pink.

Some might theorize that pink is merely a light red, so all pink corundum should be called ruby. One look at our pink gems will make you think twice about giving Pink Sapphire that kind of second-class billing.

Jewelry connoisseurs have opened up to the idea that sapphires do not need to be blue to be beautiful. Coming in a wide range of colors, from green to yellow and orange to purple, the pink sapphire has gained the most popularity. Generally the clearer and more saturated the color, the more valuable the sapphire. However, keeping this in mind, some of the most enticing pastel shades of pink and violet can be found in sapphire.

Coffin and Trout has just finished some fabulous designs featuring this versatile gem. Whatever your preference, a pale baby pink or a hot bubblegum pink, we can find that special gem for you. Whether you call it pink or light red, it’s up to you.