1.42 Ct. Violet Star Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One of our standout pieces at The Natural Sapphire Company is this translucent violet star sapphire weighing 1.42 carats, presented in an elegant oval shape with precise dimensions of 7.00 x 6.22 x 3.14 millimeters. The gem has been fashioned as a cabochon, with a controlled dome profile designed to optimize the display of asterism. The overall appearance is defined by a light color intensity, exhibiting a delicate violet body color with cool undertones that is characteristic of premium Ceylon material, and the stone is confirmed as unchanged by heat or other treatments. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, which informs both the hue range and the typical silk inclusion pattern, and the gem has been graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating only modest internal features that do not detract from the visual effect under normal viewing conditions.

From a cutting and optical perspective the cabochon shows careful attention to the alignment of the rutile silk, which is responsible for the six ray asterism observed across the surface. The cutter has prioritized orienting the crystal growth axis perpendicular to the dome apex, producing a well centered star that translates cleanly across the dome as the light source moves. The dome height relative to the table dimensions is appreciable, with a profile that is moderately high, which increases the optical path length through the oriented silk and therefore improves star contrast against the violet body color. The six rayed star is a result of intersecting sets of fine rutile needles, and under a single point light source the star presents as distinct and mobile. The polish has been evaluated as excellent, delivering a smooth lustrous surface that aids in contrast of the star, though there are minor natural surface reaching features near the girdle profile that are consistent with cabochons cut from natural rough material rather than filled or remelted substrates.

Clarity and color interplay are central to the gemological character of this sapphire, and the very slightly included clarity grade at eye level communicates that inclusions are primarily fine silk and small pinpoint features that do not materially impede the asterism. The translucency allows light diffusion through the cabochon, creating a soft velvety sheen that complements the light violet color intensity. Ceylon sapphires often display a subtle cool bias, and this stone shows a balanced violet with faint lilac notes that shift slightly with viewing angle and illumination. It is helpful to examine the star under a single, direct point light to appreciate the sharpness and centering, and to view the gem against both white and slightly darker backgrounds to assess contrast. From a material properties perspective the gem is corundum, which carries a refractive index range that typically spans 1.762 to 1.770, and a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale, ensuring substantial wearability when set and properly protected.

For practical use and setting recommendations this 1.42 carat oval cabochon performs well in protective mountings that maintain the central alignment of the star, and a bezel setting is often preferred to secure the girdle and protect the dome during wear. The slightly higher dome profile benefits from settings that allow the star to remain unobstructed and that present the gem to light sources above, optimizing the asterism for everyday viewing. For collectors who prioritize untreated provenance and classic Ceylon asterism this sapphire is a compelling specimen, combining natural origin, no enhancement, excellent polish, and an eye level clarity that retains the integrity of the star. At The Natural Sapphire Company we provide detailed descriptions and imaging to support evaluation of each piece, and this violet star sapphire is documented to reflect its natural Ceylon origin and its untreated status, offering both a technical and aesthetic proposition for buyers who value authentic, finely crafted star sapphires.