1.14 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 1.14 carat cushion shape blue sapphire measures 6.62 x 5.50 x 3.61 mm, it is faceted in a mixed brilliant cut, and it displays an intense color intensity with an excellent polish. The weight and proportions place this gem in a size class that is versatile for both solitaire rings and more intricate settings, while the cushion outline provides a timeless silhouette that flatters many ring styles. The mixed brilliant facet arrangement combines a scintillating crown with a carefully faceted pavilion to maximize light return and face up color, creating a gem that reads both lively and saturated to the eye. The Natural Sapphire Company presents this stone as a well balanced example of classical form, precise cutting, and honest grading.

The mixed brilliant cut is chosen deliberately for sapphires when the goal is to reconcile color depth with flash and scintillation. The crown facets are cut to brilliant proportions to break light into lively flashes, while the pavilion facets are laid out to preserve saturated blue without excessive darkening. At 3.61 mm depth, the stone exhibits an efficient pavilion that avoids heavy windowing, and the length to width ratio produced by the 6.62 by 5.50 mm dimensions gives the cushion shape an elegant, slightly elongated appearance on the finger. An excellent polish enhances the surface luster, so when set the gem will display crisp facet junctions and strong contrast, attributes that are important to collectors and designers who look for craftsmanship as well as natural quality.

Clarity is stated as very very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which for most practical and aesthetic purposes means the inclusions are minimal and not apparent without magnification. In Sri Lankan sapphires, those inclusions commonly take the form of fine rutile needles, tiny crystal inclusions, or wispy silk, and when they are present in very very slight degrees they often act to diffuse light in a way that can enhance the perceived color without compromising transparency. The stone has been heat treated, a conventional and widely accepted enhancement in the sapphire trade, used to stabilize and intensify color while reducing some inclusions. Heat treatment is permanent and requires no special limitations for normal wear, and it is fully disclosed in this description to preserve transparency for the informed buyer. Origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a source renowned for producing blue sapphires that combine brightness and clarity with lively saturation, qualities that are consistent with the intense color intensity observed in this gem.

Durability is a key consideration for any buyer, and sapphire ranks at 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, second only to diamond which is 10. This makes sapphire substantially more resistant to scratching than many other popular gems, for example it is harder than topaz which is 8, and it is markedly harder and less fragile than emerald which typically registers around 7.5 to 8 and often has more structural vulnerabilities due to frequent inclusions. The practical implication is that a sapphire will stand up well to daily wear in engagement rings, bracelets, and other frequently used pieces, provided basic care is observed. Avoiding knocks against harder materials such as diamond or corundum of similar grade, and protecting the gem from extreme shocks, will help preserve the polished facets and overall integrity. Because this stone is heat treated without additional clarity filling, routine cleaning in warm soapy water or with a gentle jewelry cleaning bath or ultrasonic device is acceptable, though it is always prudent to consult your jeweler for final care recommendations for the finished piece.

For the educated buyer seeking a transparent, well cut, and responsibly disclosed blue sapphire, this 1.14 carat Ceylon cushion represents a strong proposition. The combination of intense color intensity, a mixed brilliant cut that balances fire and saturation, a clarity grade read as very very slightly included at eye level, and a full disclosure of heat treatment provides the factual basis necessary to assess long term desirability and market stability. The Natural Sapphire Company stands behind the accuracy of the description, and our experience with Sri Lankan material supports the view that stones with these attributes retain both aesthetic appeal and investment resilience. If you value a gem that offers excellent wearability, attractive face up color, and precise cutting, this cushion sapphire offers a compelling option to consider for a bespoke commission or as a central stone in a refined jewelry design.