1.20 Ct. Purplish Pink Sapphire from Madagascar

This gemstone is a transparent cushion shape purplish pink sapphire, weighing 1.20 carats, with precise dimensions of 5.51 by 5.45 by 4.40 millimeters. It is cut with a mixed brilliant facet arrangement, combining brilliant cut facets on the crown with step facets on the pavilion to optimize scintillation and face up brightness while maintaining a classic cushion silhouette. The color is described as medium intense, a balanced tone that reads distinctly purplish pink under natural light, and the surface finish is an excellent polish that enhances luster and optical performance. Clarity is graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating small natural features that do not significantly detract from the gem's overall transparency and visual appeal. The sapphire is natural and unenhanced, with no treatments reported, and it originates from Madagascar, a source known for producing vividly colored sapphires with stable natural tones.

The 1.20 carat weight and the compact yet well-proportioned dimensions make this sapphire highly adaptable to a wide range of jewelry settings. For solitaire rings, the cushion shape lends itself to classic four or six prong settings that showcase the stone while providing secure retention and maximum light entry. A bezel setting offers a more protective option, encircling the girdle for daily wear pieces, and it also softens the silhouette for contemporary minimalist designs. The mixed brilliant cut responds particularly well to halo arrangements, where a surround of melee diamonds or colored gemstones amplifies apparent size and accentuates the central stone's color and sparkle. The gem also pairs effectively in three stone and cluster compositions, where complementary side stones can be selected to either harmonize with the purplish pink hue or provide contrast for a bolder statement. For earrings and pendants, matched pairs or single centerpieces can take advantage of the cushion outline to create symmetrical drops or compact studs that read elegantly from a distance.

Choice of metal and setting style will influence how the color and inclusions are perceived, and these variables allow for tailored design outcomes. Rose gold tends to warm and intensify the purplish pink character, making the hue appear richer and more saturated, while white gold or platinum will provide a cooler neutral frame that emphasizes clarity and brightness. Where the slight clarity grade is a design consideration, settings that employ a halo, partial bezel, or strategic placement of accent stones can minimize focus on internal features and draw the eye to overall color and brilliance. Pavé shoulders or channel set accents can add visual continuity along a band, whereas open gallery designs and under-gallery filigree can enhance light return for maximum scintillation. The depth of 4.40 millimeters supports secure prong placements and offers sufficient pavilion volume to preserve strong light performance in both ring and pendant orientations. Tension settings can be considered for modern commissions, although practical durability and protection of the girdle should be evaluated relative to lifestyle and intended use.

From a practical and provenance perspective this sapphire offers both aesthetic flexibility and robust suitability for everyday wear. Sapphire ranks high on the Mohs hardness scale at 9, making it an excellent candidate for engagement rings and frequently worn jewelry, provided that appropriate setting choices offer protection where necessary. The absence of enhancement underscores the stone's natural origin and color stability, and the Madagascar provenance adds traceable geographic context that may be important for collectors and clients focused on origin. The Natural Sapphire Company can provide additional documentation, imagery, and recommendations to support bespoke design decisions, including suggested metal pairings, accent stone selections, and mounting styles that best complement the cushion shape and medium intense purplish pink tone. Whether the intended outcome is a restrained classic solitaire, an intricate vintage inspired halo, a contemporary bezel pendant, or a matched pair of earrings, this sapphire presents a versatile and enduring centerpiece for a thoughtfully crafted jewelry commission.