2.09 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This loose specimen is a transparent 2.09 carat cushion shape blue sapphire with dimensions 7.63 x 6.05 x 4.49 mm, a mixed brilliant cut, a clarity grade of slightly included when evaluated at eye level, intense color intensity, and an excellent polish. The pavilion depth of 4.49 mm yields a depth proportion of approximately 65.6 percent relative to the average of the length and width, a geometry that sits well within the optima for face up color saturation and light return in Ceylon sapphires. Heat treatment has been applied as a standard enhancement to stabilize and saturate the hue, and the stone is sourced from Ceylon Sri Lanka, an origin long associated with fine blue corundum. The overall presentation is one of precise lapidary control, a balance of proportion and polish that emphasizes even color distribution while retaining sufficient transparency to reveal internal character under magnification.

The mixed brilliant faceting strategy used on this cushion shape combines a faceted brilliant style crown with a predominantly step or modified pavilion, an approach that optimizes scintillation and flash while maintaining a broad, even face up color. The facet junctions are sharp and the polish is rated excellent, which together produce crisp windowing control and strong contrast between the bright and dark facets. The wider crown facets in combination with a moderately sized table allow light to be dispersed across the pavilion steps, creating a lively play of blue flashes on movement, while the pavilion angles and depth proportion work to minimize light leakage. These cutting decisions are reflected in the gem?s visual performance on a finger, where the mixed brilliant design produces a dynamic balance of flash and body color that reads as intense and saturated in typical lighting conditions.

Clarity wise the sapphire is slightly included at eye level, which in practice means the stone retains excellent transparency and the inclusions present do not materially interrupt the overall color or brilliance to the naked eye. Under magnification the internal features are consistent with natural corundum and provide a fingerprint of the stone?s natural history, enhancing its authenticity without compromising durability. The heat treatment employed is a conventional thermal process that improves color uniformity and can also reduce the visibility of some inclusions, a tradeoff commonly accepted in the trade and one that produces a stable enhancement when correctly performed. From a color grading perspective the sapphire displays an intense blue, leaning toward the classic Ceylon cornflower to deep cornflower range, with a chroma that yields strong saturation while preserving lively tone. The gem responds well to different metallic contexts, appearing slightly more vivid against white metals due to the reflective coolness, and acquiring a richer, warmer appearance when contrasted with yellow gold, giving flexibility to design choices for mounting.

As a potential generational heirloom this sapphire possesses the structural and aesthetic attributes to endure and to be cherished across lifetimes. Corundum ranks nine on the Mohs hardness scale, providing exceptional resistance to wear and abrasion for daily worn pieces such as rings and pendants, and the sapphire?s dimensions and secure faceting geometry make it well suited for traditional prong settings, bezel mounts with an open gallery, or a halo design that protects the girdle while showcasing the pavilion. The inherent stability of proper heat treatment, combined with excellent polish and sound cutting proportions, means the stone will retain its face up beauty over decades, and the natural inclusions become part of the piece?s provenance and story. The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with bespoke settings that prioritize long term preservation, including recommendations for protective mountings, secure prong geometry, and appropriate metal selection to both display color and reduce risk of impact.

Long term care recommendations focus on preserving the original polish and proportions, with routine cleaning performed using mild detergent and a soft brush, and professional inspection of settings at regular intervals to verify prong integrity and the security of the mount. While ultrasonic cleaners are generally tolerated by heat treated corundum, we advise that cleaning be performed by a professional jeweler when the piece is set, to avoid inadvertent stress from old solder joints or weakened settings. For suitability as an heirloom piece additional services are available, such as independent gemological documentation, custom mounting with archival design considerations, and appraisals for insurance and estate planning. The combination of technical excellence in cut and polish, the attractive intense Ceylon blue, and the durable material properties of corundum make this 2.09 carat cushion blue sapphire an ideal candidate for a piece designed to be handed down, retained for sentiment and value, and updated by future generations while preserving the original material integrity. The Natural Sapphire Company stands ready to provide further details, mounting options, and documentation to ensure this sapphire is set and preserved as a true family heirloom.