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

This listing describes a transparent 2.26 carat asscher, octagon shape, purplish pink sapphire, with exact dimensions 7.10 x 7.06 x 4.68 mm. The stone is an asscher cut executed to emphasize stepped geometry and pavilion depth, clarity graded very very slightly included evaluated at eye level, color intensity assessed as very light, polish graded excellent, enhancement none, origin Ceylon Sri Lanka. The Natural Sapphire Company presents this gem with full disclosure of its natural state, and with technical specifications intended for connoisseurs and advanced jewelry designers. The measured proportions, the untreated color stability, and the precise faceting make this sapphire an excellent example of a natural Ceylon purplish pink, suited to settings where both optical subtlety and material integrity are required.

The asscher cut is a step cut variant that uses parallel facets on the crown and pavilion to produce a concentric, hall of mirrors effect rather than scintillation dominated brilliance. In this specimen the table facet and successive concentric steps have been cut to maintain coherent light return across the octagonal outline, and the relatively deep pavilion produces broad flashes of soft color rather than high contrast pinpoints. With a depth of approximately 66.1 percent calculated from the given dimensions, the stone sits within the range that promotes balanced internal reflection in step cuts, preserving color saturation while avoiding the washed out appearance that can occur in overly shallow cuts. The cropped corners typical of the asscher form reduce the visual appearance of corner stress, and they allow for tighter bezel or prong protection when mounted.

Color and clarity interact in step cuts more directly than in brilliant cuts, because large, flat facets can reveal subtle hue zoning or internal features. This sapphire is purplish pink with a very light intensity, meaning the hue and tone are delicate and will read differently under varying light temperatures. In daylight or neutral LED lighting the purplish component is perceptible as a cool undertone to the pink body color, while warmer incandescent light will emphasize the pink facet flashes. Clarity is graded very very slightly included evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and do not detract from the overall transparency and light pathway. The excellent polish enhances facet junction sharpness, enabling crisp step formation and clean mirror planes, and the facet execution preserves the optical symmetry necessary to achieve the asscher signature geometric flash pattern.

Durability considerations make this sapphire an excellent candidate for daily wear, due to the inherent material properties of corundum and the specific geometry of this stone. Sapphire ranks nine on the Mohs hardness scale, providing strong resistance to surface abrasion and maintaining facet crispness in everyday use. Corundum lacks prominent cleavage planes, and as a result it has favorable toughness compared to many other gem species, though mechanical impacts can still cause chipping if the stone is struck at an edge or facet junction. The asscher cut with its cropped corners reduces acute corner vulnerability, and recommended mounting strategies for daily wear include low profile bezel settings or protective four prong settings with reinforced prongs, possibly combined with a halo to diffuse impact. Because this sapphire is unheated and unenhanced, its color and clarity are stable under normal environmental exposure, and cleaning by warm soapy water with a soft brush is safe. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally acceptable for untreated corundum, however The Natural Sapphire Company advises a professional assessment of the mounting and overall condition prior to any ultrasonic or steam treatment, and recommends periodic inspection of the setting to ensure secure prongs and to preserve the integrity of the stone for continuous daily wear.