1.71 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent oval blue sapphire weighs one point seven one carats, and measures eight point three four by five point six eight by four point two nine millimeters, presented by The Natural Sapphire Company. The piece is faceted and executed in a mixed brilliant cut, a cutting architecture that combines a brilliant faceting scheme on the crown with step or modified facets on the pavilion to optimize both brilliance and color saturation. The proportions yield a depth percentage of approximately sixty one percent, a proportion that favors a balanced optical return while retaining intense body color, especially important for Ceylon stones. Origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, and the stone has been heat treated, a widely accepted and stable enhancement that enhances blue hue and removes brownish undertones without compromising structural integrity. The cutting precision is evident in the well defined oval outline and the calibrated dimensions, making this gem suitable for a variety of fine settings where optical performance and predictable fit are required.

Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a clarity category that indicates minimal internal characteristics that do not detract from transparency or visual performance under normal viewing conditions. Under magnification the internal features are consistent with natural corundum formed under high temperature, and they are positioned and sized such that light transmission remains efficient through the pavilion and crown facets. The excellent polish on this piece produces crisp facet junctions and smooth facet planes, which minimize light leakage and maximize contrast between bright and dark facet zones. The mixed brilliant faceting style further conceals small internal features by creating dynamic reflections that break up any localized absorption, so that the overall appearance reads as clean and lively to unaided observation.

Color is intense in saturation, exhibiting a rich blue that is vivid and evenly distributed across the crown, indicating careful orientation of the rough during cutting to preserve the best hue. The Ceylon provenance often produces a lively, medium to vivid blue with a slightly cool tone, and this sapphire aligns with that profile, showing strong saturation without entering an overly dark zone that would reduce sparkle. The mixed cut balances a modest table with well proportioned crown facets to produce scintillation, while pavilion facet angles are calibrated to reinforce return of the dominant blue wavelengths. This results in an appearance that is vibrant under both daylight and evening light sources, with a consistent color presence across facet transitions. The excellent symmetry and facet alignment, together with the heat enhancement that has been applied in a controlled manner, produce a stone that displays intense color while maintaining the visual depth and life sought by discerning buyers.

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness this sapphire rates nine, which places it immediately below diamond at ten and above topaz at eight and quartz at seven, a comparison that underlines the sapphire s suitability for everyday wear. Corundum s hardness gives it excellent scratch resistance in daily contexts, and combined with its lack of true cleavage, it offers reliable toughness, although caution against hard knocks to facet edges is still advised to avoid chipping. The heat treatment documented for this stone is stable at ambient temperatures and does not reduce hardness, so the durability characteristics remain those intrinsic to natural corundum. For secure daily wear settings such as engagement rings, we recommend traditional four or six prong designs with well placed seat geometry, or a bezel for maximal protection of the girdle and pavilion. For further technical details, measurements, and certification options please contact The Natural Sapphire Company, we can provide additional imagery, facet mapping, and handling recommendations tailored to your intended setting and use.