5.13 Ct. Padparadscha Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful transparent 5.13 carat oval shape padparadscha sapphire is presented with precise dimensions of 11.45 by 8.89 by 6.16 millimeters, an elegant scale that balances presence and wearability for a variety of fine jewelry settings. The gem is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining the light gathering efficiency of a brilliant crown with a carefully calibrated step influenced pavilion, a choice that optimizes both table brightness and internal depth. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a level of clarity that preserves strong transparency while providing microscopic evidence of natural formation, and the stone carries an excellent polish that accentuates facet crispness and reduces surface diffusion. Color intensity is classified as medium intense, which in a padparadscha context yields a clear and evocative blend of delicate pink and warm orange tones, and critically this sapphire is of no enhancement, confirming that the hue and saturation are intrinsic to the material as sourced from Ceylon Sri Lanka.

The mixed brilliant faceting scheme on this oval padparadscha is executed to exacting proportions, with a crown made up of appropriately sized kite and star facets that sit in optical harmony above a restrained table diameter, and a pavilion that transitions from pavilion mains into a series of chevron facets that control light return and scintillation. The result is a dynamic face up presentation that maintains strong table brilliance while allowing flashes of pavilion fire to animate the stone during movement. Facet junctions are executed with consistent symmetry, and the girdle thickness is maintained to allow secure setting without sacrificing the visual outline of the oval. The cut designer has balanced crown angle and pavilion depth so that light entering through the table is refracted and returned with minimal leakage from the sides, a critical consideration for ovals in this weight class that ensures the gem reads with even color distribution across its surface.

Color grading for this padparadscha sapphire emphasizes the rare equilibrium between pink and orange that defines the variety, and the medium intense classification indicates a saturation that is both vivid and versatile in jewelry applications. In daylight the stone reveals a warm, salmon influenced tone with measurable pink undertone, while under incandescent light the orange warmth becomes more prominent, illustrating a pleasing color shift without harsh zoning. The unenhanced origin from Ceylon Sri Lanka contributes to the characteristic hue and crystal habit, and the very slightly included clarity means that inclusions are not impactful to the eye, supporting clean light performance and long term stability. For collectors and connoisseurs, the absence of heat treatment or other enhancements is a material attribute that increases desirability and long term value, because the color is natural to the corundum structure and will not change with standard exposure to light or low temperature variations.

As an heirloom, this sapphire possesses the material properties and aesthetic qualities necessary to endure across multiple generations, beginning with corundum hardness of nine on the Mohs scale, which confers exceptional resistance to abrasion and ordinary wear. The oval silhouette and measured dimensions make this stone adaptable to conservative bezel mounts that provide long term protection, or to traditional four or six prong gallery settings that emphasize light entry and allow cleaning and inspection over decades. Craftsmanship recommendations for an heirloom setting include secure structural metalwork using platinum or high karat gold alloys, reinforcement of the girdle seat to prevent stress concentration, and the inclusion of removable diagnostic documentation assembled by The Natural Sapphire Company, such as a full description of weight, dimensions, cut style, clarity grade, color intensity, enhancement status, and origin. Attaching a provenance sheet and independent laboratory report to the piece, and establishing routine conservation practices like professional ultrasonic checks only when advised, will preserve both the optical character and the intrinsic value of the gem.

In practical terms, creating a generational piece around this padparadscha requires attention to both design longevity and documented authenticity, with a focus on craftsmanship techniques that facilitate future resizing and maintenance without compromising the stone. The Natural Sapphire Company recommends settings that allow for periodic inspection of the mounting and reproofing of prongs as needed, and advises clients to secure a certified appraisal and photographic record at the time of acquisition to simplify estate transition. The combination of an unenhanced Ceylon origin, excellent polish, a balanced mixed brilliant cut, and a very slightly included clarity grade yields a padparadscha that is rare and technically refined, a gem that will both wear beautifully and retain collector appeal. Properly mounted and documented, this 5.13 carat oval padparadscha sapphire will function as a tactile manifestation of lineage, capable of passing aesthetic taste and technical pedigree to future custodians.