0.28 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Montana

This oval shape blue sapphire weighs 0.28 carats, and measures 4.96 by 3.08 by 2.31 millimeters. The stone is transparent, with a mixed brilliant cut that balances faceted brilliance with a pleasing oval silhouette. Clarity has been assessed as very very slightly included at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and generally not visible without magnification. Color is described as medium intensity blue, and the polish is excellent, yielding clean facet junctions and strong light return for a stone of this size. The sapphire has been heat treated, which is a stable and commonly used enhancement, and the origin is Montana, a source known for distinct, often subtly nuanced blues. These objective characteristics make this gem well suited to detailed design work and precision setting.

The sapphire is particularly adaptable for use as a delicate center stone, and its proportions make it ideal for a range of ring designs. As a minimalist solitaire, it will read as an elegant, understated center when set in a four prong or low profile bezel mounting. For increased visual impact without increasing carat weight, the sapphire responds well to a halo of small melee diamonds, which accentuate the medium blue tone and maximize perceived size. An east west orientation provides a contemporary look in a slender band, and a traditional north south orientation produces a classic engagement ring aesthetic. The depth of 2.31 millimeters and the mixed brilliant pavilion allow jewelers to choose settings that preserve light performance while providing secure seatings, and a four or six prong setting can be specified depending on desired security and aesthetic.

Beyond rings, the dimensions and clarity of this sapphire lend themselves to a wide variety of jewelry types. In stud earrings the gem will function as a refined solitary point of color, or it can be paired with matched melee stones to form drop or cluster designs. As a pendant, the stone will produce a delicate focal point in a bezel or prong mount that suits everyday wear. It is also an excellent candidate for multi stone compositions, including three stone layouts with tapered side stones, asymmetric designs that combine mixed cuts, and station necklaces where small, precisely set gems punctuate a chain. The size and shape also make this sapphire appropriate for bespoke uses such as a signet accent, a custom cufflink, or an articulated bracelet link, where its hardness and durability contribute to longevity. Choice of metal will influence the perceived color, with white metals reinforcing a crisp blue, and warm metals creating a more vintage or romantic presentation.

From a practical bench perspective this sapphire is straightforward to set, owing to its well-defined oval outline and consistent dimensions. The length to width ratio is approximately 1.61, which communicates an elegant oval elongation without appearing overly stretched, and this ratio informs the designs for mounting collars and gallery work. The 4.96 by 3.08 millimeter footprint aligns well with many standard collet and head sizes, enabling efficient fabrication while permitting custom modifications for exact fit. The excellent polish and mixed brilliant faceting produce predictable light behavior when viewed through the crown, which is advantageous when planning prong placement or halo proportions. Because the stone has been heat treated, it is stable under normal setting and maintenance procedures, and The Natural Sapphire Company documents origin and enhancement to assist jewelry professionals in making appropriate design and care decisions. In summary, this Montana sapphire offers a balanced combination of color, clarity, cut, and size that supports a broad spectrum of custom jewelry settings, from refined minimalism to more intricate, gemstone centric compositions.