7.02 Ct. Purplish Blue Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 7.02 carat purplish blue sapphire measures 13.01 x 9.51 x 6.10 mm and is presented in a classic emerald cut, a step faceting style that emphasizes linear symmetry and broad reflective planes. The cutting strategy for this stone prioritizes optical balance between table size and step depth, producing long flash reflections along the crown and pavilion that enhance apparent size and clarity. The gem exhibits excellent polish and precise facet junctions, with the table and step facets aligned to produce uniform light return across the central plane. Truncated corners on the emerald cut reduce susceptibility to chipping while maintaining the rectilinear aesthetic, and the pavilion depth has been controlled to preserve brightness in a light color intensity stone. Clarity is graded as eye clean at typical viewing distances, indicating the absence of inclusions that interrupt the visual hall of mirrors effect created by the step facets. The result is a transparent, well proportioned gem that reads larger face up than many mixed or brilliant cuts at the same weight, and that provides a refined, architectural presence in any mounting.

Color characterization is critical for sapphires and this example displays a subtle purplish blue hue with light intensity. Origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a classic source known for producing sapphires with a lighter, more velvety tone compared with stones from other regions. The emerald cut modulates color appearance by presenting broad facet planes that show even color distribution with minimal windowing, a particular advantage for stones with lighter saturation. Slight pleochroic tendencies may be observed as the stone is rotated, with shifts toward blue or violet in different orientations, and the cutting axis has been chosen to optimize the most desirable face up tone. This sapphire has been heat treated, the industry standard enhancement for improving tone and clarity in corundum, a stable treatment that is widely accepted when disclosed. Heat treatment in this context refines color uniformity and can reduce the visibility of microscopic inclusions without impacting the fundamental crystalline structure, ensuring long term stability for wear and for passing to subsequent generations.

From a gemological and practical perspective this sapphire is well suited to become a generational heirloom. Corundum rates 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond for everyday wearability, and the emerald cut with truncated corners reduces mechanical risk at the girdle corners, especially when set with protective settings. For rings, a low profile bezel or partial bezel with raised prongs at each truncated corner offers the best protection while preserving the step facet aesthetic. For more traditional presentation, a secure four or eight prong setting oriented to the stone axis will showcase the elongated table and allow more light to play across the facets. The excellent polish and eye clean clarity mean the stone will maintain visual appeal with routine gentle cleaning, and it can be safely cleaned ultrasonically since the only enhancement present is heat treatment. Periodic inspection of the mounting and professional cleaning and re polishing as needed will ensure the stone’s finish and structural security for decades. The gem’s specific gravity and refractive characteristics are of standard corundum, which informs experienced setters when calibrating seat depth and girdle engagement to minimize stress on the stone while maximizing optical return.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we catalog and present this Ceylon sapphire with full disclosure of cut, measurements, weight, clarity, color intensity, origin, and enhancement. Associated documentation and appraisal are recommended at the time of acquisition to formalize provenance and to facilitate insurance and future appraisal needs. When conceived as an heirloom piece the design process should prioritize structural protection, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic timelessness, allowing the piece to be worn in multiple contexts across generations. The robust physical properties of sapphire combined with careful setting choices make remounting, resizing, or reengineering the jewelry possible without compromising the stone itself. Long term custodial advice includes storing the piece separately to avoid abrasion, cleaning with mild detergent and a soft brush, and having a jeweler check the setting annually. This purplish blue emerald cut sapphire from Ceylon, curated by The Natural Sapphire Company, embodies the technical precision of fine cutting and polishing, the stable enhancements and certified origin that collectors expect, and the durable beauty that makes a true family heirloom.