0.49 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Madagascar

This 0.49 carat round blue sapphire from Madagascar presents a precise set of proportions and finishes that will appeal to technical buyers. The stone measures 4.29 by 4.32 by 3.36 millimeters, with a mixed brilliant cut that combines a brilliant style crown with a faceted pavilion designed to optimize return of light in a small carat weight. The mixed brilliant design on this piece creates well defined facet junctions and controlled contrast, and the excellent polish across all facets enhances both brilliance and scintillation. The depth ratio of this stone is approximately 78 percent when calculated against the average diameter, a relatively deep profile that reduces face up spread compared with a shallower ideal cut, while concentrating light return through a narrow table and a deep pavilion. For set planning and mounting, the depth should be factored in to maintain optimal light performance and to avoid a visually smaller face up appearance.

Optically this sapphire is transparent with a clarity grade reported as very very slightly included at eye level, indicating only minor crystal inclusions that do not materially interrupt transparency or light passage for the unaided viewer. Under magnification the inclusions are likely to present as minute pinpoint crystals or fine silk needles, features that are common in natural corundum and that often contribute to a pleasing internal texture without compromising durability. The stone exhibits a light color intensity with a primary blue hue and a subtle cool, slightly steely overtone. Because the color intensity is light, pleochroic differences are restrained, producing a fairly uniform face up appearance across orientations, while the excellent polish maximizes contrast between pavilion facets and the crown, delivering a crisp, lively facet pattern and clean reflected flashes despite the lighter saturation.

When comparing hue and tone to sapphires from other renowned sources, this Madagascar specimen occupies the lighter, cooler end of the blue sapphire spectrum. It contrasts markedly with classical Kashmir material, which is typically described as a medium to medium dark cornflower blue with a velvety, saturated tone and a distinctive silk that softens light reflections. This Madagascan stone lacks the deep, plush tone seen in Kashmir pieces, instead showing a more airy blue with a faint steel or ice note. Relative to Sri Lankan, or Ceylon, sapphires, which often present as bright, lively cornflower blues with a slightly warmer, more vivid saturation for the same tone, the Madagascar example appears more restrained and cooler in temperature. Compared with sapphires from Myanmar and certain Australian fields, which can display richer, more inky or greener blue notes at higher saturations, this stone reads as distinctly lighter and cleaner in hue. Madagascar is known for producing a wide tonal range, from very vivid blues to these lighter, more silvery blues, and this specimen exemplifies the lighter, cooler expression within that palette.

From a treatment and stability perspective, the sapphire has been heat treated, a standard and widely accepted enhancement in the trade that improves color uniformity and reduces silk while remaining stable for normal wear. Heat treatment for corundum is an established enhancement that does not require special care beyond the usual recommendations for fine colored gemstones. The combination of heat treatment, excellent polish, and a controlled mixed brilliant faceting approach produces a stone with reliable color delivery and strong surface finish qualities. Given the clarity grade and the absence of significant cavity or fracture networks, conventional cleaning methods such as warm soapy water and a soft brush are appropriate for routine maintenance, while professional ultrasonic cleaning may be used cautiously depending on any specific internal features noted on a detailed report.

For mounting and design, this 0.49 carat round, cool toned Madagascar sapphire is particularly well suited as a center for compact, refined settings or as a high quality accent in clustered or halo designs. The light color intensity benefits from a white metal background to preserve the cool tone, and a delicate halo of well matched melee can visually increase apparent size and elevate perceived color saturation. The relatively deep pavilion profile should be considered by the jeweler when selecting a setting, as a low bezel may mask the pavilion and reduce light return, while a secure prong setting that allows ample light into the pavilion will maximize brilliance. The Natural Sapphire Company stands behind the disclosure of origin and treatment for this stone, and can advise on mounting choices that respect the gemology and craftsmanship of the piece, while ensuring that the finished jewelry presents the best balance of color, brightness, and durability for everyday wear.