Pave Padparadscha Sapphire Ring 3.98 Ct., 14K Yellow & White

Long before this ring ever touched a jeweler's bench, its heart was born in the storied soils of Ceylon Sri Lanka, where miners have long known how the island yields some of the world s most treasured sapphires. The pavilion of this gem grew slowly, forming the rare and luminous Orangy Pink hue that collectors call padparadscha. At The Natural Sapphire Company we selected this AGL certified, transparent padparadscha for its natural intensity and uncompromised beauty. The cushion shape sapphire weighs 3.98 carat, measures 9.96 x 7.39 x 6.16 mm, and is skillfully fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut. With a clarity grade of very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and an excellent polish, the stone requires no enhancement, allowing the pure, original color of Ceylon to glow through the facets the way it was meant to be seen.

The journey from rough crystal to the finished gem required hands that understand both the science of light and the poetry of shape. The mixed brilliant cut was chosen to maximize the padparadscha s color and sparkle, marrying the soft, pillowed silhouette of the cushion form with the lively facet architecture of a brilliant. This combination encourages internal reflection and flashes of dispersed color while maintaining a broad, luminous face up presence. In contrast to a standard old mine or antique cushion cut which often emphasizes warmth and a softer, mellow scintillation, this mixed brilliant approach produces more play of light and a greater sensation of fire and sparkle. Compared with a round brilliant, the cushion mixed brilliant preserves more color saturation in the center of the stone, which is essential for a padparadscha where color is the true protagonist. Compared with step cuts such as emerald or asscher styles which offer dramatic flashes and a hall of mirrors effect, the mixed brilliant retains livelier scintillation and more dispersed brilliance, making the sapphire seem to shimmer with movement from every angle.

Surrounding the center stone, a constellation of white diamonds enhances both color and light. On either side, white cushion shaped diamonds with a combined weight of approximately 1.16 carat and clarity grades of VS1 and VS2, color grade E, flank the padparadscha and add a classic, clean contrast. Additional white round shaped diamonds weighing approximately 0.40 carat, clarity VS, color F G, and a further set of round diamonds weighing approximately 0.50 carat, clarity VS, color F G, are set to wrap the band and shoulder in a cascade of white brilliance. These diamonds were chosen not only for their eye clean clarity and high color grades, but also for the way their round brilliant cuts interact with the mixed brilliant center. Round brilliants deliver concentrated return of white light and scintillation which frames the center stone like a halo of motion. Where a pavé of smaller single cut or rose cut diamonds might offer vintage charm and surface glitter, the round brilliant cuts selected here contribute sustained, lively sparkle that complements the larger cushion diamonds and sets the padparadscha alight without overwhelming its rare color.

The ring s architecture is a celebration of contrast and craftsmanship, set in 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold to play up the padparadscha s warm undertones and the diamonds cool white fire. Yellow gold prongs cradle the cushion sapphire and echo the gem s orangy pink glow, while the white gold mountings and band amplify the diamonds clarity and brilliance. This two tone approach allows the eye to focus first on the rare center hue, then to travel outward to the precise, shimmering details of the shoulders and band. At The Natural Sapphire Company we believe jewelry should tell a story of place and people, and this ring does just that. It is a narrative of Ceylon s geology, of meticulous cutting choices that balance color preservation with scintillation, and of finishing work that honors the stone s natural integrity. For someone seeking a gemstone that offers both the rich color depth of a padparadscha and the lively light performance of modern cutting, this ring presents an exceptional union of origin, design, and artistry.