1.44 Ct. Blue Sapphire from West Africa

This 1.44 carat oval blue sapphire from West Africa is a rare combination of natural beauty and market leading value. Measuring 7.88 x 5.94 x 3.61 mm, with a mixed brilliant cut, vivid color intensity, eye clean clarity as evaluated at eye level, excellent polish, and no enhancement, it stands apart from the many heated or clarity enhanced sapphires commonly offered. Where many stones in the market are heat treated to deepen tone or clarity filled to mask internal features, this gem arrives in its original state, preserving natural saturation and crystal integrity. For buyers who prioritize authenticity and long term value, an untreated, transparent stone with striking color and strong light return is intrinsically more desirable than a similar looking treated stone, and because it is eye clean the face up appearance is immediate and confident without the need for magnification or caveats. At The Natural Sapphire Company we source and certify stones that combine provenance with gemological transparency, and this West African sapphire exemplifies that approach, offering collectors and bespoke buyers a superior, responsibly sourced option.

Visually this sapphire reads as a deep, vivid blue with dynamic flashes created by the mixed brilliant facet arrangement, and the excellent polish enhances those flashes while minimizing light leakage. Compared with step cut or shallowly cut sapphires that can look dead or overly dark, the mixed brilliant cut here balances depth and brilliance so the color reads richly in daylight but also scintillates under evening light. The oval shape provides flattering proportions on the finger and a larger apparent size relative to round stones of the same weight, which is an important advantage when comparing value per carat. Clarity matters as much as color in perceived quality, and an eye clean sapphire at this size is uncommon in the market, meaning you avoid the distracting carbon spots and needles that many natural sapphires show, and you get a clean window into the color, unclouded by inclusions. The combination of transparency, vivid saturation, and excellent finish yields a gem that outperforms many mass market options, both visually and in terms of long term desirability, because untreated natural color is a key determinant of sustained value.

For custom design the versatility of this oval blue sapphire opens up many elegant directions, each of which highlights its strengths. For a classic engagement or solitaire pendant consider a four or six prong setting in platinum or white gold with a delicate halo of small brilliant cut white diamonds, the cool white contrast brightening the sapphire and creating instant presence. If you prefer a warmer, more vintage mood set the stone in yellow gold or rose gold, where the warm metal will make the blue appear richer and more luminous, especially from a short distance. For a three stone ring pairing two tapered baguette diamonds or elongated step cut white sapphires on either side will create an architectural, balanced composition that emphasizes the oval profile, while an asymmetric cluster of mixed size accent stones can produce a modern, organic look. For color harmony try a graduated halo that mixes lighter blue sapphires into some of the halo positions to produce a soft ombre effect, or introduce small emerald accents for a high contrast, haute joaillerie palette that reads regal and intentional. Technically the 3.61 mm depth provides a comfortable pavilion profile for secure bezel options if wearer durability is a priority, and the mixed brilliant cut ensures that prong or bezel settings will both showcase brilliance while protecting the stone.

When comparing this sapphire with other options, the key advantages are its natural, untreated state, its eye clean clarity, and the excellent cut and polish that maximize visual appeal. These factors combined make it a superior choice for discerning buyers who want a gemstone that performs beautifully in jewelry and retains its distinctiveness among treated or synthetic alternatives. The Natural Sapphire Company can assist with bespoke design concepts, advising on metal choices, halo versus solitaire balance, and complementary accent stones to achieve a look that is both striking and durable. Whether set as a classic solitaire ring, a dramatic halo pendant, or a refined three stone piece, this West African sapphire will anchor a custom design with authentic color, excellent finish, and lasting value.