1.36 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.36 carat round blue sapphire from Ceylon is an exceptional example of natural beauty refined by expert cutting. Measuring 6.76 by 6.78 by 4.03 millimeters, this sapphire presents a harmonious balance of size and symmetry, with a mixed brilliant cut that brings out its most desirable optical qualities. Its medium color intensity delivers a lively, true blue that is immediately appealing without appearing overly dark, and its clarity grade is very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which means the stone is effectively eye clean and presents a clean window of color to the observer. The excellent polish on every facet ensures that light meets the surface cleanly and exits with maximum brilliance, and importantly this sapphire has undergone no enhancement, making it a rare untreated gem from the famed gem fields of Sri Lanka. At The Natural Sapphire Company we prioritize ethically sourced, natural stones, and this sapphire is offered to customers who value authenticity, superior craftsmanship, and lasting beauty.

What distinguishes this sapphire from many others on the market is the mixed brilliant cut and the precision of its proportions. The mixed brilliant approach combines the scintillation and fire of a brilliant facet pattern on the crown with carefully calculated pavilion facets that control internal reflection and minimize light leakage. The result is a lively play of light that highlights both brilliance and color saturation. With a depth of 4.03 millimeters relative to a diameter of about 6.77 millimeters, this stone carries a depth that is very close to the classic ideal for round cuts, about 59 and a half percent. That proportion is crucial because a pavilion that is too shallow will create windowing and a loss of fire, while a pavilion that is too deep will cause dark areas and muted sparkle. The cutter of this sapphire struck the optimal balance, creating broad flashes of white light and lively pinpoints of scintillation when the gem moves, and a uniform distribution of blue that avoids the common problem of color zoning. The excellent polish further enhances facet definition, so each reflection is crisp and bright rather than dull, which is an advantage that becomes immediately apparent when comparing this stone with similar carat sapphires finished to lesser standards.

When you compare this gemstone to others available, several value and quality differences stand out. Many sapphires on the market have been heat treated to improve color and clarity, which is a widespread practice, and such stones can still be beautiful and well priced. However untreated sapphires like this Ceylon gem are less common and therefore hold premium desirability and long term value. Likewise, stones that are poorly cut or given a standard one size fits all approach often underperform in light performance, looking smaller and less lively than their carat weight would suggest. This sapphire benefits from a cut that maximizes visible surface area and sparkle, so a 1.36 carat presence appears lively and larger on the finger than a poorly cut counterpart of the same weight. Clarity matters too, and the very very slightly included grade at eye level means there are no distracting marks to compromise the visual impact, unlike lower clarity stones where inclusions can interrupt the light path and create dark spots. The combination of untreated origin, eye clean clarity, excellent polish, and an intelligently executed mixed brilliant cut creates a stone that is both a pleasure to wear and a smart investment for collectors and fine jewelry buyers.

From a practical perspective this sapphire is exceptionally versatile for settings that showcase its cut and color. A classic open prong or cathedral setting will allow maximum light to reach the pavilion and encourage the lively reflections that this cut is designed to produce, while a low bezel can emphasize the purity of the blue and protect the girdle without significantly muting the stone s fire. For those seeking contrast, pairing this Ceylon blue with white diamonds enhances the perceived brilliance by providing reflective accents, whereas warmer metal tones can bring out the stone s softer cornflower notes. At The Natural Sapphire Company we can advise on mounting styles that will preserve the sapphire s integrity while maximizing its optical performance. In short this round mixed brilliant sapphire combines the best attributes customers seek, offering superior light performance, honest natural origin, and enduring value, and it is a fine choice for anyone who wants a classic, eye catching blue that stands apart from mass market alternatives.