0.72 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 0.72 carat blue sapphire is presented in a refined asscher-octagon shape with exact dimensions of 4.99 by 4.88 by 3.36 millimeters. The stone displays a vivid color intensity and an excellent polish, qualities that immediately communicate a high level of visual appeal. The asscher cut, with its stepped pavilion and truncated corners, emphasizes precise facet symmetry and a distinct play of light across its table and facets. Clarity is noted as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating that any inclusions are minimal and do not detract from the gem’s overall transparency or brilliance in normal viewing conditions. This sapphire has been heat treated, a widely accepted enhancement that enhances color saturation and clarity while remaining stable under normal wear. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a provenance celebrated for producing lively, saturated blue sapphires with a characteristic vibrancy that collectors and connoisseurs recognize and prize.

The asscher cut on this sapphire is important both aesthetically and functionally. Its octagonal outline and concentric step facets create broad planes of color and light reflection rather than the scattered brilliance seen in brilliant cuts. The depth of this stone at 3.36 millimeters relative to its average diameter of approximately 4.94 millimeters yields a depth percentage of roughly 68 percent, a proportion that concentrates color and contributes to the vivid blue appearance without becoming overly dark. Asscher cuts also highlight clarity and facet precision, so the excellent polish reported for this gem means facet junctions are well finished and surfaces are smooth, allowing more accurate light return and a crisp, architectural visual effect. For those selecting stones for a sleek, vintage-inspired setting or a modern geometric piece, an asscher-cut sapphire of this size and finish offers a compelling balance of presence and refinement.

Regarding clarity and treatment, the designation very slightly included at eye level suggests inclusions are small, limited, and not located in positions that compromise the stone’s integrity or aesthetic when set. Typical inclusions in natural sapphires from Sri Lanka can include fine rutile “silk,” tiny mineral crystals, or fingerprint-like growth features. These inclusions are often part of what confirms a natural origin and do not necessarily detract from the stone’s desirability; in many cases they can be beneficial to diffusion of light and perceived saturation of color. The sapphire’s heat treatment is a controlled process commonly applied in corundum to improve hue uniformity and reduce visible inclusions. When properly performed and documented, heat treatment is considered permanent and stable under normal conditions, and it is a broadly accepted practice in the trade. For buyers who prioritize transparency about treatments and origin, The Natural Sapphire Company provides full disclosure and can assist with independent gemological reporting upon request.

Durability is a crucial consideration for any gem intended for everyday wear, and sapphire’s physical properties make it exceptionally suitable for a wide range of jewelry applications. Corundum, the mineral species that includes sapphire, registers a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This places it second only to diamond, which is a 10, and means sapphires are significantly harder and more scratch-resistant than common jewelry materials such as topaz (8), quartz (7), and most gemstones used in fashion jewelry. In practical terms, this translates to excellent resistance to scratching during daily activities and to retaining polished facets over time. However, hardness on the Mohs scale is ordinal rather than linear, so sapphires can still be chipped by a hard impact, and care should be taken to protect the girdle and corners of faceted stones. Given the asscher’s step facets and defined corners, settings that provide protective bezel or well-placed prongs are advisable for ring mounts, while pendants and earrings are less exposed and are excellent choices for showcasing this particular stone.

For the informed buyer, several factors make this Ceylon asscher sapphire a compelling purchase through The Natural Sapphire Company. The combination of vivid color, excellent polish, an attractive asscher cut, and a compact yet substantial 0.72 carat weight results in a stone that reads as both visually rich and technically sound. Ceylon provenance carries a recognized historical and market value, as Sri Lankan sapphires frequently offer bright, vibrant blues that respond well to careful cutting. The heat treatment reported is industry standard and, when disclosed, allows buyers to assess value relative to untreated material; in many cases, heat-treated Ceylon sapphires represent the best balance of color, clarity, and cost-effectiveness. For collectors and jewelry designers, the stone’s approximate 68 percent depth contributes to color saturation suitable for solitaire rings, hinged three-stone settings, accent stones in bespoke engagement rings, or elegant pendant and earring applications. The Natural Sapphire Company stands ready to provide additional technical data, high-resolution images, and independent laboratory reports to support provenance and treatment disclosures, and to recommend settings that maximize both beauty and durability for long-term enjoyment.