Pink has been trending in gemstones for quite a few years now, and it’s become more and more common in engagement rings especially. If you’re curious just what your options are, take a look. Today we’re going through the most common pink gemstones you will find at a jeweler or retailer, and maybe you’ll fine one that you like.
What gemstones are pink ?
The most obvious pink gemstones are rose quartz, pink tourmaline, morganite, and sometimes even rubies but the list is much longer. There are many gemstones that come in different colors, including pink, such as pink diamonds, pink sapphires, pink topaz, kunzite, and even pink pearls ! Gemstones are truly something to behold and they often appear in many colors. Finding the right gemstone for you in a beautiful pink color will not be an issue.
The following list will walk you through the pink gems you’re most likely to find at a jeweler or retailer. We will also discuss the gemstones’ hardness, their price ranges, their color range, and even how likely it is to even find each gem in pre-made jewelry.
1. Pink diamonds
Pink diamonds are quite a treat to look at and you’ve likely seen at least one of them before, even if it was just in photos. Blake Lively has a beautiful, beautiful pink diamond engagement ring from husband Ryan Reynolds and it’s easily one of the most famous pink diamonds in pop culture. Another gorgeous pink diamond is the one Ben Affleck proposed J.Lo with all the way back in 2002.
Color. Pink diamonds are most often a soft pink color, rather rosy and pale. You can find deeper colored ones, and those will usually gravitate towards a washed-out red color. In some cases you might find pink diamonds with a few inclusions that make the overall diamond appear silvery-pink instead is baby pink. Overall a very delicate color and definitely full of sparkle, as a diamond should be.
Read also: What Is A Portuguese Cut Gemstone ?
Price. Pink diamonds sell for an average of $100,000 per carat for a lighter, baby pink color. When it comes to diamonds the higher carat ones tend to be way more expensive than the half carat or 1 carat gems, simply because diamonds aren’t very large by nature, and colored diamonds over 1 carat are even rarer, and thus more expensive.
Hardness. These diamonds are still diamonds, so they will withstand anything you throw at them (or them at something). Diamonds have a Mohs hardness rating of 10/10 so they are going to last a literal lifetime, and will still look great by the time you may want to pass it down to future generations.
2. Pink sapphires
Pink sapphires aren’t that well known, mostly because sapphires are meant to be blue, right ? Well, it turns out sapphires can do whatever they please, including be pink if they feel like it. These gems are quite impressive and they manage to bring very vibrant colors where fancy diamonds simply cannot. A great example of a pink sapphire is Lady Gaga’s engagement ring from Christian Carino in 2019.
Color. Pink sapphires usually come in very vibrant shades of pink, definitely more colorful and intense than a pink diamond. You cna find pink sapphires with more of a red hue or more of a blue hue, depending on what you’re looking for. Most of the time you’ll find them as hot-pink, or at least a vibrant pink.
Price. These sapphires tend to sell for an average of $15,000 per carat for a vibrant color and eye-clean clarity. More included or heat-treated pink sapphires tend to sell for a couple thousand less per carat. The lowest prices are found with paler gems, and not necessarily heavily included ones.
Hardness. Pink sapphires are a form of corundum, which scores a 9/10 on the Mohs scale. This is an exceptionally strong gemstone, rivaled only by rubies and diamonds in terms of toughness. So you will be able to wear it all day, every day, in any sort of jewelry you like. It is very difficult to scratch.
3. Rubies (some of them)
Rubies and pink sapphires don’t differ all that much, to be honest. But the difference is still there and it sets the two apart. But it also means you might just find rubies in the pink color you’re looking for. You see, not all rubies are a bright, vibrant red. Some only manage a muddled pale red, or a red with significant inclusions that make it appear hot pink. So it might be worth a shot.
Color. Rubies come in a wide range of color from pale, pale pink to deep, vivid red. Some of them can look a bit dark, and some of them might have a slight purple hue. When looking for a pinkish ruby, you’re looking for a medium-color ruby with pinkish hues. These are still classed as rubies but offer a deep magenta pink that no pink sapphire can ever give.
