1.06 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This gem is a transparent, oval shape blue sapphire weighing 1.06 carats, a weight that immediately positions it within the premium tier for natural Ceylon sapphires, and it carries the hallmark of quality that collectors and experienced buyers seek. The dimensions are 5.73, 5.20, 4.11 millimeters, a proportion set that balances presence and wearability for a fine center stone. The piece is cut as a mixed brilliant, combining a brilliant style crown with a faceted pavilion that optimizes scintillation and depth of color. Clarity is described as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, effectively eye clean in typical viewing conditions, and the stone exhibits vivid color intensity with an excellent polish. Importantly, this sapphire is untreated, with no enhancement, and its origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a source long regarded for producing sapphires with lively saturation and a pure, appealing blue character. The Natural Sapphire Company presents this stone as an example of carefully selected, responsibly sourced material that meets rigorous standards for natural, untreated gem quality.

From a cutting and faceting perspective, the mixed brilliant design employed here is engineered to reconcile two priorities, maximum color saturation and optimal light return. The crown features multiple kite and star facets culminating in a modest table that serves to focus light into the gem without washing the color, while the pavilion facets are arranged to increase internal reflection and depth, producing a deep blue appearance that reads vividly even in varied lighting. With the recorded depth of 4.11 millimeters relative to the mean diameter, the depth percentage is approximately 75 percent, which indicates a slightly deeper pavilion than many commercial cuts, a deliberate choice that enhances color concentration in a stone of this diameter. The girdle appears consistent and well proportioned, contributing to predictable setting behavior and secure mounting. Facet junctions are crisp, and the faceting pattern exhibits precise symmetry, traits that confirm the cutter prioritized optical performance and material yield in creating a stone that presents as both lively and saturated.

Color evaluation is central to the value proposition of this sapphire, and this example presents a vivid intensity that is immediately apparent. The primary hue is a pure, saturated blue with minimal secondary tones, and the saturation sits at a level that reads strong in daylight and retains presence under incandescent illumination. Color distribution is even across the table and pavilion, with no obvious banding or localized concentrations visible in face up inspection, which supports a consistent appearance from the waist and under light. Corundum commonly displays pleochroism, and this sapphire demonstrates distinct blue dominance across viewing axes, with no distracting shifts that would diminish its suitability as a center stone. The untreated status amplifies its market importance, as untreated Ceylon sapphires with vivid saturation and minimal zoning at just over one carat are relatively rare, making this specimen a strategic acquisition for buyers who prioritize provenance, natural state, and color integrity.

Regarding clarity and surface finish, the stone is graded as very very slightly included at eye level, which in practical terms means inclusions do not interrupt the face up clean presentation and do not materially affect brilliance or structural integrity. The inclusions that are present are minor, well confined, and do not create windows that would reduce the stone’s visual impact. The polish is excellent, producing sharp facet planes that enhance specular reflection and contribute to crisp scintillation. The combination of careful facet orientation and superior polish minimizes light leakage and maximizes contrast, creating a dynamic interplay of bright and dark areas that accentuates the vivid blue. From a gemological standpoint, the refractive index of corundum, approximately 1.76 to 1.77, interacts favorably with the chosen facet angles in this piece, preserving internal reflections and delivering the lively optical performance expected of a finely cut sapphire.

In practical terms for design and wear, a 1.06 carat oval sapphire with these specifications is highly versatile, serving as an elegant solitaire center or as the focal point within a halo or three stone composition, where the vivid untreated color will remain the primary visual statement. The dimensions allow for comfortable daily wear in a variety of mounting profiles, and the deeper pavilion means the gem will read slightly larger and more intense than a shallower cut of similar carat weight. For collectors and connoisseurs, its Ceylon origin and untreated nature add provenance and rarity, reinforcing its premium status. The Natural Sapphire Company offers this gem as a collector grade, ready for custom mounting, and as part of our curated selection of natural, responsibly sourced sapphires. For buyers seeking technical quality, untreated origin, and a balanced combination of strong color and fine cutting craftsmanship, this 1.06 carat oval sapphire represents a compelling opportunity, and we invite you to contact The Natural Sapphire Company for further details and consultation on setting options.