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

This 1.16 carat round pinkish purple sapphire presents a precise intersection of measured proportions and optical performance, weighing one point one six carats and measuring six point four five by six point four six by three point six nine millimeters. The gemstone is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, employing a brilliant facet arrangement on the crown to maximize scintillation, paired with a controlled pavilion architecture that balances depth and light return. The mixed design yields a lively central sparkle from the crown facets, while the pavilion faceting creates controlled contrast to preserve color saturation and minimize windowing. The stone exhibits vivid color intensity, a descriptor that denotes both high saturation and a carefully moderated tone that prevents the piece from appearing too dark or too pastel under varied lighting. The polish is graded excellent, indicating precise lap alignment and minimal polishing abrasions, and the facet junctions are crisp, contributing to superior light performance. As a corundum, the sapphire has refractive indices in the range typical for the species, providing strong brilliance and a modest dispersion that supports fire without overwhelming the primary pinkish purple hue. The gem was sourced from Ceylon Sri Lanka, a classic origin noted for producing sapphires with lively, transparent color and refined crystal habit.

Clarity is evaluated at very very slightly included at eye level, a practical grading that communicates the stone is effectively eye clean to most observers while retaining minute internal features that are only readily apparent under magnification. These microscopic features do not detract from the gem’s visual appeal, and in some cases serve as natural fingerprints that corroborate the sapphire’s untreated state. Speaking of treatment, this stone is unenhanced, the color being wholly natural with no heat treatment or diffusion applied. Unheated sapphires of vivid saturation are comparatively scarce, and the absence of enhancement preserves the crystal lattice in its original condition, which has implications for both aesthetic longevity and market desirability. From a gemological standpoint the pinkish purple tone derives primarily from trace chromium activators in the corundum structure, and the mixed faceting approach was selected to accentuate that hue across a range of viewing angles, while mitigating the effect of pleochroism that can make one axis appear more pink and another more violet. The overall result is a stable and attractive color presentation in both daylight and incandescent lighting scenarios.

Durability factors strongly into the suitability of this sapphire as an item intended for everyday use and for eventual transmission across generations. With a Mohs hardness of nine and excellent toughness typical of corundum, this gem resists abrasion and will maintain facet crispness and polish over decades when set appropriately. For optimum protection of the pavilion and girdle, recommended mounting styles include a low profile bezel for high protection, a four or six prong setting executed with substantial prong shoulders for secure retention, or a cathedral setting that offers impact resistance while allowing light to interact with the crown facets. Metal choices influence both visual harmony and long term wearability. Platinum and eighteen karat white gold provide a neutral field that emphasizes the pinkish purple color, while eighteen karat rose gold can sympathetically warm the tone and enhance the pink components. The mixed brilliant cut retains sufficient material symmetry to permit, if ever desired, future re-cutting or re-proportioning with minimal loss of weight, providing flexibility for future custodians who may elect to re-fashion the gem to contemporary tastes while preserving its intrinsic value.

When considering the attributes that create a true generational heirloom, this sapphire embodies the primary criteria. The vivid natural color, unenhanced state, and proven provenance from Ceylon Sri Lanka combine to form a narrative of rarity and authenticity that translates across generations. The very very slightly included clarity and the excellent polish ensure enduring visual appeal, while the mixed brilliant cut provides a timeless silhouette that adapts well to classic and contemporary designs. Practical stewardship will enhance longevity, and recommended care practices include routine inspection of setting integrity by a qualified jeweler, professional cleaning with mild soapy water and a soft brush when required, and cautious use of ultrasonic cleaning only after consultation if inclusions or micro fractures are suspected. The Natural Sapphire Company provides full documentation and consultation for bespoke mounting, insurance appraisal, and origin verification, enabling the first purchaser to transfer a complete provenance record to heirs. Inherited gemstones carry both sentimental and material value, and this untreated Ceylon sapphire is crafted and documented to perform as an heirloom, maintaining its color and structural integrity, and offering flexibility in how it is set and presented for future generations. For collectors and connoisseurs seeking a stone with technical merit and lasting provenance, this specimen is an excellent candidate to anchor a multigenerational jewel.