1.26 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent round blue sapphire weighs 1.26 carat, and measures 6.54 by 6.56 by 3.60 mm, making it a well proportioned gem for both classic and contemporary mounts. The stone is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a faceted crown that maximizes fire with a pavilion geometry that optimizes return of light, and it shows a vivid color intensity that immediately identifies it as a premium Ceylon sapphire. Clarity has been graded as very very slightly included evaluated at eye level, which means the small internal features do not detract from the gem when viewed without magnification, and the polish has been noted as excellent, allowing facets to act as crisp reflective surfaces. Enhancement is by heat treatment, a widely accepted and stable process that has been used for centuries to improve color saturation and clarity. The origin of this material is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a classical source renowned for producing vibrant cornflower and vivid blue sapphires, and The Natural Sapphire Company is pleased to present this example of that heritage.

To understand why this sapphire sparkles so compellingly it helps to consider the internal structure of corundum, which is aluminum oxide in a trigonal crystal system, and how that structure interacts with light. Corundum has a relatively high refractive index and moderate dispersion compared with diamond, which means it bends and separates light in a way that yields strong brilliance and selective flashes of blue. The mixed brilliant cut of this sapphire plays directly into those optical properties, the brilliant facet arrangement on the crown produces numerous small reflections that create scintillation, while the pavilion facets are cut to angles that favor internal reflection rather than light leakage. Because the stone exhibits good symmetry and an excellent polish, light entering the table is efficiently reflected back through the crown, producing an even field of lively blue flashes when the gem is moved. In addition this sapphire displays pleochroism a directional color response common to corundum which can enhance apparent depth and richness of color as light interacts with different crystallographic directions, a trait that a skilled cutter can exploit to maximize visual impact.

Clarity and enhancement both influence value in technical and practical ways, and in this example they work together to deliver exceptional appearance at an attractive trade level. The very very slightly included grade evaluated at eye level indicates that inclusions are minor, typically wisps or pinpoint crystals that serve as natural fingerprints of the gem without impeding transparency or sparkle. Heat treatment in Ceylon material is a stable, predictable enhancement that commonly intensifies the desirable blue hue by modifying trace element distributions and healing some internal features, producing a vivid, evenly saturated color that is often preferred by connoisseurs. The excellent polish further elevates light performance by ensuring facet junctions and planes are smooth and accurately shaped, minimizing surface scatter and maximizing mirror like return. From a practical standpoint the sapphire’s Mohs hardness of nine and its crystalline toughness make it well suited for daily wear in rings and other frequently handled jewelry, and the compact dimensions make it versatile for solitaire settings, three stone arrangements, or as a precision matched center for bespoke designs.

For the educated buyer this sapphire presents a combination of documented origin premium color measured dimensions and gemological integrity that justifies its appeal and value. Ceylon origin carries a provenance premium for many collectors and designers because Sri Lankan sapphire deposits produce a distinctive spectrum of blue that is often described as lively and pure, and that plays exceptionally well in mixed brilliant cutting where both scintillation and color are important. At The Natural Sapphire Company we emphasize full disclosure and accurate description, and we can provide additional photographic details and independent assessment upon request to support the stone’s specifications. Whether you are selecting a center stone for an engagement piece or adding a rare color correct example to a collection, this 1.26 carat mixed brilliant round Ceylon sapphire combines the optical science of cut and polish with historically sought after origin and stable enhancement, creating a gem that delivers unmatched sparkle consistency and long term wearability. If you would like tailored mounting recommendations or a comparison to similar stones in our inventory we can assist with facet lighting diagrams and setting profiles to ensure the finished piece preserves the stone’s brilliance and color to the fullest degree.