2.25 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This calibrated 2.25 carat cushion shaped blue sapphire measures 7.82 by 7.36 by 4.58 mm, and has been cut to a mixed brilliant specification to balance scintillation and color saturation, as presented by The Natural Sapphire Company. The stone is transparent, with a clarity grade described as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and it displays an intense blue color intensity with an excellent polish. The finishing work on the girdle, pavilion facets, and crown facets reflects precision lapidary technique, and the origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, with a standard heat treatment enhancement to stabilize and intensify the blue hue. These basic metrics establish the stone as a gem of measurable presence in jewelry applications, offering a substantial face up area for a 2.25 carat weight, and dimensional proportions that favor a broad table and lively crown facet play.

From a faceting and light performance perspective, the mixed brilliant cut on this cushion shape is engineered to work with corundum optical properties, to maximize internal reflection and controlled light leakage. The cutter has combined a brilliant oriented pavilion and a modified crown arrangement to produce bright, contrasty facet reflections, optimizing the path of light given corundum refractive index and low dispersion characteristics. The excellent polish minimizes surface scattering, permitting stronger mirror like reflections from the facet planes, and the very slightly included clarity when assessed at eye level ensures that internal features do not significantly interrupt the primary light pathways. The result is a sapphire that displays balanced white light return and color driven sparkle, with scintillation that alternates between saturated flashes of intense blue and deeper velvety zones as the stone is rotated. The heat treatment applied to this Ceylon material has enhanced chromophore distribution in the crystal lattice, improving color saturation while preserving the stone structure for long term stability.

When comparing reflective qualities to other gemstones in the same category, it is important to consider refractive index, birefringence, and pleochroism, as well as typical cutting styles used for each species. Corundum, the mineral family that includes sapphire, has a refractive index in the range that produces crisp, well defined facet reflections and a high surface luster. Compared to Kashmir sourced sapphires, which are prized for a particular velvety diffusion of light and a distinctly plush appearance, this Ceylon example reads as slightly more lively and bright, showing clearer facet contrast and a more open, illuminated face up. Compared to Burmese sapphires, which can present deep, saturated tones with strong color intensity, the Ceylon origin often yields a cleaner, more transparent appearance, and this specimen exemplifies that with its intense yet vibrant color distribution. Against gemstones that are commonly substituted in the blue category, such as spinel, tanzanite, blue topaz, and aquamarine, the corundum shows superior facet definition because spinel has a lower refractive index resulting in less pronounced light return, tanzanite exhibits higher birefringence and pleochroic color shifting that can produce doubled or softer facet images, and blue topaz and aquamarine have even lower refractive indices giving a glassier, less contrasty look. Therefore this Ceylon mixed brilliant sapphire occupies a middle ground of intense color and sharp optical behavior, delivering saturated blue tones without the softening or doubling seen in some alternate species.

Practical considerations for setting and long term presentation hinge on the stone s optical strengths, and the mixed brilliant geometry on this cushion works exceptionally well in settings that allow light to reach the crown and table, while protecting the girdle and corners. Because the facet reflections are crisp and the polish is excellent, prong settings that expose the pavilion and allow maximum crown illumination will emphasize brilliance and scintillation, while bezel settings will highlight color and provide protective security. The very slightly included clarity grade is favorable for lapidary mounting, as inclusions at eye level are minimal and do not compromise structural integrity, and the heat treated enhancement is a stable, industry standard process that will not fade with normal wear. For jewelry design, orienting the table to capture frontal viewing angles will capitalize on the stone s optimized mixed brilliant cutting, and pairing the sapphire with metal colors that complement the intense blue will enhance perceived saturation without diminishing the reflective contrasts.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we evaluate these optical parameters carefully to advise on mounting, lighting presentation, and complementary gemstones, ensuring the cutter s choices and treatment history align with client expectations for light performance and color. This 2.25 carat cushion sapphire from Ceylon Sri Lanka demonstrates the trade off between color saturation and facet brightness that discriminating buyers seek, offering intense blue color, excellent surface polish, and precision mixed brilliant faceting that together produce a lively, jewel like appearance with controlled depth and scintillation. If you would like further technical photographs, facet maps, or guidance on setting options to maximize this stone s reflective qualities, The Natural Sapphire Company can provide detailed recommendations and customization to match the intended design and wear scenario.