5.56 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This magnificent, transparent sapphire offered by The Natural Sapphire Company is a rare, certified vivid blue Royal Blue, weighing 5.56 carats, and cut into a refined cushion shape with a mixed brilliant facet arrangement. Its measurements are 11.57 x 10.24 x 5.21 millimeters, and it has been heat treated, which is a stable and widely accepted enhancement in the trade that brings out the optimal color and clarity. The stone is described as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating excellent visual purity for a sapphire of this size, and it has an excellent polish that allows the light to enter and exit with minimal diffusion. The mixed brilliant cut blends a faceted crown with a pavilion designed to maximize scintillation and color depth, creating a balance between vivid hue and lively sparkle. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a source historically celebrated for producing sapphires with a luminous, pure blue that is highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors around the world.

From a gemological perspective, the attributes of this sapphire combine to make it exceptional. Color is the primary determinant of value in blue sapphires, and this stone shows vivid color intensity along with a Royal Blue tone that sits in the premium range of the blue spectrum. Vivid intensity means strong saturation without excessive darkness, which is ideal because it preserves both color depth and light return. The clarity description, very slightly included at eye level, implies that any inclusions are small and do not interfere with the gem's ability to transmit light or with its overall appearance when mounted. The mixed brilliant cut is particularly well suited to sapphires that present deep color, because it uses a combination of brilliant facets on the pavilion to enhance return of light, and larger table and crown facets to reveal the body color. The excellent polish further improves facet junctions and surface smoothness, which reduces light leakage and contributes to a lively face up appearance. The Ceylon origin also offers a pedigree, as Sri Lankan sapphires are prized for their cornflower to deep Royal Blue hues, often exhibiting a clarity and brightness that differs from other producing regions.

When comparing brilliance to more common gemstones, it is useful to consider both the optical properties and the way color influences perceived sparkle. Diamond is often considered the benchmark for brilliance because of its high refractive index and dispersion, which produces exceptional fire and scintillation in a colorless stone. Sapphires have a lower refractive index than diamond, but in the case of this Royal Blue sapphire, its intense color works in concert with the mixed brilliant cutting style to produce a velvety, internal glow that is distinct from the white sparkle of a diamond. The result is not the same type of fire, but a deep, luminous brilliance that appears to come from within the gem, especially in overhead lighting and natural daylight. Compared with aquamarine and topaz, which tend to be lighter and more transparent with less color saturation, this sapphire offers greater presence and visual weight on the finger. Compared with tanzanite, which can show strong pleochroism and shift from blue to violet depending on angle, this Ceylon Royal Blue sapphire presents a more consistent, saturated blue that retains its commanding hue under varied lighting. Emeralds are prized for their green color, but clarity in emeralds is usually more heavily included, and their brilliance is often more muted than that of a well cut sapphire. For an educated buyer seeking a jewel that makes a bold color statement combined with strong facet pattern brilliance, this sapphire stands out because it balances body color, cut performance, and clarity in a size that is uncommon in fine vivid blue material.

For collectors and buyers considering value and long term desirability, this sapphire checks many boxes. The carat weight of 5.56 carats in vivid Royal Blue is significant, the cushion mixed brilliant shape is versatile for classic and contemporary settings, and the Ceylon origin adds a provenance that many connoisseurs appreciate. Heat treatment is a standard enhancement for sapphires, it is stable over time, and it is fully disclosed here, which preserves market confidence and ensures transparent valuation. This stone will perform beautifully in a range of jewelry designs, including solitaire rings, halo settings where the vivid blue can be framed by diamonds, or bespoke creations that emphasize the gem as the focal point. Care is straightforward, it is best to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme thermal shock, and routine cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush will keep the sapphire looking its best. For those who view gemstones as both adornment and investment, a sizable, eye clean, vivid Ceylon sapphire from The Natural Sapphire Company is a compelling acquisition, and we invite serious buyers to request the certification details, high resolution images, and mounting options so that they may evaluate the gem with full confidence.