1.74 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the moment the first trace of blue began to form deep within the ancient metamorphic rocks of Ceylon, this sapphire began a slow, patient journey that spans geological time and human craft. Formed under immense pressure and heat, this transparent 1.74 carat oval sapphire carries with it the story of Sri Lanka, a land long celebrated for producing some of the world s most beloved blue gems. The Natural Sapphire Company brings this particular stone to light, working with local miners and experienced gemologists who understand both the geology and the cultural significance of Ceylon sapphires. Extracted with care, assessed by trained eyes, and transported to our cutting studio, the raw crystal revealed potential that only skilled hands could fully realize. The decision to enhance the gem through careful heat treatment reflects centuries of lapidary tradition in the region, a single controlled step that awakens the stone s true color and clarity, while preserving its natural origin and character.

At the hands of an artisan cutter the rough transformed into a refined oval of precise proportions, measuring 8.78 x 6.48 x 3.81 mm. The mixed brilliant cut chosen for this gem balances table facet brilliance with a pavilion designed to return color and fire, creating a lively face up appearance that flatters many jewelry designs. With an excellent polish the facets align to maximize light return, and the result is a gem that glows from within, showing a medium intense color intensity that is both present and elegant. Evaluated at eye level the clarity grade registers as very very slightly included, meaning the inclusions are minimal and do little to interrupt the gem s visual performance. These combined attributes make this sapphire a superb candidate for a variety of settings, whether you envision it as the central stone of an engagement ring, a refined pendant, or a pair of classic stud earrings.

Color is the sapphire s voice, and this stone speaks in a medium intense blue that leans toward the classic Ceylon spectrum, where cool clarity meets a hint of violet undertone. Under daylight it appears fresh and clear, while under warmer interior lighting the blue gains a soft, velvety depth. The mixed brilliant cut enhances this effect, scattering light across the face of the gem and creating a lively dance of highlights and blue flashes. Because the stone is transparent and well polished, it displays both brilliance and saturation in a balanced way, avoiding the heaviness of overly dark sapphires and the pallor of under saturated stones. The heat treatment applied to this sapphire is a common, stable enhancement, used to refine color and reduce the visibility of certain inclusions, and it is disclosed as part of the gem s honest story from mine to market.

One of the most delightful aspects of a medium intense Ceylon blue sapphire is how versatile it is across skin tones, and how the choice of metal and setting can further tailor its appearance. On fair skin the stone creates a crisp, elegant contrast, its medium intensity offering a clear blue presence that brightens the complexion without overwhelming it. Set in white metals such as platinum or white gold the coolness of the blue is emphasized, producing a modern, refined look, while a yellow gold bezel or halo can add a warm counterpoint that softens the contrast and makes the blue feel more luminous. For olive and medium skin tones the sapphire integrates beautifully with natural warm undertones, appearing both vibrant and harmoniously balanced, especially when paired with warmer metals like yellow gold or rose gold, or with mixed metal designs that draw out both cool and warm facets of the color. On deeper skin tones the medium intense blue truly sings, appearing vivid and jewel like, with exceptional presence in both single stone solitaires and surrounded halo settings, and metal choices offer the opportunity to either contrast boldly with white metals or complement richly with yellow gold.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we cherish stones that carry stories, and this 1.74 carat Ceylon oval sapphire, with its dimensions of 8.78 x 6.48 x 3.81 mm, mixed brilliant cut, very very slightly included clarity at eye level, excellent polish, medium intense color intensity, and disclosed heat treatment, is an invitation to create something personal and lasting. Whether you are imagining a timeless engagement ring, an heirloom pendant, or a custom creation designed to highlight the stone s particular flash and depth, our gemologists and designers can recommend the ideal setting to suit your style and skin tone. We welcome you to view the sapphire in person or request detailed images and a consultation, and we will share the full provenance as we bring the gem from its Ceylon origins to a finished piece that reflects your story. This sapphire is not merely a gemstone, it is a chapter of the earth s history, shaped by human skill, ready to begin its next life at the center of a piece made by you.