3.18 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the heart of Sri Lanka, once known as Ceylon, comes a sapphire that carries the island’s long history of gem lore and geologic wonder, a stone that began as aluminum and trace elements deep under ancient earth, slowly crystallizing over eons into a mineral that captures the ocean and sky in a single moment. This particular gem weighs 3.18 carat, and measures 8.21 by 6.53 by 5.89 mm, a size that feels substantial yet graceful on the hand. Transparent with vivid color intensity, the stone exhibits a depth of blue that shifts between royal and cornflower depending on the light, a characteristic that Ceylon sapphires are celebrated for. Evaluated at eye level the clarity reads very very slightly included, a mark of authenticity that allows the gem to glow without distracting imperfections, and the enhancement history is disclosed as heat treated, a common and stable practice that brings out the true potential of the crystal while respecting its natural origin.

The transformation from rough to jewel has been handled with meticulous care, and the cut is a cushion shape executed with a mixed brilliant design, each facet placed to enhance both fire and scintillation. The mixed brilliant cut brings the best of both worlds, combining broad table reflections with lively pavilion facets that return light in flashes, creating a brilliant heart that anchors any setting. Polished to an excellent finish, the sapphire reflects light evenly across its surface, giving a sense of movement and life each time it shifts. For those who appreciate contrast, this blue sapphire pairs exquisitely with a White Opal accent, the milky iridescence of the opal offering a gentle counterpoint that highlights the sapphire’s saturated hue. As a centerpiece, this gem commands attention while remaining versatile, suited to a refined solitaire, an elegant three stone ring, or a halo that amplifies its presence without overwhelming its intrinsic beauty, and at The Natural Sapphire Company we select and prepare each stone to ensure the proportions and polish maximize brilliance.

Beyond its physical attributes the stone carries cultural resonance, Sri Lankan sapphires having been prized by monarchs and traders for centuries, associated with protection, wisdom, and calm. Wearing this 3.18 carat cushion sapphire becomes a personal ritual, a daily reminder of the earth’s slow artistry and the hands that finished it, and many clients at The Natural Sapphire Company tell us that stones like this quickly become heirlooms. Practical care is straightforward, given the heat treatment and excellent polish, avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning for stones set with delicate accents such as opal, and instead choose gentle soap and warm water with a soft brush. If you are imagining this gem in a bespoke setting we can show you design options that play to its strengths, whether that is pairing it with White Opal accents for a soft luminous effect, surrounding it with diamonds to amplify its sparkle, or setting it alone on a finely crafted band to let its color speak. This sapphire is more than a gem, it is a story that begins in Ceylon, is refined by expert cutters and polishers, and awaits its next chapter on the hand of someone who appreciates the rare combination of vivid color, expert cut, and authentic provenance.