1.08 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.08 carat round blue sapphire from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, presents a transparent body with precise dimensions of 6.29 by 6.30 by 3.66 millimeters, yielding a table to depth ratio that corresponds to a depth of approximately 58.1 percent. Cut as a mixed brilliant, the stone combines a brilliant style crown with a pavilion that is optimized to balance scintillation and color saturation, following a classical 57 facet configuration that enhances light return while maintaining strong color. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, so the inclusions are minor and do not compromise overall transparency or the stone's ability to distribute light across the facet planes. The polish is excellent, producing crisp facet junctions and clean facet windows that preserve sharp reflections and facilitate strong face up brilliance. Enhancement by controlled heat treatment has been disclosed, a stable and commonly accepted practice for Ceylon sapphires that intensifies the intrinsic blue without altering the gemological identity of the corundum.

From a gemological perspective the mixed brilliant geometry and the measured depth yield a performance profile that favors even color distribution across the table while avoiding excessive windowing or black area that can mute saturation. The pavilion angle implied by the depth promotes strong internal reflection cycles, so incoming light is efficiently bounced back through the crown facets where the bright facets and star facets generate lively scintillation. The very slightly included clarity grade helps preserve a clean, transparent appearance, allowing for pinpoint catch lights and crisp facet contrast. The excellent polish reduces light scatter at facet junctions, which contributes to defined flashes of light and a higher apparent luster. Heat treatment in this context is focused on enhancing color saturation and removing localized color zoning, and the result is a vivid intensity that remains stable under normal wear and environmental exposure.

Color is the defining attribute of this sapphire, described by our grading as vivid intensity, with a strong medium to deep blue that carries a subtle cool overtone typical of quality Ceylon material. The stone exhibits pleochroic behavior that can reveal slightly different blue intensities from different viewing angles, which adds depth and a sense of movement to the color when the gem is set and the wearer moves. When set in white metal, such as platinum or white gold, the cool saturated blue reads as more pure and slightly more vivid because the metallic backdrop reflects neutral white light into the pavilion, emphasizing blue chroma. In yellow gold settings the warm metal creates a complementary contrast that can make the blue appear richer and slightly warmer at first glance, creating a classical, regal look. Against rose gold the combination produces a modern, romantic contrast that softens the blue and highlights any violet overtone present, resulting in a nuanced and fashionable appearance.

Considerations for how this hue complements skin tones are based on colorimetry and visual contrast. On fair cool toned skin the vivid blue of this sapphire will provide crisp contrast and a cool, elegant appearance that enhances both the stone and the complexion. On fair warm toned skin the stone will read as slightly more saturated and will benefit from a warm metal setting to harmonize with the wearer. On olive or medium skin tones the blue will appear highly saturated and luxurious, with the potential to look almost luminous when set in a simple bezel that concentrates the viewer on the color. On deeper skin tones the vivid blue will create striking color pop and high contrast, making the gem immediately conspicuous and highly legible from a distance. For a versatile everyday piece a four prong or subtle six prong head in platinum preserves maximum light entry and showcases the mixed brilliant facet pattern, while a thin halo of fine white diamonds can increase apparent brightness without diluting the blue. For durability and a sleek modern profile a low bezel can be used, with the trade off of slightly reduced light dispersion due to the restricted angles of light entry.

As specialists at The Natural Sapphire Company we emphasize provenance and cut quality as the determinants of aesthetic success in finished jewelry, and this 1.08 carat Ceylon sapphire exemplifies the balance of natural material and lapidary skill. The dimensions and mixed brilliant design make this stone appropriate as a center in both rings and pendants, where the 6.29 by 6.30 millimeter spread reads as notable yet wearable. For design recommendations that maximize color and brilliance we advise open gallery settings that allow light to enter the pavilion from multiple angles, minimal metal overlap across the crown to preserve the table view, and precise prong placement that secures the gem at the girdle without obscuring facet junctions. We provide full disclosure of heat treatment and origin with every sapphire, and we encourage clients to request a detailed report from a recognized gemological laboratory to accompany provenance documentation, ensuring that the gemological attributes and enhancements are fully transparent for informed design and investment decisions.