The biggest "secret" to keeping the color in pink ivory is similar to purpleheart... DO NOT allow excessive heat from sanding. Pink ivory is very heat sensitive.. not only will the color change, but in some instances the blanks will split from the heat... use a very light touch and do not run the lathe full out.. also DO NOT use steel wool on pink ivory...
I also wipe down the blank with a damp (not wet) paper towel of mineral spirits to remove the sanding dust from the previous grit.. also never ever use BLO on pink ivory it will give it an amber color... I also never use shellwax or any of the shellac based friction finishes.. these also will give a warmer, slightly amber effect tot he finished pen...
If you do not like CA, then use any other clear finish, like lacquer. Thin deft lacquer by 1/3 and use a paper towel to apply... it should dry fairly quickly, but because it is thinned you will need a couple of coats to get a good thicknes... then let it dry for at least 3 days and buff it out to a high gloss.. I rarely use lacquer, because I hate waiting for it to cure before buffing it out... but it does make a great finish.