1.60 Ct. Purplish Pink Star Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful translucent 1.60 carat round shape purplish pink star sapphire is presented with dimensions 7.85 by 7.46 by 2.75 millimeters, cabochon cut, clarity grade very slightly included at eye level, medium intense purplish pink hue, excellent polish, no enhancement, origin Ceylon, Sri Lanka. The weight and proportions reflect careful rough planning to maximize both carat retention and optical performance, with a dome profile shaped to support a sharp and well centered asterism. The round outline maintains symmetry across the girdle plane, allowing the star to translate evenly across the table when the stone is rotated under a single light source. Translucency provides the ideal trade off between body color and star visibility, permitting internal silk to generate a six ray star without overwhelming the underlying purplish pink color, and the absence of heat or diffusion treatment preserves the natural balance of hue and saturation characteristic of premium Ceylon material.

The cut is a classic high dome cabochon with a gently convex table engineered to produce a strong asterism from oriented rutile silk inclusions. In practice the cutter aligned the needle silk parallel to the basal pinacoid to form three sets of parallel rutile needles intersecting at angles that generate the six ray star, and polishing across the dome was executed to a fine finish to allow the star to float cleanly on the surface. Star sharpness is a function of silk density and orientation, dome height and polish quality, and this stone demonstrates a crisp central star with moderately defined rays that become more pronounced in focused lighting. Movement of the star is steady, and the cabochon geometry ensures that the star centers when the stone is oriented with the rays perpendicular to the light source. The translucent body color moderates the contrast between star and background, producing a pleasing ethereal effect rather than a stark monochrome appearance.

Color grading for this piece is best described as medium intense purplish pink, a balance of hue and saturation that reads distinctly pink with a purple bias under neutral white lighting. The medium intensity contributes to versatility in design, allowing the stone to sit harmoniously in a variety of metal colors while preserving presence in daylight and indoor illumination. Color zoning is minimal and dispersed, with subtle variations that add depth to the table view without disrupting the star pattern, and the translucency contributes to gentle light scattering that enhances the perception of depth. Clarity is graded very slightly included at eye level, a designation acknowledging fine silk and minute crystal inclusions that are visible under close inspection but do not detract from overall appearance in standard viewing. These internal features are integral to the asterism, and in star sapphires such inclusions are often desirable when they contribute positively to the intensity and uniformity of the star.

From a craftsmanship and setting perspective this star sapphire benefits from a mounting that exposes the dome and presents the table to light, allowing the asterism to play. A bezel with a slightly elevated seat or a secure prong setting that leaves the crown open are both excellent options, and orienting the stone so that the star aligns with the intended axis of the finished piece will maximize visual impact. For durability, the cutter left an optimal girdle width to permit safe handling during setting without compromising the cabochon profile. Care recommendations include avoiding ultrasonic cleaning if the piece is set with soldered metal contacts near the girdle, and using warm soapy water and a soft brush for routine maintenance. The Natural Sapphire Company guarantees the provenance and the natural state of this stone, and we can provide photographic documentation and independent testing recommendations for clients seeking laboratory confirmation of origin and treatment status. This purplish pink Ceylon star sapphire combines classic asterism, thoughtful cutting geometry, and natural color, making it suitable for collectors and bespoke jewelers who appreciate technical nuance and authentic gem value.