0.78 Ct. Pinkish Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 0.78 carat oval sapphire from Ceylon is a study in proportion and optical refinement, specified at 6.75 by 4.54 by 2.89 millimeters, and presented in a mixed brilliant cut. The mixed brilliant configuration combines a brilliant-style crown, optimized for scintillation, with a modified pavilion geometry that controls light return and color dispersion, producing a balanced interplay of sparkle and face-up color. The stone is transparent, evaluated as very very slightly included at eye level, and shows a medium intense pinkish purple hue that reads evenly across the table. Polish is graded excellent, which in practical terms indicates well-controlled facet polish and crisp facet junctions that contribute to clean light return, minimal surface haze, and high luster. The sapphire is natural with no enhancement, and its Ceylon origin is documented and confirmed through our sourcing and testing protocols at The Natural Sapphire Company.

From a proportional standpoint this oval exhibits a moderate depth of approximately 51 percent, calculated from the 2.89 millimeter depth against the average of the length and width, a depth relationship that has been deliberately targeted to preserve both weight and optical performance. The mixed brilliant faceting was selected to maximize face-up color without sacrificing brilliance; a slightly larger crown allows for wider crown facets that flash pink and violet tones, while the pavilion faceting channels light in a controlled manner to avoid over-darkening the center. The medium intense color intensity indicates a well-saturated hue with sufficient tone to be visually present in daylight and artificial lighting without appearing overly dark. Under varied lighting the sapphire displays subtle pleochroism consistent with corundum chemistry, shifting slightly between cooler purple and warmer pink overtones depending on viewing angle and light source, a behavior the cutter accounted for by orienting the rough so the most desirable color presents through the table.

The journey of this stone began in the gem gravels and secondary alluvial tracts of Sri Lanka, where skilled local miners recover corundum crystals from weathered host rock. The rough was selected for its clarity, color potential, and crystallographic integrity, then cataloged and transported with chain-of-custody measures to experienced lapidaries. The cutter oriented the rough to follow the optic axis that yielded the most attractive face-up hue, retaining weight while preventing color zoning, and employed a mixed brilliant design to balance scintillation with color retention. After preforming and fine faceting, the gem underwent successive stages of polishing on progressively finer laps to achieve the excellent polish grade noted. Post-finish, the sapphire received independent visual grading for clarity at eye level, color intensity assessment, and confirmation of absence of enhancement, all part of the provenance verification process that supports the stone’s description at The Natural Sapphire Company.

For the technically minded buyer this sapphire represents a compelling combination of natural origin, deliberate cutting strategy, and intact physical properties. Its corundum hardness of nine on the Mohs scale gives it excellent resistance to abrasion, making it well suited for ring settings, though the oval outline and mixed facets also adapt beautifully to pendants and bespoke designs. Given the relatively shallow-moderate depth and the mixed brilliant proportions, settings that allow a degree of light entry through the pavilion, such as a low prong or open gallery mounting, will maximize apparent brilliance and reveal the pinkish purple nuance. Metal choice will influence perceived temperature of the color, with platinum or white gold lending a slightly cooler backdrop to emphasize violet tones, and warm 18 karat rose gold enhancing the pink component for a softer, warmer appearance. As with all natural, untreated sapphires we recommend professional cleaning and periodic inspection of the setting to preserve the long-term condition of the stone. The Natural Sapphire Company stands behind the documented origin and treatment status of this sapphire, and can provide detailed imagery, grading notes, and independent lab reports on request, along with consultation on mounting options to showcase the gem’s technical strengths.