3.17 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This blue sapphire is a transparent, oval shape gemstone weighing 3.17 carats, with exact dimensions of 10.07 by 7.59 by 4.62 millimeters, presented by The Natural Sapphire Company. It has a mixed brilliant cut, combining facets to balance scintillation and depth, an evaluated clarity grade of slightly included at eye level, vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The stone is heat treated, a widely accepted and stable enhancement that refines hue and saturation without diminishing the fundamental character of a natural sapphire. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a source noted for producing sapphires with bright, lively blues. These objective characteristics form the basis for assessing the gem for both investment quality and aesthetic performance in bespoke jewelry settings.

The mixed brilliant cut produces a controlled play of light across the table and crown facets, yielding measurable brilliance while preserving the saturated body color that defines this specimen. The excellent polish contributes to crisp facet junctions, allowing surface reflections to remain clean and mirror like, which enhances perceived clarity and color purity. Clarity described as slightly included at eye level indicates the presence of natural features that do not dominate the visual field when mounted, and in many instances contribute to a gemstone s provenance and individuality. The stone s transparency further supports a lively appearance, permitting internal light return and depth of color. Heat treatment has been applied to stabilize and intensify the blue, and because the enhancement is both routine and permanent, it allows predictable behavior under normal wear conditions and routine jewelry maintenance.

Color is central to the sapphire s appeal, and this specimen s vivid blue presents a rich, saturated tone with a slightly velvety depth typical of quality Ceylon material. In jewelry design this kind of blue is versatile, and the choice of metal and setting geometry will influence its perceived temperature and intensity. Set in a white metal, the blue reads cleaner and cooler, emphasizing clarity and crispness, whereas a warm gold setting introduces a complementary contrast that can make the blue appear fuller and more luminous. An open back or minimal bezel allows light to penetrate and accentuates internal color dynamics, while a closed back metal setting deepens the stone s apparent saturation. The oval silhouette is favorable for rings and pendants, providing elongation that flatters finger proportions and a larger apparent surface area for the color to be appreciated. Proportions and facet orientation from the mixed brilliant cut help maintain consistent sparkle from multiple viewing angles, which is particularly important for pieces worn daily.

When considering how this sapphire s color complements different skin tones, assess contrast, harmony, and the influence of accompanying metals and diamonds. On fair skin tones the vivid blue provides a clear, elegant contrast, and appears particularly striking against cool undertones where the stone s pure blue character is echoed. For fair skin with warm undertones, a yellow gold setting introduces warmth that balances the coolness of the sapphire, producing a flattering overall effect. Medium and olive skin tones often carry both warm and neutral components, and here the sapphire s saturated blue harmonizes with natural warmth while remaining distinct, offering versatility that reads as refined and contemporary. On deeper skin tones the vivid blue delivers a striking and luminous contrast, the color appearing intensely saturated and vibrant, particularly when set in a polished white metal or platinum that reflects light into the gem. For warm undertones in deeper skin, yellow or rose gold settings can provide a cohesive warmth that complements the wearer while preserving the stone s distinct blue identity. In all cases, the oval shape and mixed brilliant cut support dynamic color play and consistent light return, and careful consideration of metal, setting openness, and surrounding accent stones will determine whether the blue reads cooler, warmer, or more neutral in situ, allowing the design to be tailored to the wearer s complexion and style preferences.