2.20 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 2.20 carat cushion shape blue sapphire is a fine example of Ceylon gemology offered by The Natural Sapphire Company, it measures 8.73 by 6.22 by 4.18 millimeters, it is fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut that combines the scintillation of brilliant facets with the color retention of step facets, it has a clarity grade of very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, it shows vivid color intensity and an excellent polish, enhancement is by standard heat treatment, and the documented origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka. The proportions of this specimen are balanced for the cushion form, with a depth that is approximately fifty six percent of the average of its length and width, a proportion that helps the stone present both lively brilliance and full saturation of color without appearing overly dark. The mixed brilliant cut creates a dynamic play of light across the crown and pavilion, and the excellent polish ensures crisp facet junctions and high surface luster, attributes that directly affect the gem’s apparent brightness and visual appeal when mounted in a ring or pendant.

From a gemological perspective the clarity and polish of this sapphire are important determinants of its light performance, the very very slightly included grade observed at eye level indicates that inclusions are minimal and do not significantly interrupt internal light pathways, this level of clarity allows for transparent light transmission and maximizes internal reflection, as a result the vivid blue phenotype is rendered with clarity rather than muddiness. Sapphire has a refractive index in the range typical for corundum which produces a strong vitreous luster, combined with a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale this allows for high quality faceting and durable polish that stands up to everyday wear. The mixed brilliant cut here has been used to preserve the stone’s saturated blue while still producing good faceting faces for scintillation, the crown and pavilion facet arrangement returns light efficiently to the viewer while the pavilion angles and the modest depth maintain color intensity, the overall optical result is a stone that reads vividly blue at arm’s length and also offers pleasing sparkle when examined closely.

When comparing reflective qualities to other gemstones in its category this Ceylon sapphire demonstrates characteristics that buyers should evaluate in context, Ceylon sapphires are often prized for a brighter, more lively blue and for higher contrast between highlights and body color when compared with sapphires from other sources, Burmese sapphires tend to show a deeper, more velvety saturation that absorbs more light and can reduce apparent sparkle, Kashmir sapphires are historically known for a soft velvety appearance produced by a fine silk of inclusions which diffuses light differently, Madagascar material can produce a wide range of tones from bright to deep depending on individual stones, and Australian sapphires often show a darker, inky blue that emphasizes depth of color over brilliance. Compared with closely colored gems such as spinel or tanzanite the sapphire’s higher refractive index and robust polish give it a firmer, more refractive brilliance, spinel can be very appealing for clean blue tones but usually has slightly less brilliance due to a lower refractive index, tanzanite displays strong pleochroism so it shows different colors from different angles which can be dramatic but is a softer stone and less durable for daily wear than sapphire. Diamonds display higher dispersion and therefore more fire than sapphire, however diamonds do not show body color in the same way, a sapphire’s value to the educated buyer often lies in its ability to hold saturated blue color while still returning good brightness and sparkle, especially when cut and polished as this example has been.

For practical considerations and long term ownership this sapphire combines aesthetic desirability with robust performance, the heat treatment disclosed for this stone is a stable and permanent enhancement that is a widely accepted practice in the trade to improve color and clarity, The Natural Sapphire Company fully discloses this treatment and provides detailed documentation on origin and characteristics to support an informed purchase. The cushion shape and the stone’s dimensions make it an excellent candidate for a center stone in an engagement ring or a significant pendant, the clarity and polish mean that it will exhibit crisp facet reflections beneath normal lighting, and the vivid color intensity ensures that the piece will read as a true blue sapphire from a distance while rewarding close inspection with depth and internal life. If you appreciate a Ceylon origin stone for its lively cornflower to royal blue tendencies combined with durable wearability and precise cutting, this 2.20 carat cushion sapphire represents a strong choice, The Natural Sapphire Company is available to provide additional imagery, viewing options, and setting consultations to help ensure that the mounted result complements both the gem’s optical properties and your design intentions.