0.75 Ct. Orange Cabochon Sapphire from Montana

This specimen is a transparent round orange sapphire, weighing 0.75 carat, with precise dimensions of 5.94 by 5.94 by 2.11 millimeters, presented in a classic cabochon cut rather than a faceted pavilion, the dome profile is smooth and evenly curved across the table, the base is gently trimmed to a consistent girdle allowing flush seating in bezel settings, clarity is graded as eye clean when evaluated at normal viewing distances, color intensity is described as intense with a saturated orange body color showing a balance of warm honeyed and amber tones, polish quality is rated excellent, and the gem has been heat treated to stabilize and enhance color and transparency, the reported origin for this material is Montana and this provenance is disclosed in keeping with our standards at The Natural Sapphire Company.

From a lapidary perspective the cabochon was executed with attention to dome geometry and material orientation to maximize color velocity and minimize windowing, the height to diameter ratio is approximately 0.355 which results in a medium to high dome providing depth of color without undue loss of weight, the preform was oriented to align the strongest color plane with the dome apex so that light entering the crown is absorbed and reemitted with even saturation across the visible surface, the smooth curvature reduces the appearance of zonal color and enhances surface luster, the cutter paid particular attention to edge transition where the dome meets the girdle to prevent light leakage, the excellent polish was achieved through progressive abrasives and final polishing compounds that remove micro abrasion and impart a mirror like finish which is essential for transparent cabochons to communicate their full brilliance under both diffuse and direct lighting conditions.

Optically this sapphire demonstrates the classic corundum refractive behavior with strong light transmission and low pleochroism relative to highly zoned stones, the intense orange hue suggests a trace element chemistry dominated by combinations that interact to produce warm yellow to red components, the eye clean clarity grade indicates that internal inclusions are either absent or sufficiently small or oriented so as not to be visible to the unaided eye at normal viewing distances, this enhances the perceived transparency and allows the gem to appear bright and evenly colored in situ, heat treatment in this case likely reduced fine silk and improved color uniformity, this treatment is a stable enhancement for corundum and is disclosed in our listing, the hardness of corundum at nine on the Mohs scale confers excellent resistance to scratching and abrasion, making the cabochon suitable for a variety of settings including rings, pendants, and earrings, however the domed profile and excellent polish will best retain appearance in bezel or protective mountings that support the girdle and reduce the risk of chipping on the perimeter.

As custodians of fine sapphires The Natural Sapphire Company presents this Montana orange cabochon with full disclosure and detailed measurements for professional buyers and connoisseurs, the provincial origin contributes to a characteristic warmth and clarity profile that many collectors seek, for setting considerations a secure bezel will protect the rounded periphery while allowing the dome to display maximum color, prong settings can be used when additional support is added to the girdle, cleaning is straightforward due to the stability of heat treated corundum, warm soapy water and a soft brush are recommended for routine maintenance, ultrasonic cleaning may be used with caution and after review of the gem report or any documented internal features, our team can provide bespoke design guidance and mounting options that optimize the visual impact of the cabochon while preserving its integrity, if you require additional measurements, spectral data, or photographic views at multiple lighting angles The Natural Sapphire Company will supply further documentation to support acquisition and to assist your jeweler in creating a setting that complements the stone.