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

This is a rare and substantial 9.68 carat blue sapphire, presented in an elegant oval cabochon, with dimensions of 11.59 by 9.58 by 8.67 mm. The gem is semi translucent, with a vivid color intensity and an excellent polish that produces a deep, velvety surface luster. Graded as slightly included at eye level, the stone shows natural internal features that do not detract from its overall visual impact, rather they attest to its natural origin and character. The sapphire has been heat treated, a widely accepted and stable enhancement in the trade that improves tone and saturation while retaining the gem s natural integrity. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and this provenance is meaningful to connoisseurs because Sri Lankan sapphires are celebrated for their lively, saturated blues and for a particular interplay of hue and brilliance that differs from stones sourced elsewhere.

To an educated buyer, the essential grading parameters are color, clarity, cut, carat weight, treatment and origin, and this sapphire performs strongly across these categories. Color is the primary value driver for blue sapphires, and this gem s vivid intensity places it at a premium level, with a rich blue that reads as true blue without strong secondary modifiers. The cabochon cut is a considered choice for semi translucent material, because it maximizes perceived depth of color and surface glow, rather than emphasizing internal clarity the way a faceted cut would. Clarity is described as slightly included at eye level, which indicates visible but limited inclusions that do not compromise structural durability. On the hardness scale corundum rates nine, making this sapphire very suitable for everyday wear when set correctly. The excellent polish is particularly important on a cabochon, because surface finish governs reflection and perceived saturation, and this stone s polish enhances both depth and uniformity of color.

What makes this sapphire especially rare, and attractive to collectors and high end buyers, is the combination of size and vivid color in a cabochon form from Ceylon. Large sapphires above eight carats with a vivid, evenly distributed blue are uncommon, and when they are cut as cabochons it is often because the rough exhibits qualities best displayed by a rounded dome rather than facets. Many cabochons of similar carat weight trend toward darker, opaque tones or show uneven color distribution, while this example remains semi translucent and evenly saturated, which is unusual and valuable. Origin contributes to rarity as well, because classic Sri Lankan material with both saturation and translucency commands a premium relative to more common commercial tone stones. Heat treatment is standard and acceptable in the modern market, and when disclosed honestly it does not diminish collectability in the way undisclosed or unstable treatments can. For buyers who value documented origin and consistent market standards, a vivid Ceylon cabochon of this size represents a scarce opportunity.

From a practical perspective, this 9.68 carat cabochon is versatile for a range of high quality bespoke settings. The oval shape, substantial profile and deep color respond beautifully to bezel settings that protect the edge and showcase the dome, or to open gallery settings that allow light to interact with the pavilion and emphasize translucency. Because the stone is slightly included at eye level, mounting strategies that minimize exposure of vulnerable inclusions and that reinforce the girdle are advisable, and The Natural Sapphire Company can recommend appropriate setting designs and prepare the stone for custom work. Care is straightforward, given the inherent hardness of corundum, but avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and strong thermal shock. Gentle soapy water and a soft brush is the recommended routine, and professional cleaning and inspection before and after any major setting work is recommended. We can provide additional detailed photographs, lighting views, and independent gemological documentation on request, and The Natural Sapphire Company is available to discuss certification, provenance, and bespoke design options for collectors and clients seeking a truly distinctive and rare Ceylon blue sapphire.