2.99 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful transparent two point nine nine carat cushion shape blue sapphire is offered with exact dimensions of eight point six eight by seven point five three by five point zero six millimeters, a well balanced gemstone size that reads as nearly three carats while retaining wearable proportions. The stone has a mixed brilliant cut which combines step facets on the pavilion with a brilliant facet layout on the crown, delivering a lively interplay of flash and scintillation that enhances apparent size and makes the vivid blue color sing in motion. Clarity is graded as eye clean at normal viewing distances, meaning there are no inclusions visible to the unaided eye, a highly desirable grade for a sapphire of this weight and color, and the polish is excellent which aids light return and surface brilliance. The sapphire is heat treated, a standard and stable enhancement that improves both color saturation and clarity in natural corundum, and the origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a classic and highly regarded source for blue sapphires known for lively tones and a characteristic velvety translucence. This gem is presented with full disclosure by The Natural Sapphire Company, a firm experienced in sourcing, grading, and setting fine natural sapphires.

For the informed buyer, several technical points explain why this particular stone carries value beyond its visual appeal. Color intensity labeled vivid indicates a high degree of saturation with medium to slightly deeper tone, which maximizes attractiveness without appearing overly dark and wasting light. In trade terms, a vivid Ceylon blue often fetches a premium relative to paler or overly grayish material because it strikes the ideal balance between brightness and depth. Eye clean clarity is an important contributor to value, because inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye preserve clean light passage and allow the cut to perform at its best. The mixed brilliant cut here is purposeful, chosen to retain weight in the cushion outline while delivering scintillation associated with brilliant cuts, a factor that enhances perceived size and sparkle. Heat treatment is broadly accepted in the market when fully disclosed, because the process is stable and permanent, unlike surface treatments that can be compromised during repairs or over time. Origin matters to many collectors and designers, and Ceylon sapphire provenance often implies a palette of clear, vivid blues that behave differently from the velvety cornflower blues of Kashmir or the deeper hues of Burmese material, offering a distinct aesthetic that is both lively and elegant. The Natural Sapphire Company stands by the careful grading and disclosure of this sapphire and can assist with independent gemological reporting if required for insurance or resale documentation.

Durability and wearability are key practical considerations for a customer choosing a gemstone intended for daily wear, and on the Mohs hardness scale corundum, the mineral species of sapphire, rates nine, second only to diamond at ten. That places sapphire well above common jewelry materials such as topaz at eight, quartz at seven, and many varieties of garnet which range lower, meaning this sapphire will resist scratching from almost all substances it might encounter in normal life. Hardness is not the only measure of toughness, but corundum also has good structural integrity and no true cleavage planes like those found in some gems, which reduces the likelihood of splitting from ordinary impacts. For daily wear in rings, pendants, or bracelets a sapphire of this grade is an excellent choice, though proper mounting and periodic inspection are still recommended to protect against knocks and to maintain secure settings. Practical care advice includes cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, and consulting The Natural Sapphire Company prior to using ultrasonic cleaners in cases where the stone may have reaching fracture features that are not visible without magnification. For buyers who desire additional protection, bezel settings offer extra security, while well executed prong settings allow more light and brilliance. The Natural Sapphire Company can provide custom setting recommendations and professional mounting services to create a piece that honors the gem, and full documentation and provenance will accompany the purchase to ensure confidence and long term satisfaction.