1.72 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 1.72 carat fancy shape blue sapphire measures 9.06 x 6.01 x 4.04 mm, and presents a refined step cut with an excellent polish that emphasizes clean lines and a hall of mirrors effect. The stone displays a light color intensity typical of fine Ceylon sapphires, an even tone, and pleasing saturation that reads as a fresh, airy blue in daylight and a softer, more serene blue under warmer lighting. The proportions and table size created by the step cut yield broad facets that prioritize color and clarity over lively scintillation, making this sapphire especially well suited to designs that celebrate architectural geometry and understated elegance. With a depth of 4.04 mm the gem sits low enough for comfortable daily wear in rings, while maintaining enough pavilion to catch and reflect light when set in pendants and earrings.

From a grading perspective this sapphire carries a clarity grade of very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which indicates that inclusions are minor and do not detract from the gem when viewed without magnification. The polish is excellent, which speaks to the quality of the lapidary work and contributes to crisp facet junctions and clean reflections. The stone is heat treated, a widely accepted enhancement for corundum which stabilizes and improves color and clarity, and which is considered permanent when performed under proper conditions. The origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a provenance that historically produces sapphires with a lighter, vibrant blue that is highly desirable among collectors and jewelers for its balance of color and brightness. For the educated buyer these combined attributes, clarity, cut, polish, treatment disclosure, and origin, create a transparent and defensible narrative of value, especially when compared to similar stones lacking a respected provenance or with heavier modifications.

Customization options are extensive because the step cut and the fancy outline lend themselves to classic and contemporary settings alike. In a ring the stone performs beautifully as a solitaire in a low profile bezel which protects the girdle and highlights the stone as an elegant, architectural centerpiece. For a more formal ring, an east west orientation in a bar setting can underscore the stone’s elongated axis, while a four or six prong setting with discreet corner prongs preserves the perimeter faceting and allows maximum light return. Designers looking to create a vintage inspired piece may choose a double halo of fine melee diamonds with milgrain detailing, which will enhance perceived size and introduce lively contrast without competing with the sapphire’s delicate blue. For a modern statement, consider a tension setting or a two stone design with tapered baguette diamonds flanking the sapphire, diamonds that echo the step faceting and reinforce a streamlined, geometric aesthetic. As a pendant the gem is ideal in a low bale cathedral mount, or in a bezel within a halo for daily wear. For earrings the dimensions and weight make this stone suitable for matched pairs when paired carefully, or as a single drop paired with a complimentary diamond stud for asymmetrical styling.

Practical considerations for commissioning a custom setting include metal choice, accent stones, and construction methods that protect and enhance the sapphire. Warm metals such as 18 karat yellow gold will enrich the blue and produce a classic contrast, while white metals such as platinum or 18 karat white gold will present a cooler profile that emphasizes the stone’s light tone and the step cut reflections. Accent diamonds should be selected for color and cut to either warm or cool the overall visual effect, and to harmonize with the step facets either through round brilliant melee for sparkle or baguette accents for architectural cohesion. Because the sapphire is heat treated and exhibits very slightly included clarity at eye level, setting designs that avoid extreme pressure on the girdle are recommended, for example by employing secure prongs, subtle protective bezels, or bezel backed gallery work which support the stone without obscuring the table view. The Natural Sapphire Company can provide design sketches, CAD renderings, and wax models to preview the final piece, and can source complementary diamonds and precious metals to produce a balanced, durable setting tailored to your lifestyle.

As a final note on care and documentation, sapphires are a nine on the Mohs scale and are eminently suited for daily wear, however mechanical knocks and harsh chemicals should be avoided. Routine cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush will preserve brilliance, and periodic inspections of prongs and mountings will maintain long term security. For buyers seeking independent verification we recommend obtaining a laboratory report from a recognized gemological laboratory, which can confirm weight, dimensions, clarity observations, treatment status, and origin where determinable. When you commission a custom piece through The Natural Sapphire Company you benefit from transparent disclosure of treatments and origin, expert lapidary selection, and bespoke design support to realize a setting that complements the step cut and color profile of this elegant 1.72 carat Ceylon blue sapphire. If you would like recommendations for setting styles, metal finishes, or diamond pairings, we can provide tailored options and an estimated timeline and cost for your custom commission.