Price. Rubies are normally insanely expensive, at least double the price of a perfect blue sapphire. But you’re looking for a pink ruby so not the most saturated color, which significantly drives the price down. A reasonably pink ruby can go for as little as $1,500 per carat for a vivid pinkish red. For a ruby that’s a steal !
Hardness. Rubies are also corundum, just like sapphires, so your jewelry will be just fine for decades, if not forever. Rubies score a 9/10 on the Mohs scale so they are fit to wear at any time, in any sort of jewelry.
4. Padparadscha sapphires
Padparadscha sapphires are a very interesting entry in this list because, one they’re hard to pronounce ( try pad-pah-raj-ah), and two they’re both pink and peachy at the same time. These sapphires are possibly the most treasured and rare versions of sapphire ever found. We’ll sometimes call these gems pad sapphires just to keep things simple.
Princess Eugenie of York was presented with a padparadscha sapphire engagement ring from Jack Brooksbank in 2018, if you’re looking for inspiration.
Color. Pad sapphires are very much like morganites in terms of color range, but way more vivid. A pad sapphire can be mostly pink, mostly orange, or an even mix of both colors, and it’s quite a vibrant color most of the time. Padparadscha sapphires are most valued when they have an equal mix of both pink and orange and have perfect clarity.
Price. Padparadscha sapphires sell for an average of $6,000 per carat for eye-clean clarity and at least a medium-light color. Most of the time these gems are under 5ct but if you do find one larger than 5 the price skyrockets. For example there is a 28.9 carat pad sapphire that goes for $86,000 per carat ! That is a rare exception but it’s still worth noting.
Hardness. Pad sapphires are still sapphires, and as such very durable. Just like the previous sapphires and rubies, you can wear these every day and in any jewelry type you like, without fear of scratching them.
5. Pink tourmalines
Pink tourmalines are popular and very well known as they are the designated birthstone for the month of October. So jewelers and retailers carry these gems and also pre-made jewelry featuring these gemstones. Finding one you like shouldn’t be a problem.
Color. Pink tourmalines come in pretty vibrant colors but they’re still tame compared to a pink sapphire. A pink tourmaline is usually eye-clean, and presents a medium intensity pink with red undertones. Some pink tourmalines may be light pink with more of a wine undertone, like a desaturated bordeaux.
Price. Pink tourmaline sells for an average of $100 per carat, with exceptionally clear and untreated stones going for a bit more. Compared to everything we’ve seen so far, pink tourmalines classify as a more affordable pink gemstone.
Hardness. Tourmaline is much softer than the previous gems, as it scores a 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it prone to scratches and chipping, so it’s best to take your jewelry off when doing heavier chores.
6. Pink garnets (rhodolite or almandine)
Garnets are very well know for being red, and finding them in pink is no stretch of imagination. You can find these gems quite easily since they’re in high demand and most jewelers and retailers will carry these. You might find pink garnets under the name almandine garnets or rhodolite garnets.
Color. Pink garnets come in two main color types: a softer, orange-pink color and an unmistakable purplish pink. The orange-pink is usually softer, and a bit paler, while the purplish-pink is more vibrant.
Price. Pink garnets are very affordable, averaging at $38 per carat for an eye-clean gemstone with a medium color intensity.
Hardness. Garnets average a 7 on the Mohs scale, so like tourmalines you should be careful when wearing this jewelry to not scratch it. Perhaps it might be best to wear them in earrings or pendants instead.
7. Morganites
Morganites have become the precious darling of the engagement ring world in the past decade. These soft, feminine gems are actually in the same family as emerald and aquamarine, thus a type of beryl. As they’ve become very popular you’ll have no trouble finding loose gems or pre-made jewelry in morganite.
Color. Morganite tends to be a pale pink-orange, and almost always very clear. This is not a bright or intense color gemstone, it’s more on the soft side. As with all pink-orange gems you may find ones that are more pink, others that are more orange, and few will have that perfect balance.
Price. Morganite sells for an average of $700 per carat for a very clean, and medium-light color.
