1.80 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This cushion shaped blue sapphire presented by The Natural Sapphire Company weighs 1.80 carats and measures 9.10 by 6.24 by 3.35 millimeters, dimensions that create a notable face up presence relative to its weight. The gem has been fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a brilliant style facet arrangement on the crown with controlled step or modified facets on the pavilion to balance scintillation and color saturation. Clarity evaluates as very very slightly included at eye level, indicating the stone is effectively clean to an unaided observer while retaining microscopic inclusions that do not interrupt light performance. Color intensity is classified as light, and the overall hue reads as a pure blue with a cool leaning rather than a warm leaning, the surface polish is excellent, and critically there has been no enhancement, a natural untreated condition that preserves the stone s original crystalline character. The shallow profile implied by the 3.35 millimeter depth relative to the average diameter of the stone results in a depth of approximately 44 percent, which favors a larger apparent size and broad light return across the table while moderating deep contrast flashes, a trait that is well suited to open settings that allow maximum light entry.

The mixed brilliant faceting strategy used on this Ceylon sapphire accentuates even color distribution and lively facet sparkle, with the crown s brilliant facets directing light back through the table and the pavilion s modified facets controlling leakage to widen the color face up. Because the gem is untreated, its light color intensity manifests as a clear, cool sky blue rather than the deep velvety saturation associated with some heated material, and this distinction is important when comparing to sapphires from other classic origins. Compared to classic Kashmir stones, which often exhibit a medium to strong tone with a signature velvety cornflower blue and a pronounced silk that diffuses light for a plush appearance, this Ceylon example is lighter and crisper, producing a brighter, more lively face up than a Kashmir that emphasizes depth and softness. Compared to Burmese material from Mogok and northern Burma, which typically carries a richer and deeper royal blue tone at similar sizes, this stone reads as less saturated and more transparent, offering a cooler, airier presence rather than the intense royal depth associated with Burmese gems.

In a second comparison to other notable sources, this Sri Lankan sapphire contrasts with certain Madagascan blue sapphires that can approach medium to strong saturation with slightly more green secondary tones, while this Ceylon stone remains distinctly pure blue with minimal secondary modifiers, favoring clarity and lightness over overt saturation. Montana sapphires from the American deposits commonly show a steelier, more gray blue or teal tendency and a generally paler tone, attributes that make the presented sapphire appear cleaner and more classical in hue. Practical considerations for setting this gem take into account its face up size, shallow depth and excellent polish, recommendations include a four or six prong solitaire for maximum light exposure, or a low profile halo where the broad table can interplay with accent diamonds to increase perceived saturation, and a bezel with open gallery can also secure the shallow girdle while permitting side light to accent the mixed brilliant facets. For buyers seeking an untreated, transparent Ceylon sapphire with technical refinement in cut, a clean eye level clarity, and a light cool blue hue that differentiates itself from the velvety Kashmir and the deep Burmese examples, this stone is a rare and versatile choice, and The Natural Sapphire Company is available to provide further optical analysis, mounting options and viewing under varied lighting conditions to ensure the gem meets precise expectations.