1.02 Ct. Padparadscha Sapphire from Madagascar

This padparadscha sapphire offered by The Natural Sapphire Company is a transparent, 1.02 carat oval, with precise dimensions of 6.94 by 5.48 by 2.97 millimeters, a length to width ratio of approximately 1.27, and a depth that measures approximately 48 percent of the average diameter. The gem is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a brilliant style crown that maximizes scintillation with a pavilion that incorporates both brilliant and restrained step facets to enhance color retention and light return. The mixed cutting approach is particularly effective in an oval outline, because the brilliant facets on the crown yield lively flashes, while the mixed pavilion facets increase the internal color concentration without sacrificing brilliance. The stones girdle, symmetry and facet junctions present a high standard of lapidary control, and the polish has been graded excellent, resulting in crisp facet edges and mirror like facet planes that allow the stone to deliver both vivid sparkle and an even wash of color. Clarity has been assessed as very slightly included at eye level, meaning the stone displays only minor inclusions that do not interfere with the overall transparency or the visual performance of the piece when mounted, and under loupe the inclusions are consistent with natural corundum from Madagascar, which is the documented origin for this material.

The color of this padparadscha is medium intense, occupying the desirable middle ground between pale pastel examples and overly dark saturation, which is a critical balance for this rare color category. Padparadscha describes a delicate interplay between pink and orange, and this particular specimen exhibits warm salmon to lotus bloom tones, with an even distribution across the table and minimal zoning, which enhances versatility for different settings and metals. Corundum pleochroism is evident when the stone is rotated, shifting subtly between pink dominant and orange dominant hues in orthogonal viewing directions, an effect that potently confirms natural crystalline orientation and adds dynamic interest on the finger. The refractive index of corundum typically falls between 1.762 and 1.770, and this stone conforms to those optical parameters, producing strong brilliance with lively facet contrast. Specific gravity for corundum is approximately four point zero, which contributes to the substantial feel of the piece relative to its dimensions. The sapphire has undergone disclosure standard heat treatment, a controlled enhancement applied to improve color uniformity and clarity without compromising structural integrity, and this treatment is stable and widely accepted in the trade.

From a jewelry engineering and durability perspective, this padparadscha enjoys the intrinsic advantages of corundum, which ranks nine on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. On this scale, diamond is ten and corundum at nine is second only to diamond in resistance to surface abrasion, making sapphires highly suitable for everyday wear in engagement rings and other frequently worn settings. The high hardness confers excellent scratch resistance against common household materials and jewelry rubbing, however mechanical toughness is a separate property, and any faceted gem can be chipped by a sharp impact or a hard strike to an edge or corner. The oval outline combined with the moderate depth of this stone calls for a thoughtful setting design, typically a well executed prong system that secures the stone at the long axis points with slightly rounded prong heads, or a low profile bezel that protects the girdle and provides maximum longevity without unduly muting the gem face up performance. For customers seeking the most secure option for daily wear, a bezel with a thin protective rim or a halo design that supports prongs are both excellent technical choices.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we provide full disclosure on treatment and origin, and we document the gemological attributes that matter to connoisseurs, including exact dimensions, carat weight, cutting style, clarity observations at eye level, and polish quality. Our bench partners can advise on settings that balance aesthetics with protection, and we offer video and microscope imagery to assist in assessment prior to purchase. This 1.02 carat Madagascar padparadscha, with its expertly executed mixed brilliant cut, medium intense pink orange hue, very slightly included clarity at eye level, excellent polish, and standard heat treatment, represents a technically refined option for clients who value both the nuanced color characteristics of padparadscha and the practical durability afforded by corundum at nine on the Mohs scale.