1.76 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This elegant oval blue sapphire from The Natural Sapphire Company weighs 1.76 carats, with precise dimensions of 8.08 x 5.41 x 4.41 mm, and displays the kind of balance between size and wearable proportions that appeals to discerning collectors and designers. The mixed brilliant cut combines a brilliant style pavilion with a more traditional crown facet arrangement, delivering lively light return and scintillation while maintaining the classic oval silhouette. The stone is transparent, and its medium intense blue color sits in a highly desirable range for Ceylon sapphires, showing a cool to slightly velvety tone that reads as distinctly Ceylon, rather than overly dark. At the loupe and to the unaided eye the clarity is graded as slightly included, evaluated at eye level, meaning small internal characteristics are present but do not overwhelm the gem, and in many lighting situations they contribute to the stone s character rather than detract from its appearance. The polish is excellent, which maximizes surface brightness and ensures that facets deliver crisp, reflective planes, an important detail for an educated buyer focused on craftsmanship and long term beauty.

Transparency about enhancement and origin is central to the value proposition of this sapphire, and The Natural Sapphire Company provides that clarity. This gem has been heat treated, a standard and widely accepted enhancement for sapphires that stabilizes and improves color and clarity, and when disclosed honestly it allows buyers to compare like for like across the market. The stone s provenance is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a historical source known for producing sapphires with lively, often cornflower influenced blues that remain highly collectible. For the technically minded purchaser, origin can influence price and desirability because Ceylon material is prized for its combination of tone and brilliance, and the medium intense color of this piece is a classic expression of that origin. The slightly included clarity grade is consistent with many natural sapphires from primary deposits, and because the inclusions are not structurally compromising, this gem represents a durable, wearable choice suitable for everyday jewelry such as rings and pendants.

When considering a custom design, this sapphire s mixed brilliant cut and oval outline offer versatile options for complementary gemstones and settings that enhance the stone rather than compete with it. For a timeless, high contrast look, pair it with well matched round brilliant white diamonds set into a halo and tapered diamond shoulders, using colorless to near colorless stones in sizes that create a delicate framing effect without overpowering the 1.76 carat center. If you prefer color harmony and a more contemporary palette, pair this Ceylon blue with lighter pastel sapphires in cornflower or light blue tones, or with pale yellow sapphires to introduce a subtle warm contrast that amplifies the medium intense blue. For a bolder color block, consider deep teal green stones such as tsavorite garnets or small emeralds, which sit adjacent to blue on the color wheel and create a rich, jewel toned ensemble. The oval shape is also particularly flattering in east west orientations or elongated settings, where accent side stones can be baguettes, tapered baguettes, or shield shapes, which emphasize length and create a slimmer finger appearance if mounted in a ring.

Practical considerations for metal choice and setting technique will optimize the presentation and long term enjoyment of this sapphire. Platinum or 18 karat white gold will preserve the coolness of the blue and enhance perceived brightness, making the medium intense color pop, while 18 karat yellow or rose gold can warm the overall appearance and produce a vintage or romantic feel, especially effective if you choose warm toned accent stones. A bezel setting offers excellent protection for everyday wear and can be executed in a low profile to highlight the stone s measurements of 8.08 x 5.41 x 4.41 mm, whereas a four or six prong setting provides maximum light into the pavilion and showcases the mixed brilliant facets and excellent polish. Given the slight inclusions at eye level, a secure prong or bezel setting that does not place pressure on fragile inclusions is advisable, and The Natural Sapphire Company can recommend experienced setters who will orient the stone so that its most pleasing color and clarity face are emphasized. For buyers who value investment quality and traceability, the disclosed Ceylon origin and honest disclosure of heat treatment allow for confident comparisons in the secondary market, and the combination of weight, cut, polish, and provenance make this sapphire an attractive acquisition for both custom fine jewelry and for inclusion in a curated gemstone collection.