5.57 Ct. Blue Cabochon Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful semi transparent blue sapphire, weight 5.57 carats, cushion shape with dimensions 11.01 x 8.75 x 6.13 millimeters, sugar loaf cut, clarity graded as very slightly included at eye level, intense color intensity, excellent polish, enhancement by heat treatment, origin Ceylon Sri Lanka, offered by The Natural Sapphire Company. The listed measurements are precise and are measured to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter. The carat weight of 5.57 reflects the substantial presence of the stone, making it suitable for a prominent center setting while maintaining practical proportions for everyday wear. The sugar loaf cut produces a distinctive domed profile with subtle facet junctions across the top, preserving a strong body color and a broad area of uniform hue. The clarity grading as very slightly included indicates that inclusions are minimal and do not detract from the gem when viewed with the unaided eye under normal lighting conditions, while the excellent polish contributes to an even surface luster and clean reflections.

Optical properties and color performance are central to the character of this sapphire. The stone exhibits an intense blue that is true to classic Ceylon examples, with a vivid saturation that reads deep and blue without veering toward overly dark or inky tones. The semi transparent nature of the material allows light to penetrate the dome and return with a soft internal glow, giving the stone a lively, energetic appearance while maintaining a sense of depth. The sugar loaf geometry enhances color concentration toward the center and produces gentle light returns along the upper facets, creating subtle highlights without introducing distracting flashes. Color distribution across the table and crown area is largely even, with only minor variation near the pavilion edges, which is typical for stones of this cut and origin. The excellent polish supports consistent light return, so that surface reflections are clean and the stone appears physically smooth to the eye and to touch.

Clarity and durability considerations are important for assessment and for setting decisions. The very slightly included clarity grade means that the stone contains small internal features that are visible under magnification and may be detectable at certain angles to the unaided eye, but they do not materially affect the strength or the overall visual appeal of the gem. Heat treatment has been applied, which is the industry standard for improving color and transparency in natural sapphires, and the treatment is stable under normal wearing conditions. The sapphire’s hardness and toughness remain consistent with corundum, making it suitable for rings, pendants, and other daily wear pieces provided that appropriate protective settings are used for exposed edges. Considerations for mounting include bezel or halo settings to protect the girdle and corners, while prong settings can be used if the setting is proportioned to safeguard the domed pavilion. Metals such as platinum, 18 karat yellow gold, and 18 karat white gold are all appropriate, and the deep blue will pair well with either warm or cool metal tones depending on the desired contrast.

Provenance, documentation, and services are provided by The Natural Sapphire Company in a straightforward and transparent manner. The stated origin of Ceylon Sri Lanka reflects the geological and mineralogical characteristics identified during internal assessment and is consistent with the stone’s hue and saturation. A disclosure of heat treatment is included with the gemstone, and additional gemological documentation can be arranged on request for buyers who require independent verification. For designers and clients considering custom settings, recommendations for mounting, stone orientation, and complementary accent stones can be provided, based on the stone’s measured dimensions and dome profile. The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with secure handling, insured shipping, and appraisal services for insurance purposes, and we maintain a clear record of the sapphire’s specifications, origin statement, and treatment history. For those seeking a reliable and well documented example of Ceylon blue sapphire in a sugar loaf cut, this 5.57 carat cushion presents a balanced combination of color intensity, polished finish, and practical dimensions.