5.05 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Kashmir

This offering from The Natural Sapphire Company is a transparent Kashmir blue sapphire weighing 5.05 carats, presented in a classic oval outline. The stone measures 11.74 by 8.32 by 4.90 millimeters, and its proportions deliver a balanced presence suited to a variety of fine jewelry settings. Color is described as a light blue with even saturation that retains a cool, clear tone through the pavilion and crown. The origin from Kashmir contributes to the gemological interest and historical desirability of this sapphire, and the combination of weight, color, and provenance makes it notable within the category of natural, untreated corundum.

Cut and surface finish are important determinants of visual performance, and this sapphire has been fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut that combines faceting elements designed to enhance both scintillation and depth. The table and crown facets have been aligned to promote lively light return while the pavilion facets are calibrated to support internal brilliance. Polish on all facets is graded as excellent, producing crisp facet junctions and a smooth reflective surface that minimizes light leakage. Clarity is graded as slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which indicates the presence of small inclusions that are not immediately distracting in normal viewing conditions. Those internal characteristics can contribute to the gemological fingerprint of the stone without compromising overall transparency or the ability of the cut to convey brightness.

Treatment and provenance details are often decisive for collectors and for long term value. This sapphire is reported as unenhanced, with no heat or resin treatments applied, and therefore represents a natural state that is increasingly sought after. The Kashmir origin is explicitly indicated, and this provenance is supported by the combination of hue, saturation, and certain textural inclusion characteristics that are consistent with sapphires from that historical region. Unenhanced Kashmir sapphires are rare on the market, and this example should be evaluated within the context of availability and buyer preference for untreated material. All factual attributes are stated so that a purchaser may assess authenticity, comparability, and suitability for bespoke work or for acquisition as a collector piece.

Durability is a key attribute for wearable colored gemstones, and sapphire ranks near the top of the Mohs hardness scale with a value of 9, making it the second hardest natural gem mineral after diamond, which has a Mohs hardness of 10. This high hardness confers excellent resistance to scratching and abrasion in day to day wear, and it supports the use of the stone in rings and other jewelry that will be subject to incidental contact. Corundum, the mineral species that includes sapphire, has no true cleavage, which reduces the tendency for the stone to split along defined planes, though it is still possible to chip or fracture the gem if subjected to a hard, sharp impact. Proper setting design that protects the girdle and facets, combined with reasonable care, will preserve the integrity and appearance of the stone. Routine cleaning with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush will maintain brilliance, and professional inspection of prongs and settings should be scheduled periodically to reduce the risk of mechanical damage.