Solitaire Blue Sapphire Ring 1.11 Ct., 14K White Gold

This ring centers on a transparent 1.11 carat oval blue sapphire, presented in a mixed brilliant cut, with dimensions of 7.51 by 5.61 by 3.36 mm. The stone exhibits medium color saturation, offering a balanced blue that is lively without appearing overly dark or muted, and it benefits from an excellent polish that enhances surface brightness and sparkle. Clarity is graded eye clean when evaluated at eye level, indicating that no inclusions are visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions, and the sapphire is offered with no enhancement. Its origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a provenance noted for producing sapphires with a distinctive, clear hue and natural color characteristics, which in this example combine with the mixed brilliant cutting style to produce appealing light return and scintillation across the crown facets.

The mounting is executed entirely in platinum 950, chosen for its density and enduring properties, and the design maintains a refined solitaire aesthetic that allows the oval sapphire to remain the focal point. Platinum 950 is a high purity alloy that resists wear and maintains structural integrity through daily use, while its natural white tone complements the blue of the sapphire without requiring rhodium plating. The setting secures the stone with a raised mounting that permits light penetration from the pavilion and crown, while maintaining sufficient metal to anchor the sapphire. The band is highly polished, and the overall fabrication reflects careful finishing standards to keep contact points smooth and comfortable against the skin. This combination of a well cut Sri Lankan sapphire and a robust platinum 950 mount results in a piece that balances visual presence with practical wearability.

When assessing durability for daily wear, corundum, the mineral species that includes sapphire, has a Mohs hardness of 9, placing it just below diamond on the scratch resistance scale, and well above common jewelry stones such as quartz which has a hardness of 7, and topaz which has a hardness of 8. In practical terms, the 1.11 carat Ceylon sapphire will resist surface scratching from ordinary materials encountered in daily life, and the excellent polish helps preserve a bright appearance over time. Beyond hardness, toughness and cleavage are important considerations, and corundum is valued for its lack of true cleavage, which reduces the risk of catastrophic splitting under impact compared with stones that exhibit pronounced cleavage planes. That said, sapphire can chip at facet junctions or along thin girdles if subjected to hard knocks, particularly where the stone protrudes above the mounting, and the risk of chipping increases with blunt trauma. For these reasons the secure platinum mounting and the profile of the setting play an important role in protecting the stone during routine wear.

To ensure longevity and preserve the sapphire and platinum in daily use, simple maintenance practices are recommended. Platinum 950 will develop a soft patina with time which can be polished back to a high shine by a professional jeweler, and periodic inspections of the setting are advised to confirm that prongs and seatings remain secure. Cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is both effective and safe, and because this sapphire is untreated, it is generally safe to clean ultrasonically and with steam under standard professional guidelines, though service providers will consider the condition of the mounting before proceeding. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals including concentrated acids and prolonged exposure to strong chlorinated environments, remove the ring for heavy manual work and contact sports, and schedule a professional check every year to two years depending on usage. The Natural Sapphire Company provides detailed provenance information and can assist with professional servicing and guidance, offering assurance in both the natural origin and the construction of the piece, and supporting owners who wish to maintain the ring for years of regular wear.