0.44 Ct. Blue Sapphire from Montana

This transparent 0.44 carat emerald cut blue sapphire measures 5.65 x 3.14 x 2.33 mm, and it represents a refined specimen from Montana, offered by The Natural Sapphire Company. The gem is emerald cut, exhibiting linear step facets on the crown and pavilion that emphasize clarity and hue rather than brute sparkle. The clarity grade is slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which in practical terms means minor natural inclusions are visible only under careful inspection and do not compromise structural integrity. The color intensity reads as light, with a pale, cool blue that reveals more saturation when viewed face up against white backgrounds, and the stone has been heat treated as an enhancement to stabilize and subtly deepen the tone. The polish on all facet junctions is excellent, producing crisp facet planes and strong facet delineation, and the overall transparency is high for a Montana origin sapphire, allowing for notable light penetration and return for a stone of this size.

From a lapidary perspective, the emerald cut chosen for this piece balances conservation of rough with optical performance. The step cut crown presents a broad table that maximizes face up color, while the elongated rectangular outline and truncated corners create controlled light paths that produce broad, mirror like flashes. The pavilion is executed to proportions that favor depth over excessive table spread, preserving color saturation along the length of the stone, and the facet geometry reduces the appearance of any internal feathering by channeling light through flatter planes. Cutting an emerald octagon from Montana sapphire rough often addresses mottled color zoning, because the stepped faceting masks micro zoning better than brilliants, and because Montana material frequently benefits from a cut that concentrates color lengthwise. The cutter maintained strict facet symmetry and acute facet junction polish to take full advantage of the gem s refractive properties, and the result is an orderly interplay of light and color that reads as refined and restrained rather than flashy.

Comparing brilliance and optical behavior to more common gemstones clarifies where this sapphire stands out. Corundum has a refractive index roughly in the range of 1.76 to 1.77, which yields a strong vitreous luster and good light return, though its dispersion is significantly lower than diamond. Against a round brilliant diamond the emerald cut sapphire will not display the same high dispersion fire, nor will it produce the intense pinpoint scintillation that a brilliant pavilion yields, but it will show broad, elegant flashes and a hall of mirrors effect unique to step cuts. Compared to other popular blue stones such as aquamarine or blue topaz, this sapphire offers a greater refractive firmness and a more enduring color stability, and under identical lighting it will present deeper, cooler reflections with higher contrast. The heat treatment applied here is a standard, stable enhancement for corundum, it optimizes tone without introducing surface acting fills, and because the polish is excellent the light coupling into and out of the stone is efficient, which enhances apparent brightness even at light color intensity.

For practical use and setting recommendations this 5.65 x 3.14 x 2.33 mm emerald cut sapphire is an ideal candidate for a refined solitaire or a three stone ring where the rectangular facet planes can play off companion diamonds or other sapphires. The slightly included clarity grade suggests that a low profile bezel or a four prong setting that secures the corners will protect the stone while preserving face up visibility. For buyers who prioritize optical precision, a white metal mounting will accentuate the blue reflections and increase perceived brightness, whereas a yellow or rose metal will warm the visible tone and can make the light color intensity read as richer. Given the Mohs hardness of corundum at nine, this sapphire is very suitable for everyday wearable jewelry, and its Montana provenance adds collector appeal for those who seek distinct regional character. At The Natural Sapphire Company we document enhancement as heat treated, we provide full dimensional and weight specifications, and we are prepared to advise on setting dimensions and design choices to optimize the emerald cut s optical strengths while protecting the stone s integrity.