1.28 Ct. Bluish Green Sapphire from Madagascar

This 1.28 carat cushion-shaped bluish green sapphire from Madagascar embodies a balance of gemological quality and aesthetic versatility that appeals to the educated buyer. The sapphire measures 6.52 by 5.21 by 4.07 millimeters and is fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut, a choice that combines step facets and brilliant facets to maximize both color and scintillation. Its transparency and excellent polish ensure light returns cleanly from the pavilion and crown, giving the stone lively sparkle despite its medium intense color saturation. Clarity is described as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating minor internal characteristics that do not detract from visual appeal or affect durability under normal wear. This stone has undergone standard heat treatment to improve color and clarity, a widely accepted and stable enhancement in the trade, and its Madagascan origin adds provenance that many connoisseurs value for the region’s reputation for producing attractive and characterful sapphires.

From a technical standpoint, several features make this sapphire valuable to an educated buyer. The mixed brilliant cut offers an efficient spread for its carat weight, producing pleasing face-up dimensions and a strong return of light for visual size and brilliance. The medium intense saturation is particularly desirable because it sits between pale and deeply saturated colors, maintaining good color presence without appearing overly dark in low light. Very slightly included clarity assessed at eye level means the inclusions are minor and typically not visible without magnification, preserving the gem’s appeal to collectors who prefer eye-clean material. Heat treatment, when disclosed and properly done, stabilizes chromophore distribution and improves tone, and provides predictable long-term performance. Taken together with precise dimensions and excellent polish, these attributes make the stone both an attractive piece for high-quality bespoke jewelry and a sound choice for those seeking long-term value.

Color behavior and how it complements skin tones are important considerations when setting a bluish green sapphire. This gem exhibits a bluish green hue with pleochroic tendencies, so it can display cooler blue tones or greener flashes depending on viewing angle and lighting. On fair or cool undertones, settings in platinum or white gold will emphasize the blue aspects and provide a crisp, elegant contrast that reads as refined and contemporary. For warm or golden undertones, yellow gold or rose gold settings will enhance the green and warmer facets of the stone, producing a richer, more harmonious look that integrates with warmer skin tones. Olive complexions benefit from the medium intense saturation, which gives the stone a strong presence without overwhelming the skin; both yellow gold and white metals will work well, with the choice depending on whether a warmer or cooler aesthetic is desired. On darker skin tones, the gem’s medium intensity offers striking contrast and a bold visual impact; yellow gold can accentuate the green warmth for a classical feel, while platinum will deliver a modern, high-contrast presentation that highlights cooler blue flashes.

When commissioning or purchasing this sapphire through The Natural Sapphire Company, consider design and setting choices that allow the stone’s mixed brilliant facets and pleochroic character to be showcased. A four-prong or low-bezel setting with minimal metal across the crown will allow light to enter and reveal the color shifts, while a diamond halo can increase perceived size and sparkle without competing with the sapphire’s color. Because the stone is heat treated and eye-clean, it is well suited for everyday wear pieces like engagement rings, pendants, or statement earrings, but standard care should be observed, avoiding harsh chemical exposure and abrupt thermal shocks. Our lapidaries and jewelers can rotate the gem within a custom mounting to present the most desirable face-up color for the wearer’s skin tone, and full documentation and provenance from Madagascar will accompany the stone to support informed ownership.