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

This 1.72 carat oval sapphire is an elegant example of Ceylon gemmology, presented in a classic oval shape with precise proportions of 7.63 by 5.50 by 4.67 millimetres. The mixed brilliant cut used here combines the scintillation and fire of a brilliant facet arrangement with the color retention advantages of a step cut pavilion. The result is a gem that displays lively brilliance on the table and pavillion facets while maintaining an even distribution of its pinkish purple hue. Transparency is described as transparent, and the polish is excellent, so surface finish and facet junctions are well executed to optimise light return. The colour intensity is medium intense, a balance that affords both a pleasing saturation and versatility for a variety of settings, from modern solitaires to more classical halo mountings. Origin is Sri Lanka, historically referred to as Ceylon, a source known for producing sapphires with a refined palette and attractive clarity characteristics. Enhancement is by controlled heating, a stable and widely accepted treatment that has been applied to improve tone and clarity without compromising the structural integrity of corundum.

Clarity is assessed as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level. In practical terms this means the stone reads clean to many observers but does contain minute internal features that are visible on careful examination. Rather than detracting from the gem, these inclusions serve as natural fingerprint like identifiers that make each sapphire unique. Inclusions in Ceylon sapphires commonly take the form of tiny crystals, minute needle like rutile that may form fine silk, or minute healed fractures and fingerprint like arrays, and similar subtle features are consistent with the very slightly included grade. These internal characteristics are useful for long term provenance and identification because the pattern and nature of inclusions are effectively permanent and unique to the stone. From a durability standpoint, the inclusions in this sapphire are not significant enough to affect wearability under normal conditions, and the heat treatment applied has been standardised to relieve internal growth strain and improve stability.

The pinkish purple colour and medium intense saturation are important attributes for an educated buyer to consider. Colour in sapphire is influenced by trace elements such as chromium and iron, and Ceylon material often demonstrates a clarity of tone and a luminous body colour that sits between delicate pink and richer purple. This particular gem’s hue offers a versatile appearance under daylight and artificial light, preserving the vivacity expected from a Sri Lankan origin while remaining subtle enough for everyday wear. The mixed brilliant cut has been chosen to maximise return of light while preserving colour depth in the pavilion, and the excellent polish contributes to crisp facet reflections and overall visual appeal. The 1.72 carat weight combined with these dimensions provides a substantial presence on the finger without appearing oversized, and the precise cutting proportions help the gem to sit comfortably in a bezel or prong setting, allowing the colour and sparkle to show optimally.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we prioritise transparent information about origin, treatment and gemmological characteristics, and this sapphire is presented with those standards in mind. Heat treatment is disclosed and is a conventional enhancement that improves both colour and clarity, and provenance from Sri Lanka is confirmed to give buyers context about typical material attributes. For collectors and buyers who appreciate natural variation, the very slightly included clarity and the particular inclusion pattern in this stone provide an enduring and traceable identity. We recommend professional cleaning and routine care including avoiding harsh knocks and extreme thermal shock to preserve the excellent polish and to maintain the stone’s lustre. For clients interested in certification, independent gemmological reports can be arranged to document weight, measurements, cut description, clarity observations, colour and the presence of heat treatment. If you would like further technical information, mounting suggestions or assistance with securing a certified report, The Natural Sapphire Company is available to provide expertise and detailed imagery to support your purchase decision.