0.49 Ct. Greyish Blue Sapphire from Madagascar

This sapphire is a transparent, round 0.49 carat gem with precise dimensions of 4.68 by 4.65 by 3.08 millimeters, presented in a mixed brilliant cut. Its clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a designation that indicates only minor internal features that do not significantly impede transparency or brilliance. The color is described as greyish blue with a light intensity, giving the stone an airy, understated appearance rather than a deep, saturated blue. The stone has received heat treatment, a standard and stable enhancement in the trade that improves color uniformity and overall appearance. The polish is excellent, with crisp facet junctions and smooth facet planes that enhance light return and surface brilliance. Origin is Madagascar, a source increasingly recognized for producing high clarity and attractive light to medium toned sapphires, and the specifics of this gem are documented and available through The Natural Sapphire Company.

From a gemological and visual standpoint the mixed brilliant cut is a particularly appropriate choice for a light, greyish blue sapphire of this size. The combination of step facets on the pavilion and brilliant-style facets on the crown produces strong scintillation and a lively face-up appearance, maximizing the gem’s visual performance by balancing flash and dispersion. The recorded depth of 3.08 millimeters relative to a near-equal girdle diameter results in a proportion that preserves a pleasing face-up diameter while maintaining durability. The very slightly included clarity grade, when paired with excellent polish, means that the stone presents to the unaided eye as effectively eye-clean in most lighting situations, delivering a clean appearance that allows the subtle greyish blue hue to come forward without distraction from internal features. For an educated buyer, these combined attributes signal a well-cut, well-finished natural sapphire that offers reliable optical performance for bezel, prong, or halo settings.

Color comparison with historic and well-known sapphire sources helps to position this Madagascar greyish blue within the broader market. Kashmir sapphires are famed for their rich, velvety cornflower blues with medium to medium-dark tones and strong saturation, a look that is more intense and saturated than this light greyish blue example. Ceylon or Sri Lankan sapphires often show a lively, bright medium blue or pastel cornflower blue that can be similar in lightness to this stone but typically possess slightly greater blue saturation and vibrancy; in other words, this Madagascar gem leans a touch cooler and greyer in its undertone compared to many Ceylon pieces. Burmese and Thai sources tend to yield deeper, more royal and saturated blues than this example, while Australian sapphires frequently display a darker, inky blue-green character that contrasts with the delicate, cool grey-blue of the Madagascar stone. Montana sapphires, particularly from American deposits, sometimes share that steely or greyish quality; a Montana piece can approach the same understated grey-blue aesthetic but often exhibits slightly different secondary tones such as greenish or silvery reflections. Overall, this sapphire occupies a refined niche among lighter stones, distinguished by a cool, soft grey-blue hue that is subtle rather than bold, and is especially attractive for buyers seeking elegance and versatility rather than intense color saturation.

For the discerning purchaser considering value, provenance, and practical wearability, this 0.49 carat Madagascar sapphire offers several compelling attributes. The documented origin from Madagascar supports traceability and provides useful context about the gem’s geological background and typical color zoning patterns. Heat treatment, disclosed and stable, is an accepted enhancement that preserves long-term durability while improving color evenness. The mixed brilliant cut and excellent polish maximize optical performance and compensate for the gem’s light color intensity, making it appear lively and appealing in everyday light. The very slightly included clarity evaluated at eye level indicates that the gem is effectively eye-clean to most observers, which is a meaningful factor for those who prioritize clarity. At approximately 4.68 millimeters in diameter, the stone will sit comfortably as a delicate solitaire or as an elegant accent in multi-stone designs, where its cool grey-blue tone can complement white metals and warmer hues equally well. The Natural Sapphire Company stands behind the gem’s descriptions and can provide further documentation, imagery, and setting recommendations. Routine care with mild soap and water and avoidance of harsh chemicals will preserve the polish and color, and a protective mounting can help guard against knocks for daily wear.