1.47 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a transparent 1.47 carat oval blue sapphire, with precise dimensions of 7.80 by 5.90 by 3.81 millimeters, presenting an excellent face up balance for its weight. The gem has been fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a faceted brilliant style crown with a more structured pavilion to marry fire and color retention. The depth to average diameter ratio is approximately 55.6 percent, a proportion chosen to minimize windowing while preserving overall carat weight and promoting strong return of light through the crown. Color is described as light intensity blue, a tone often prized for its lively and approachable hue, and polish quality has been graded excellent, indicating crisp facet junctions and a smooth facet finish that enhances scintillation. Clarity is evaluated as slightly included at eye level, and the sapphire is entirely natural with no enhancement, which materially increases its market desirability when compared to the large population of heat treated stones.

The mixed brilliant faceting strategy used on this oval is deliberately technical, the crown facet arrangement designed to create a controlled pattern of scintillation that distracts the eye from internal characteristics, while the pavilion geometry supports color saturation by redirecting light through strategic facet angles. In practical terms this means the cutter balanced crown height and table size to accentuate brilliancy in a stone of light color intensity, avoiding an overly large table that would produce a washed out appearance. The slightly included clarity grade indicates the presence of inclusions that are typical for sapphires from certain formations, often fine needles and mineral crystals that may contribute a subtle velvety texture without compromising structural integrity. Excellent polish and careful facet alignment reduce light leakage at junctions and improve apparent clarity when the gem is set, so inclusions remain unobtrusive in most jewelry applications.

Origin from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, is a defining characteristic for this sapphire, and it materially contributes to both aesthetic and market value. Ceylon sapphires are recognized for a particular combination of tone and hue that ranges from vivid cornflower to lighter, clearer blues, frequently with a lively, crystalline transparency that differs from deeper, more inky stones from other sources. Geologically, many Sri Lankan sapphires are derived from gem gravels and metamorphic host rocks that impart characteristic trace element profiles, and these signatures are detectable by modern gemological analysis. The provenance of Ceylon implies not only a historical pedigree, with centuries of trade and desirability among connoisseurs, but also a stylistic expectation that cutters will optimize for clarity and lightness of tone rather than the deep saturation favored elsewhere. For collectors and technically minded buyers the combination of natural, untreated status and Ceylon origin makes this sapphire particularly attractive, because untreated stones from classic sources are increasingly scarce and command a premium for their verifiable natural state and regional character.

From a practical gem setting and design perspective this 7.80 by 5.90 millimeter oval will face up with good visual spread, appearing slightly larger than many round stones at comparable weight, due to its elongated outline and efficient proportions. The light blue tone is versatile with different metals, but to maximize perceived saturation a yellow gold mounting will warm the hue, while a platinum or white gold setting will emphasize the crystalline clarity and sparkle. The mixed brilliant cut will respond well to a low to medium bezel or prong setting that allows light to enter the crown facets freely, preserving both brilliance and the subtle internal texture that contributes to the gem character. At The Natural Sapphire Company we prioritize verifiable origin, careful cutting, and untreated material, and we can provide detailed imagery, facet maps, and independent laboratory data on request. If you wish to evaluate this sapphire for a bespoke commission or for comparison with other origins, we can supply high resolution photos, a 360 degree video, and assistance with mounting options that will optimize the optical performance of this fine Ceylon blue sapphire.