0.97 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing describes one transparent cushion shape blue sapphire weighing 0.97 carat, with exact dimensions of 5.40 x 5.11 x 3.65 millimeters, supplied by The Natural Sapphire Company. The stone is faceted in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a stepped pavilion with a brilliant crown to optimize both scintillation and depth of color. The clarity grade is described as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating minimal inclusions that do not materially affect the gem face up. Color is classified as medium intense, presenting the classic Ceylon blue tone that balances saturation and liveliness. The sapphire has an excellent polish, yielding crisp facet junctions and a clean surface sheen. This stone has been heat treated, a stable and widely accepted enhancement in sapphire trade that improves color and clarity through controlled thermal processes. The origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a source long recognized for producing sapphires with lively cornflower and royal blue hues, and The Natural Sapphire Company affirms this provenance based on our sourcing records.

The mixed brilliant cut in this cushion shape is designed to maximize light return within the gemstone dimensions provided. At 5.40 by 5.11 millimeters and under one carat in weight, this sapphire presents a compelling face up size for delicate to medium settings, including solitaire rings, halo designs, and refined pendant applications. The crown facets produce crisp flashes of white light, while the pavilion facets deepen the blue color toward the stone center, creating an appealing balance between brilliance and body color. The medium intense color indicates a substantial saturation that reads well in both warm and cool lighting conditions, avoiding the overly dark appearance that can reduce apparent size, and also maintaining the vibrancy that distinguishes fine Ceylon sapphires. Clarity described as very very slightly included at eye level means that inclusions are typically pinpoint or needle like and do not distract from the visual purity of the stone when set. The excellent polish contributes to surface durability and optical performance, ensuring facet reflections are clean and the overall visual impression remains crisp.

Durability is an important consideration for any center stone, and sapphires are among the most practical choices for daily wear. Sapphires are varieties of corundum and register nine on the Mohs hardness scale. This places them directly below diamond which is ten on the Mohs scale, and above topaz which is eight and quartz which is seven. The consequence of this hardness rating is that sapphires resist scratching from most materials encountered in everyday life, and maintain polish and facet sharpness through prolonged use. Hardness on the Mohs scale describes resistance to surface abrasion, it does not alone define toughness or susceptibility to fracture. Corundum generally lacks true cleavage, which contributes to good toughness compared with some other gem species, however it can chip from a severe mechanical impact or a hard knock at an acute facet edge or girdle. For practical wearability we recommend secure settings and routine inspection. Bezel settings offer strong protection to the girdle and crown, while well executed prong settings allow more light entry and remain suitable provided prongs are monitored and maintained over time.

From a practical jewelry perspective this 0.97 carat Ceylon sapphire adapts well to a variety of design directions. Its cushion outline lends a slightly vintage aesthetic, while the mixed brilliant cutting yields modern scintillation for contemporary rings and pendants. Because this stone is heat treated, the color and clarity improvements are considered stable for normal wearing and routine cleaning, however established best practices are recommended. Cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is effective and safe, and professional ultrasonic or steam cleaning can be used at the discretion of a qualified jeweler once the setting and condition of the stone are confirmed. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and strong acids, and have mountings inspected periodically to ensure secure retention. The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with custom mounting options that take into account the sapphire dimensions and optical properties, ensuring optimal orientation for face up color and maximum light return. Documentation from our sourcing records accompanies the gemstone to verify its Ceylon origin and its treatment status, enabling informed decisions for purchase and bespoke design.