0.48 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One transparent 0.48 carat round shape blue sapphire, with precise dimensions of 4.73 x 4.68 x 2.75 mm, presents as a mixed brilliant cut, combining a brilliant crown with modified pavilion facets to optimize both scintillation and color saturation. Clarity grade is very very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, resulting in a stone that is effectively eye clean while retaining natural character under magnification. The vivid color intensity is immediately apparent face up, a deep Ceylon blue that benefits from an excellent polish and meticulous symmetry. Enhancement is disclosed as heat treated, a stable and widely accepted process used to refine inherent color zoning without altering the crystal structure, and origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a provenance that carries a legacy of sapphires with lively blue tones and fine crystallographic quality. The overall depth of approximately 58.5 percent, derived from the 2.75 mm profile relative to the average diameter, supports strong light return, while the mixed brilliant faceting pattern intentionally balances pavilion angles and crown facet proportions to maximize brilliance and preserve saturation in this sub half carat weight class.

The journey from mine to market began in a small alluvial deposit in Ceylon, where hand sorting and initial rough grading isolated material with saturated blue hue and transparent clarity. Rough parcels were then evaluated by experienced lapidaries, who selected this crystal for a mixed brilliant execution to yield optimal weight retention and face up appearance. Cutting involved calibrated preforming to align the optic axis and remove surface stresses, followed by step polishing on the pavilion facets to form complementary crown brilliants, a sequence that preserves color while enhancing dispersion. Final quality control at The Natural Sapphire Company included precision measurement, proportion analysis, and a polish check to confirm mirror finish across table and facets, ensuring consistent facet junctions and a clean table window. This sapphire is suited for a fine solitaires setting where the mixed brilliant cut will read as a vivid central blue, or as a high quality accent in custom pieces, offering collectors and designers a technically sound, well documented gem with classical Ceylon provenance.