2.08 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This gem is a fine example of classic Ceylon blue sapphire, a transparent round stone weighing 2.08 carats, with measurements of 7.32 x 7.24 x 4.94 millimeters, a mixed brilliant cut, and an excellent polish. Evaluated as eye clean at normal viewing distances, the stone presents a vivid color intensity that is immediately striking, with saturation and tone typical of high quality Sri Lankan material. The mixed brilliant cut combines a faceting scheme designed to maximize scintillation on the crown with proportioned pavilion facets to deepen the face up color, resulting in a lively, velvety blue that returns light beautifully across a range of lighting conditions. This sapphire has been heat treated, a stable and widely accepted enhancement for corundum that intensifies blue hues and reduces silk or inclusions, and the treatment is fully disclosed in our description at The Natural Sapphire Company.

From a gemological perspective this sapphire is corundum, with the inherent toughness and wearability associated with a Mohs hardness of nine, making it suitable for everyday jewelry when set and cared for properly. The mixed brilliant cut, with its combination of small brilliant facets and larger pavilion facets, creates a balance between sparkle and color saturation, and the stone depth of 4.94 millimeters contributes to a strong face up presence without becoming overweight in profile. The eye clean clarity grade indicates that at typical arm s length viewing there are no inclusions visible to the unaided eye, which enhances both the aesthetic appeal and market value, because clarity has a direct influence on light performance and perceived purity of color in sapphires. Heat treatment, in this context, is permanent and improves optical properties while leaving the crystal structure intact, and because it is the most common and accepted treatment for commercial sapphires, it does not detract from the stone s desirability for collectors and buyers seeking high quality, attractive gem material.

For the educated buyer this particular 2.08 carat round from Ceylon represents a compelling combination of provenance, color, and parcel quality. Sri Lankan sapphires are known for their lively, vivid blues, often described by trade as having a bright, almost electric saturation while retaining a medium to medium dark tone that reads beautifully against white or yellow metals. At just over two carats in a well proportioned round, the stone occupies a size category that is rare enough to be noteworthy, yet still eminently practical for a variety of settings. The excellent polish contributes to crisp facet junctions and maximum light return, attributes which informed buyers consider essential when assessing face up performance and overall brilliance. If independent laboratory documentation is desired, The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with gemmological reports that verify origin, treatment disclosure, and standard gem measurements, supporting both aesthetic and investment considerations.

When envisioning this sapphire in a custom piece, the possibilities are numerous and stylistically varied depending on whether the goal is to emphasize scintillation, color, or historical reference. For a design that accentuates brilliance and modern contrast, a platinum or 18 karat white gold mounting with a tight diamond halo will increase apparent size and provide a bright white backdrop that makes the vivid blue pop, while thin knife edge prongs will maximize visible table and light entry. For a warmer, more traditional aesthetic, 18 karat yellow gold enhances the blue by contrast, creating a regal feel, and tapered baguette or shield cut side stones in gold settings can lend an elegant three stone profile. For a more colorful, fashion forward design, consider pairing this sapphire with small green tsavorite garnets or emeralds for a striking complementary contrast, or with light pink sapphires for a sophisticated triad that plays on analogous tones. In earrings or a pendant, matched round diamonds above the sapphire in a drop design will add motion and brilliance, whereas a bezel set solitaire pendant will create a contemporary, clean look that protects the girdle and is ideal for daily wear.

Practical considerations for custom work include the stone s pavilion depth and mixed cut, which call for a setting that supports the culet and avoids excessive pressure on pavilion facets during mounting. Prongs are preferred when the goal is to show maximum color across the table, while a low bezel can be used for a secure, durable design that still allows light to enter from the top. When selecting melee sizes for a halo, slightly smaller rounds will create a delicate frame, while slightly larger melees will emphasize size and presence, and the visual balance should be guided by finger proportions for rings or neck length for pendants. Routine care for this sapphire is straightforward, warm soapy water and a soft brush remove residue without risk to the stone or its heat treatment, and ultrasonic cleaning is generally acceptable for clean, heat treated sapphires, though each setting and any additional treatments should be discussed with your jeweler. The Natural Sapphire Company will work with you to create a bespoke setting, assist with certification options, and provide guidance on metal choice and accent stones to ensure the final piece reflects both the gem s natural qualities and your personal aesthetic.