1.43 Ct. Purplish Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.43 carat cushion shape purplish blue sapphire from Ceylon, presented by The Natural Sapphire Company, is an exemplary specimen for the connoisseur who values precise proportions and rich color. The stone measures 7.45 by 4.97 by 4.48 millimeters, and displays transparent clarity with an eye clean grade evaluated at eye level. The cutting style is faceted, employing a mixed brilliant cut to harmonize fire and color saturation, and the surface finish is described as excellent polish. The sapphire has been heat treated, a stable and standard enhancement applied to many fine sapphires to deepen tone and improve clarity without altering the gem chemistry. Taken together, these attributes yield a gem that is both technically accomplished and visually immediate, an ideal candidate for a principal position in a ring or pendant intended to mark a meaningful occasion.

The mixed brilliant cutting design for this cushion shape integrates a brilliant facet arrangement on the crown with angular pavilion facets, producing a lively interplay of scintillation and broad flashes that accentuate the stone core. The dimensions indicate a relatively deep profile, with a depth of 4.48 millimeters against an average face dimension of 6.21 millimeters, resulting in a depth ratio of approximately 72.1 percent, a proportion that concentrates light and enhances perceived color saturation. Facet junctions are executed with precision, enabling controlled light return and clean contrast between bright and dark facets, which increases the apparent life of the sapphire in varying lighting conditions. The mixed brilliant approach also moderates windowing in the table area while preserving the directional sparkle important to wearer engagement, making the stone perform admirably under both diffuse and direct illumination.

Colorally this sapphire sits within the purplish blue range, with an intense color intensity that reads as vivid and elegant rather than overly dark, a balance often prized in Ceylon sapphires. The Ceylon origin is associated with a velvety clarity and a lively mid tone, characteristics that this stone exhibits through its even color distribution and lack of noticeable zoning at normal viewing distance. Pleochroic tendencies common to corundum manifest here as subtle shifts between cooler blue and slightly warmer purplish undertones as the stone is turned, a property that can add depth and intrigue when set in jewelry. The eye clean clarity grade, assessed at eye level, means that the viewing field is free from inclusions that detract from visual impact, permitting the intense color and facet architecture to command attention. The excellent polish contributes to crisp facet definition and a smooth surface that maximizes luster and minimizes wear related microabrasions over time.

Presented as a striking gift, this purplish blue cushion sapphire offers both emotional resonance and technical distinction, attributes especially fitting for milestone celebrations. The stone mounts beautifully as a solitaire with a sizeable table to emphasize color, as a halo center surrounded by fine melee to increase perceived size and brilliance, or as part of a three stone arrangement to symbolize past present and future. Metals such as platinum or 18 karat white gold are advantageous for emphasizing the cool tones of the blue, while 18 karat yellow or rose gold can warm the appearance for a more vintage aesthetic. From a practical standpoint, corundum ranks high on the Mohs scale, providing excellent durability for daily wear when set with secure mounting and periodic professional care. The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with bespoke design options and provide expert guidance regarding setting profile, pavilion clearance and bezel versus prong considerations to protect the stone while showcasing its technical virtues, making this sapphire not only a technically interesting specimen but also a timeless and striking gift for someone truly special.