3.53 Ct. Padparadscha Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This beautiful transparent 3.53 carat cushion shape padparadscha sapphire presents a rare and balanced expression of color and form, brought to market by The Natural Sapphire Company. The stone measures 9.03 by 8.95 by 5.14 millimeters, offering substantial presence for both classic and contemporary jewelry designs. Cut in a mixed brilliant fashion, the pavilion and crown facet combinations have been executed to deliver lively scintillation and optimized color return. Clarity is graded as eye clean when evaluated at eye level, which means that the gem appears free of visible inclusions to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions. Color intensity is described as medium intense, a category that often represents the most desirable balance for padparadscha sapphires, where the delicate marriage of pink and orange is vivid without losing subtlety. The polish of this gem is excellent, reflecting the lapidary care invested in its finish. Importantly, this sapphire is natural and unenhanced, and its origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a source with a storied reputation for producing some of the finest padparadscha and pink sapphires in the world.

Padparadscha is a variety of corundum that occupies an especially esteemed place in the marketplace because of its unique hue, which ranges from a salmon tone to a delicate lotus blossom blend of pink and orange. Chemically, the coloration in padparadscha sapphires is influenced by trace elements that include chromium, and in some stones vanadium and iron can play a role in modulating tone and saturation. The result is a color that is often described as evocative and rare, rather than easily categorized. For educated buyers, the term medium intense describes a saturation where color presence is strong enough to be distinct and collectible, yet restrained enough to maintain refinement in a variety of settings. Ceylon origins add another layer of desirability. Sri Lankan stones are prized for their clarity of hue and for the transparency that allows both color and internal light play to be fully appreciated. The absence of heat treatment or diffusion enhancement further elevates this gem, as untreated padparadscha sapphires are substantially scarcer and command a premium due to their natural formation history and intact crystal chemistry.

The gemological characteristics of this sapphire reinforce both its aesthetic appeal and its investment quality. The cushion shape is a timeless silhouette that marries soft rounded corners with a generous table, ideal for presenting the stone coloration with depth and presence. The mixed brilliant cut combines the best attributes of step and brilliant faceting, creating scintillation along with controlled color zoning that encourages even appearance across the crown. With dimensions as provided, the stone displays a depth that calculates to approximately 57 percent relative to its face dimensions, a proportion that sits well within preferred ranges for achieving both light return and apparent color saturation. An eye clean clarity grade is particularly meaningful in sapphires, because it ensures that the viewer experiences uninterrupted color and luster, without distraction from noticeable inclusions. The excellent polish contributes to maximum surface reflection and tactile quality, which are important to both daily wear and resale perception. From a lapidary perspective, the execution of symmetry, facet alignment, and pavilion depth all contribute to how the gem interacts with light, and this example demonstrates careful cutting aimed at preserving natural color while enhancing brilliance.

Owning a padparadscha of this quality is an investment in beauty and craftsmanship, as well as in a piece of natural geological history. Natural untreated padparadscha sapphires from Ceylon are uncommon, and market demand among connoisseurs and collectors has consistently favored stones that are both well colored and unenhanced. For an educated buyer, the combination of notable carat weight, strong transparency, medium intense color, excellent polish, and documented origin creates a profile of long term value. Beyond pure market considerations, the gem is inherently wearable and versatile. Its cushion shape and substantial face up size allow it to be set as a central engagement gem, a showpiece cocktail ring, or a bespoke pendant, while the natural color lends itself to settings in yellow, rose, or even white metals depending on the design intent. The tactile quality of an eye clean, finely polished gem enhances daily enjoyment, and the fact that the stone requires no enhancement assures a collector that the beauty on display is native to the crystal itself.

At The Natural Sapphire Company, we prioritize transparent information and thoughtful service to support buyers seeking meaningful gemstone investments. We can provide independent gemological documentation upon request, and our team is experienced in advising on mounting options that protect and showcase this padparadscha while respecting its provenance and value. For purchasers focused on both aesthetic pleasure and prudent collecting, this 3.53 carat Ceylon padparadscha sapphire represents a rare convergence of natural color, fine clarity, and skilled cutting. It is a gem that rewards close inspection and discerning investment strategies alike, and it stands as an enduring symbol of expert craftsmanship paired with the unique gifts of the earth.