Ruby or Pink Sapphire: Quick Tips To Choose.
Ancient Indian Sanskrit language describes Ruby as “Ratnaraj’. It means the king of gems. At the same Sapphire is acknowledged as the stone of royalty and romance. Evidently, both are fabulously gorgeous stones. As such, cherry-picking between the two can be a huge dilemma. The following tabulated comparison tries to explain the similarities and differences between the two.
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| 13.23 Carat Natural Red Ruby and Diamond (F-G Color, VS1-VS2 Clarity) 14K Yellow Gold Luxury Cocktail Ring | Loree Rodkin 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Cluster Large Marquise Ring | 5.55 Carat Natural Red Ruby and Diamond (F-G Color, VS1-VS2 Clarity) 14K Yellow Gold Luxury Cocktail Ring |
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Ruby or Pink Sapphire: A tabulated comparative analysis of the two gemstones.
|
Attribute |
Ruby |
Pink Sapphire |
| Color | The finest rubies have a pristine, vibrant red to slightly purplish red color. Particularly, the color graded as pigeon blood red is highly prized. Its color is its most basic and discernible property. The name ruby itself is derived from the Latin word ruber which means red. | Colors of pink sapphires vary from red to purple. Saturation varies from weak to vivid & to lighter tones. Hot pink & blossomy pink are their most enticing shades. |
| Rarity | Finest-quality rubies in larger sizes are exceedingly rare. | Sapphires in other colors are somewhat abundant. Even so, the rarest colors among sapphires is pink. But it is certainly not as rare as a ruby. |
| Attributed Metaphysical Properties | On the one hand, red of the ruby symbolizes vigor, willpower, anger and courage. On the other, it signifies joy, sexuality, passion and love. | Pink Sapphire is purported to be an epitome of trust loyalty, sincerety and honesty. They are also considered to carry good fortune and intense love. |
| Hardness | Reading 9 on Mohs scale of hardness, ruby is a robust gemstone. Inherent hardness makes this gemstone resistant to damage. | Like ruby, pink sapphires also hit 9 on Mohs scale. They are as hard-wearing as rubies. |
| Clarity | Inclusions are a typical feature in natural rubies. Vast majority of rubies have inclusions. | Similarly, inclusions are routinely observed in natural pink Sapphires. |
| Treatments | Bulk of all Ruby and Sapphire gemstones are subjected to high temprature heat treatment to enhance their color. | |
| Value | Quality Ruby gemstones command the topmost prices among all gemstones. And prices rise exponentially with increase in size of the gem. | Pink Sapphires, though classed as precious stones are not as exorbitant as rubies. |
| Chemical Composition | Both Ruby and Pink Sapphire are composed of one at the same mineral viz. corundum. It is Aluminum Oxide with chemical formula Al2O3. | |
A prevalent joke seemingly highlights the lack of difference between Ruby and pink Sapphires. What’s the difference between rubies and pink sapphires? As per the joke, it depends on whether you are the seller or the buyer. If you are the seller, call it ruby to realise a higher price. If you are the buyer, call it pink sapphire to pay a lower price.
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| Engagement Oval Shape Created Pink Sapphire Gemstone 14K Rose Gold Over .925 Sterling Silver Cluster Halo Ring | Pave Set Round Pink Sapphire Cluster Disc Ring (1.5mm Pink Sapphire) | Women’s 14K Rose Gold Created Pink Sapphire Engagement Wedding Cluster Flower Ring .925 Sterling Silver |
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Both ruby and sapphire are the same mineral viz. Corundum. Red Corundum is Ruby. Corundums in all other colors are sapphires. Likewise, pink corundum is pink Sapphire. Consequently, most features of the two stones are alike. The line of difference between the two is blurred. Subtle differences crop up because of the color. Chromium impurity imparts red color to ruby. Iron and titanium tint pink sapphire –well– pink. The allure of each gemstone is visual. As individuals, we respond differently to the same color. The two gemstones appeal differently to different individuals complying to this psychology of color.
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| 14K White Gold July Birthstones Dangle-Earring | Two Stone Dangling Ruby and Halo Diamond Earrings set in 14k Yellow Gold (3.00ct) | 12.90CT Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18K White Gold |
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The opulent red color is the crucial characteristic behind the unwavering demand of ruby. While red is the dominant tone of ruby, underlying tones like pink, purple or orange do exist. Redder rubies are even more valuable. Occassionally, the underlying purple amplifies the red adding great value to the stone.
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| Precious Stars Platinum 4.87ct TGW Certified Orange Pink Sapphire Diamond One a-Kind Ring | 1.68 CT Natural Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring | 18K White Gold Pink Sapphire and Round Cut Diamond (0.42 ct. t.w) Halo Statement Ring |
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Pink sapphires too display an appreciable range of colors. They can vary from intense magenta to the all-time favourite light pink, better known as ‘baby pink’. Sapphires in the former category i.e. comprising dark and intense pinks are more expensive. Nevertheless, pastel baby pink is well loved by many. Since sapphire is said to symbolise trust, truth and loyalty, it is auspiciously chosen for engagement and wedding rings.
Ruby or Pink Sapphire Conclusion: We saw above that differences between the two gemstones are few if any. Both measure 9 on Mohs scale of hardness. Both stones are tough enough to withstand daily bumps and knocks with resilience. Both are gorgeous gems. But if cost is a determining factor you can opt for pink sapphire as it will be relatively easy on your pocket.
Or See More Similar Looking Gemstones As Follows:
| Blue Sapphire or Tanzanite | Ruby or Red Garnet |
| Orange Sapphire or Citrine | Yellow Diamond and Yellow Sapphire |