Hardness. Morganite is a type of beryl, which scores an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It’s stronger than other gems on this list but not as strong as sapphire or diamond, so it might still scratch but will take a while to accumulate enough scratches to turn it cloudy.
8. Pink topaz
Topaz is usually blue, at least when you look for it at a retailer or jeweler. However this gem comes in many colors and pink is a fairly popular version of topaz. It’s not as easy to find as blue, but it’s definitely possible.
Color. Pink topaz is one of those very vibrant, intense pink kind of gems. It also comes in very large carats so if you’re looking for a big rock with a beautiful pink color you will easily find a pink topaz to suit you.
Price. Pink topaz is inexpensive as it averages at $8 per carat for an eye-clean gem with a vivid color.
Hardness. Topaz scores an 8 on the Mohs scale, just like morganite. This means you can wear your pink topaz every day and it will take a while to pick up enough scratches. Still might want to take it off if it’s a ring or bracelet before doing anything strenuous.
9. Rose quartz
Rose quartz is a bit of an obscure pink gem, but once you start looking for it you might just end up falling in love. This is a type of quartz, so it’s abundant and not difficult to find. It’s not not very high in demand, but is very easy to find as a gemstone show or just buy as a loose stone. Finding pre-made rose quartz jewelry isn’t as easy though, since it’s not as sought-after as other pink gems.
Color. Rose quartz comes in a soft, dusty pink color, sometimes with a bit of a purple hint to it. It’s often quite cloudy so if you’re looking for a clear version it won’t be easy to find.
Price. Rose quartz is inexpensive, it averages at $2 per carat. So if you’re looking for jewelry with a lot of pink gems, or want a really large pink gemstone then rose quartz might be an option.
Hardness. Rose quartz scores a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it just barely fit for daily wear. It will scratch and chip in time if worn as a ring or bracelet due to all the wear and tear of daily life. Rose quartz is much better as a cocktail ring (occasional wear) or earrings or a necklace.
10. Kunzite
This gemstone is even less known that rose quartz but it’s definitely sparklier. Kunzite is known for its beautiful soft color and exceptional clarity, and it’s becoming more and more popular.
Color. Kunzite offers a soft pink-purple color with high clarity. It doesn’t get to a very strong or vivid color like other gems on this list, instead it appears like an eye-clean version of rose quartz.
Price. Kunzite sells for an average of $20 per carat, making it a very affordable gemstone if you’re looking for something light and with soft colors.
Hardness. This gem scores a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, so just like rose quartz it should be treated with much care. Only this is a very clear gem, so any scratches it may pick up will shod up quite well. You may get better payoff with kunzite as earrings or a pendant.
11. Pink pearls
Pearls have been around for ages and they’re always a soft, feminine, elegant look. These gems are truly beautiful and they’ve managed to fascinate everyone for thousands of years. Fortunately it’s far easier nowadays to get pearls than it is before. There are pearl farms that offer both saltwater and freshwater pearls at reasonable prices. And thus, finding them in pink won’t be too difficult.
Color. Pink pearls are a soft pink color with occasional gold or purple overtones. Sometimes you can find ones with a light salmon color to them. The high sheen on pearls makes pink ones appear extra feminine and even dreamy, so these will work beautiful for someone who likes a soft look.
Price. Pink pearls vary from $50 to 300 a piece, depending on size and luster.
Hardness. Pearls are very soft, they score a 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale so they will easily scratch if worn as a bracelet or ring. It’s best to keep pearls as necklaces or earrings.
What metal do pink gems go with ?
Pink gemstones go very well with all three colors of metal, white, yellow gold, or pink/rose. The yellow gold and rose gold both bring out the warmth of a pink gemstone, while a white metal such as platinum, silver or white gold make it pop more. Of course you can always use yellow or rose gold and a few white gemstones as accents.
I’m the main author for jewelrymaterialguide.com. I started this site after we did tons of research before our wedding and noticed that there is information about rings, jewelry, and so on that is really hard to find on the internet.
