1.99 Ct. Bi Color / Parti Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

There are few gemstones that carry with them the quiet poetry of both place and time, and this 1.99 carat oval bi color or parti sapphire from Ceylon Sri Lanka is precisely such a stone, a living fragment of the island nation that supplied treasures to royal treasuries for centuries. Oval in shape with dimensions of 9.15 x 6.96 x 4.05 mm, this sapphire recalls the sapphires that once passed through the hands of ancient traders and court jewelers, admired not only for their beauty but for their symbolic endurance. The mixed brilliant faceted cutting style brings a contemporary brilliance to a gem that is steeped in a storied past, while the medium color intensity and the distinctive parti coloration suggest a landscape captured within the stone itself, a subtle shift of tone that invites contemplation rather than command. For clients who cherish continuity and heritage, this sapphire offers a tangible link to the long tradition of Ceylon gems, a choice that honors the past while feeling wholly suitable for today.

From a gemological standpoint this sapphire is an exceptional example of natural, unenhanced beauty, qualities that our clients at The Natural Sapphire Company have come to value above all. The clarity grade is very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which means the inclusions are modest and do not detract from the overall brightness and life of the stone. The excellent polish and the precise mixed brilliant facets allow light to dance through the pavilion and crown, revealing flashes of warmth and coolness that shift as the gem moves. The lack of any enhancement is an important detail for collectors and for those who regard a gem as an heirloom, because an untouched stone carries with it the original signature of the earth, the geological conditions of Ceylon preserved in crystal form. Paired with expert setting and thoughtful design, this sapphire becomes more than jewelry, it becomes a keepsake that can be handed down through generations as a record of taste and memory.

When designing a custom piece around this parti sapphire, one can draw on centuries of jewelry traditions to create something that feels both timeless and personal. For a classic engagement ring, consider surrounding the oval center with a fine halo of small old European or single cut diamonds set in platinum or white gold, their icy flashes providing a crisp frame that amplifies the sapphire s subtle tonal transitions. For clients who prefer warmth, a delicate bezel or prong setting in 18 karat yellow or rose gold can accentuate the faint golden or champagne tones within the crystal, echoing the stone s subtleties and lending a vintage charm reminiscent of Georgian and Victorian pieces. A three stone design with tapered baguette or shield shaped side stones in light yellow sapphires or cognac diamonds can create a balanced composition that honors the geometry of the mixed brilliant cut while introducing old world proportions favored by collectors of classic designs. For a more dramatic heirloom pendant, the oval shape is perfect for a simple closed cap mount that lets silk chains rest against the neck, or for a more ornate filigree surround that harks back to the artisanal work of classic Ceylon goldsmiths.

Complementary gemstones can be chosen to narrate a particular story or to emphasize the sapphire s parti personality, and here the possibilities are as rich as the history that inspires them. Pairing small rounds or rose cut diamonds creates a luminous contrast that reads as tradition forward, they act as punctuation marks of light around the main gem. For color companions, soft green sapphires or mint tourmalines pick up any subtle green honey tones and create a palette that feels organic and pastoral, inviting associations with gardens and old estates. Deep green emeralds offer a bolder, more imperial statement and work beautifully in channel set shoulders or in a hidden halo, evoking the layered richness of antique jewels. Champagne or cognac colored diamonds and warm yellow sapphires will highlight the golden facets within the stone, and when set in yellow gold, they suggest the warm glow of candlelit salons and legacy pieces worn through generations. For an entirely different aesthetic, small blue sapphires set as a ribbon or millegrain edge can draw out any cooler facets and provide a restrained nod to classic Ceylon royal jewelry, a restrained palette that feels assured and venerable rather than trendy. Whichever combination you choose, the key is restraint and proportion, matching stone sizes and cuts that respect the oval shape and the mixed brilliant cut so the finished design feels coherent, balanced, and destined to become a cherished heirloom.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we delight in guiding clients through every step of this tradition minded process, from selection to final setting, ensuring that each detail echoes the piece s intended legacy. We recommend settings that protect the table and girdle for everyday wear, and we can provide period appropriate mounting techniques for those who wish to evoke a particular era. The unenhanced origin from Ceylon Sri Lanka will be documented and can accompany the piece as a certificate of provenance, an important complement to the physical object for those who value traceability and history. Caring for this sapphire is straightforward, warm soapy water and a soft brush are all that s required for regular maintenance, and professional cleaning and inspection will keep prongs secure and polish fresh for decades to come. If you would like to explore custom designs that celebrate the antique spirit of this parti sapphire, our design consultants and master jewelers are ready to work with your vision, combining classic forms, complementary gemstones, and meticulous craftsmanship to create a piece that not only honors the past, but is destined to be part of your family s future.