5.56 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Madagascar

Imagine a cushion shaped blue sapphire of classic proportions, a weighty 5.56 carats, measuring 11.74 x 10.80 x 4.22 mm, sitting before you with a transparency and brightness that few stones at this size can match. This gem from The Natural Sapphire Company has been fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut to marry the soft, romantic outline of a cushion with the fire and scintillation of a brilliant facet arrangement. The result is a stone that appears larger than its carat weight would suggest, a gem that throws lively flashes of light while maintaining the deep, vivid blue that first draws the eye. At a clarity grade of very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, this sapphire offers the rare combination of visual purity and natural character, inclusions so minor that they do not distract from the gem, but instead attest to its natural origin. The polish is excellent, which means every facet edge meets cleanly and every plane reflects light smoothly, contributing to a finish that rivals stones of much higher price points.

The journey of this Madagascar sapphire begins in the alluvial fields where miners work with knowledge passed down through generations, finding pockets of crystalline riches in river gravels and hillside deposits. In Madagascar the supply chain is different from older, more established sources, the activity more nascent and often artisanal, which allows for exceptional finds to surface. From the moment the rough is brought from the pit, our team at The Natural Sapphire Company applies meticulous sorting, identifying pieces with the right balance of color, clarity, and size. The rough selected for this 5.56 carat gem was handed to seasoned cutters who chose a mixed brilliant pattern to extract the finest color and luster. Following cutting, the sapphire underwent a controlled heat treatment, a standard and stable enhancement that brings out the vivid blue while preserving the integrity of the stone. Each step was documented and overseen by experienced professionals, ensuring traceability from mine to market, and providing confident provenance without sacrificing the natural character of the gem.

When you compare this sapphire to others available on the market, a few distinguishing advantages become clear. Many sapphires offered at similar weights show either a muddier tone, heavier inclusions, or a lack of sparkle due to conservative cutting. This sapphire, by contrast, manages a vivid saturation while remaining transparent, a combination that is much rarer than raw carat weight alone suggests. Compared to some Sri Lankan sapphires that favor lighter, velvety blues, or to some Burmese pieces that command a premium for historical reputation, this Madagascar gem delivers the intense blue most buyers desire at a significantly stronger value proposition. The very slightly included clarity is a tangible quality advantage over the more commonly available eye visible included stones, and the excellent polish and mixed brilliant cut enhance light performance beyond what a standard step cut can offer. For buyers looking for a balance of beauty and sensible investment, the stone competes favorably with sapphires twice its price, because it combines desirable color, superior cut, and a clean appearance in a single, ready to mount package.

This sapphire is exceptionally versatile for design, whether set as the centerpiece of an engagement ring, suspended in a classic pendant, or surrounded by a halo to emphasize its color and shape. The cushion outline offers a timeless silhouette, flattering on the hand and complementary to both modern and vintage inspired settings. The mixed brilliant cut maximizes brilliance, which is particularly important for day to day wear, as the lively scintillation helps mask minor surface wear and keeps the stone looking fresh. From The Natural Sapphire Company you will also receive the guidance of experienced gem professionals who can advise on mounting styles that enhance this particular stone, and on care and insurance considerations. For those who prize ethical sourcing, the documented chain of custody from Madagascar through our expert cutting and finishing process offers reassurance. In short, this 5.56 carat cushion, with its vivid blue, transparent body, very slightly included clarity at eye level, excellent polish, and mindful heat treatment, stands out among market offerings as a gem that delivers rare presence, intelligent value, and enduring beauty. If you are seeking a spectacular blue sapphire that reads as remarkable in person and prudent in value, this gem from The Natural Sapphire Company is crafted to fulfill that expectation.