1.15 Ct. Purplish Pink Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This loose gemstone is a transparent 1.15 carat cushion shape purplish pink sapphire, with dimensions 6.38 x 6.05 x 3.56 millimeters, faceted in a mixed brilliant cutting style, clarity graded as eye clean at eye level, color intensity described as intense, and an excellent polish. This stone is naturally untreated, with no enhancement recorded, and it is of Ceylon origin from Sri Lanka. At The Natural Sapphire Company we catalog and grade each sapphire against strict criteria, and this example demonstrates the combination of weight, proportions, and natural color that bespoke jewelry designers and discerning clients seek when planning a center stone for custom work.

From a cutting and proportion perspective this cushion exhibits the hallmarks of a well executed mixed brilliant design. The length to width ratio is approximately one point zero five, producing a near square cushion silhouette that sits symmetrically on the finger or within a pendant bezel. The measured depth of three point five six millimeters over an average dimension of six point two one five millimeters yields a depth percentage of approximately fifty seven point three percent, a proportion that balances crown height and pavilion depth to optimize light return while preserving face up spread. The mixed brilliant approach, with brilliant style facets on the crown and modified step or pavilion facets below, increases scintillation and contrast, creating lively pinpoint flashes and larger flashes of light as the stone moves. The excellent polish reported on this sapphire produces crisp facet junctions and minimal surface distortion, which reduces light leakage and enhances perceived brightness and color saturation under both natural and artificial lighting.

Color and clarity characteristics of this sapphire make it particularly attractive as a centerpiece for custom jewelry. The hue is purplish pink with intense saturation, presenting a vivid, saturated tone that reads as true purplish pink in daylight and under jewelry lighting. The eye clean clarity grade means there are no obtrusive inclusions visible at normal viewing distance, so the visual field remains uninterrupted and the color reads evenly across the table. Because this sapphire is unenhanced and natural, its hue and saturation are intrinsic to the gem, which is a significant consideration for clients who prioritize untreated material for both aesthetic and investment reasons. Additionally sapphires can exhibit pleochroism, and with this purplish pink material moderate directional color variance may be present, so orientation in the finished setting can be adjusted to favor the preferred face up color. The Ceylon provenance contributes to the stone story and usually correlates with the livelier pastel to vivid pink to purple tones that Sri Lankan corundum are known to produce.

For custom jewelry the stone size and cushion outline make this sapphire extremely versatile and straightforward to design around. At one point one five carats and with a near square cushion profile it is ideal for a solitaire ring with a four or six prong cathedral setting, a halo design using small melee diamonds to increase apparent diameter, a three stone composition flanked by tapered baguettes or trilliant side stones to emphasize length, or as a single stone pendant where the crown height and depth allow for a low profile mount. Practical mounting recommendations include using guarded prongs to protect the soft cushion corners, a minimally obtrusive bezel where a modern protected look is desired, or an open gallery to allow light entry to the pavilion for maximum color intensity. Metal selection will influence the apparent color balance, rose gold subtly warms and enhances pink tones, platinum or white gold provides a crisp cool contrast that can accentuate the purple component, and yellow gold will deepen the perceived warmth of the pink. Because sapphire rates nine on the Mohs hardness scale, this gem is well suited for daily wear rings when properly set and protected.

When you commission a custom piece from The Natural Sapphire Company our bench jewellers will consider the stone proportions and facet orientation to determine optimal setting height, prong placement, and table exposure, ensuring that the face up color is presented in the most flattering way while maintaining structural security. We can show mock ups for halo sizes and prong styles, recommend carat equivalent settings to achieve desired perceived size, and adjust girdle thickness and seat preparation so the sapphire sits flush and secure. The combination of an intense purplish pink hue, eye clean clarity, mixed brilliant facet architecture, excellent polish, ideal near square proportions, and natural Ceylon origin makes this 1.15 carat cushion sapphire an exceptionally strong candidate for a centerpiece in a bespoke ring, pendant, or pair of earrings. Contact The Natural Sapphire Company to discuss design options and to review additional images and viewing recommendations specific to this stone.