3.03 Ct. Padparadscha Sapphire from Madagascar

This cushion shape padparadscha sapphire weighs 3.03 carat and measures 8.37 x 7.61 x 4.81 mm, presenting an optimal table to depth relationship for face up presence. The mixed brilliant cut combines a brilliant faceted crown with a modified pavilion faceting scheme to maximize both return of white light and controlled scintillation. The crown faceting disperses light into small, lively flashes while the pavilion architecture creates a deep window of color, producing a balanced interplay between brilliance and body color. Clarity is graded eye clean at normal viewing distance, which allows uninterrupted light pathways through the gem, and the excellent polish preserves facet crispness so that gauss like reflections remain tight and well defined. The intense color intensity of this stone concentrates the rare pink to orangey salmon tone that defines padparadscha, and the fact that there has been no enhancement confirms the natural origin of the hue as grown in Madagascar.

When compared to more familiar gemstones this padparadscha sapphire displays a distinct optical signature. Diamond, with its higher refractive index and much greater dispersion, produces more pronounced fire and high contrast brilliance, however diamonds do not carry inherent body color in the way corundum does. Typical blue sapphires and rubies show strong color saturation but often with different light performance because their hues interact with light absorption bands differently. This padparadscha stands out because its mixed brilliant faceting converts a substantial portion of corundum light transmission into lively scintillation while preserving color depth. Against spinel and topaz of similar tone, the sapphire exhibits superior durability with a higher refractive index of about 1.762 to 1.770 and a correspondingly more intense optical return. The result is a gem that reads as both vivid in color and active in light performance.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we emphasize provenance, cutting rationale, and untreated status in our technical descriptions. This Madagascar origin padparadscha, with precise dimensions and excellent craftsmanship, is an example of a gem cut to leverage the intrinsic optical properties of corundum. For buyers who prioritize natural color, eye clean clarity, and a balanced mix of brilliance and color saturation, this 3.03 carat cushion padparadscha sapphire offers an uncommon combination of visual depth and lively light behavior that distinguishes it from more common consumer gemstones.