0.48 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Madagascar

This transparent oval blue sapphire weighs 0.48 carat, and measures 6.09 by 4.10 by 2.49 millimeters, offering a refined, wearable size that balances presence with everyday practicality. Cut in a mixed brilliant style, the faceting has been optimized to deliver both scintillation and depth, with table and crown facets that play off the pavilion to produce lively return of light and a dynamic range of blue tones. The stone displays intense color intensity, a desirable and marketable saturation for a classic blue sapphire, and an excellent polish that ensures smooth facets and crisp light performance across angles. Clarity has been assessed as very very slightly included at eye level, indicating that the gem is essentially eye clean for most observers while retaining natural internal characteristics that confirm its natural origin. Enhancement disclosure is straightforward, this sapphire has been heat treated, a stable and widely accepted enhancement that enhances color and clarity without compromising structural integrity. The origin is Madagascar, a prolific source of fine blue sapphires, and this provenance contributes to the gemology and market appeal, given Madagascar sapphires are known for attractive saturated blues produced by iron and titanium trace elements in their crystal lattice. The Natural Sapphire Company stands behind the accurate description of this stone, including weight, dimensions, cut, clarity grade, polish quality, color intensity, enhancement, and origin.

When evaluating this sapphire from a gemological perspective, several technical strengths are clear and important to the educated buyer. The mixed brilliant cut is a deliberate choice, combining a modified brilliant crown with a faceted pavilion to maximize scintillation while preserving depth of color, a balance that is particularly valuable in stones under one carat where cut proportion is critical to perceived size and vibrancy. The clarity grade of very very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, means that inclusions are minimal and do not distract from transparency or light return in normal viewing conditions, yet their presence is consistent with a natural untreated crystal structure prior to heat treatment. Heat treatment has been applied to enhance color homogeneity and reduce the visual impact of minor inclusions, this treatment is permanent and considered standard practice in the trade, and it remains fully disclosed. The excellent polish contributes to sharp facet junctions and crisp reflections, qualities that increase the apparent brilliance and make the intense blue hue read cleanly under varied lighting conditions. For buyers considering certification, the combination of Madagascar origin, documented treatment, and the measured proportions provides a clear basis for independent gemological reporting, and The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with detailed documentation for those who value formal grading reports.

Beyond technical attributes, this sapphire offers exceptional versatility for styling and practical wear. At 0.48 carat and an oval outline, the gem adapts well to a range of mounting styles, including elegant solitaire rings that emphasize color and light, three stone arrangements that pair it with complementary diamonds or sapphires, classic halo settings that amplify presence, fine stud earrings for refined daily use, and delicate pendants that showcase the stone near the face. The intense blue hue works equally well with white metal settings such as platinum or white gold for a crisp, contemporary look, and with yellow or rose gold to introduce warmth and contrast for more traditional or fashion forward designs. With sapphire hardness rated at nine on the Mohs scale, this material is robust and suitable for regular wear, provided standard care is observed, avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme thermal shock, and clean with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush, and for peace of mind consider occasional professional inspections and ultrasonic cleaning guidelines discussed with our gem specialists. For the discerning buyer who values traceable origins, meticulous description, and practical elegance, this Madagascar blue sapphire represents a compact yet impactful example of natural beauty, and The Natural Sapphire Company is available to assist with bespoke mounting options, certification guidance, and detailed imagery to ensure the gem meets both stylistic and technical expectations.