0.28 Ct. Green Sapphire from Montana

At The Natural Sapphire Company, this listing describes one transparent, pear shape green sapphire, weighing 0.28 carat, with dimensions of 4.99 x 3.05 x 2.57 mm. The gem is faceted in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a faceted crown to enhance scintillation and a carefully proportioned pavilion to optimize light return in a tapered silhouette. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating minor inclusions that do not detract from overall transparency or face up appearance. The color is described as very light in intensity, exhibiting a delicate green hue with subtle blue and yellow undertones depending on viewing angle and lighting. The gem is heat treated, a standard and stable enhancement in sapphire processing, and the polish is graded as excellent, providing crisp facet junctions and clean reflective surfaces. The modest size and precise cutting render this stone suitable as a central accent in fine jewelry, and the measured proportions allow for predictable setting and mounting in both prong and bezel styles.

The hue and tone of this Montana green sapphire can be compared to sapphires and other gems from several well known localities, to provide a frame of reference for connoisseurs and designers. Compared to typical Sri Lankan sapphires, which often display lighter, more pure blue or cornflower tones or lively yellowish green shades, this Montana example reads as paler and more muted, with a cooler, slightly grayer cast. Compared to Australian green sapphires, which frequently present in deeper olive and forest green tones with stronger saturation, the present gem is notably lighter and more transparent, with less of the earthy brown component that can accompany Australian material. Against Madagascan sapphires, which commonly show intense, strongly saturated greenish blue or teal, the Montana stone appears more restrained, and more pastel in character. Compared to classical Kashmir blue sapphires, which are known for rich, velvety saturation and strong tone, this Montana green is much lighter in both hue and tone, offering a subtlety rather than a bold color statement. These comparisons emphasize the distinctive, delicate nature of Montana sapphires, where gentle, airy color and high clarity often differentiate material from the deeper, more saturated stones produced in other regions.

The mixed brilliant cut employed for this pear shape is intended to balance brilliance with color performance, and the excellent polish supports maximum sparkle from small size. The crown facets contribute to scintillation when the gem is in motion, and the pavilion facets, cut to measured proportions relative to the 2.57 mm depth, allow for efficient light return and face up brightness. The very slightly included clarity grade indicates inclusions that are typically only visible under magnification or under specific viewing conditions, and the overall transparency is maintained. Heat treatment, as disclosed, is a controlled procedure applied to enhance color and remove undesired zoning, and it is a widely accepted practice in the trade that stabilizes the optical properties of corundum without affecting durability under normal wear. For jewelers, the combination of a precise pear outline and mixed brilliant faceting offers practical advantages when designing settings that emphasize length and symmetry, and when incorporating the stone as a center for delicate rings, pendants, or as an accent paired with larger colored or colorless stones.

Provenance from Montana is an important part of the gemstone story, and this stone reflects the regional character associated with American sapphires, including notable clarity and a soft, natural palette. The Natural Sapphire Company maintains documentation of origin and treatment for pieces in its inventory, and this sapphire is presented with full disclosure regarding heat treatment. The small carat weight and measured proportions afford versatility in design, allowing the gem to function effectively as a centerpiece in minimalist settings or as a refined accent in more elaborate compositions, including halo or three stone arrangements. Care recommendations include routine cleaning with warm soap and water and avoidance of extreme thermal shock and abrasive contact, consistent with standard practices for corundum. Long term stability for a heat treated sapphire of this type is excellent when set and cared for properly, and its subtle green hue offers a discreet and elegant alternative for clients seeking a pale green sapphire with reliable optical performance and documented origin.