1.42 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Madagascar

This listing describes one transparent blue sapphire weighing 1.42 carats, presented in an oval shape with a mixed brilliant cut, and originating from Madagascar. The dimensions are 6.68 by 5.60 by 4.62 millimeters, and the stone displays a dark color intensity with uniform saturation across the face. Clarity has been evaluated at eye level as very slightly included, indicating only minor inclusions that do not substantially interrupt the gem’s visual integrity when viewed without magnification. The sapphire has been heat treated, a standard and stable enhancement for blue sapphires, and it has been finished with an excellent polish, which contributes to a clean facet junction and consistent light return. The Natural Sapphire Company reference is included to confirm sourcing and handling standards applied during our assessment and presentation of this gem.

The mixed brilliant cut employed in this oval sapphire combines a step-style pavilion with brilliant-style crown facets to balance weight retention and scintillation. With an overall depth of 4.62 millimeters relative to the average of the length and width, the depth percentage calculates to approximately 75 percent. This is a moderately deep proportion for an oval sapphire, and it indicates that a greater portion of the gem’s material has been retained in the pavilion to preserve carat weight and internal color depth. The consequence of these proportions is a rich, dark face-up appearance, particularly favorable for deep blue stones where color saturation is a primary attribute. The oval outline measures 6.68 millimeters along the long axis and 5.60 millimeters along the short axis, providing a classic, elongated silhouette that suits a variety of mounting styles while maintaining visual balance and stable setting geometry.

Clarity and finish are important for both appearance and long-term performance. The very slightly included assessment at eye level means that inclusions are present but small enough that they generally do not distract from the gem’s overall appearance in normal, unaided viewing. These internal features have been considered when cutting and polishing, and they have been positioned in such a way as to minimize their visibility while maximizing brilliance and color. Heat treatment is noted as the enhancement method. Heat treatment is the industry norm for blue sapphires and is employed to improve color uniformity and remove silk or other inclusions that obscure transparency. It is considered permanent under ordinary conditions of wear and cleaning. The excellent polish grade reflects tight, well-finished facets with minimal surface abrasions, contributing to crisp mirror-like facet planes and consistent light performance across the stone.

Durability is an important consideration when selecting a gemstone for regular wear, and the inherent material properties of sapphire are a key advantage in this regard. Sapphires are varieties of corundum and register a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, which places them among the hardest gemstones available after diamond, which is a 10. By comparison, quartz commonly used in jewelry measures 7, topaz measures 8, and many beryls such as emerald fall around 7.5 to 8. The relative hardness of sapphire makes it highly resistant to surface scratching during day-to-day wear, and its lack of true cleavage reduces susceptibility to splitting along defined planes. These attributes make sapphire an excellent option for rings and other items subject to frequent contact. That said, no gem is impervious to damage from sharp blows or extreme impacts, and settings that offer protective support, such as bezel or robust prong designs, further enhance long-term resilience. For cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft brush are appropriate for heat-treated sapphires; ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe for well-healed, stable stones but should be used with caution if there is any concern about internal fractures. This sapphire from Madagascar, presented by The Natural Sapphire Company, combines durable material properties, careful cutting and finishing, and documentation of treatment to provide a balanced profile of color, clarity, and wearability for a range of fine jewelry applications.