3.58 Ct. Pink Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This GIA certified natural pink sapphire from Ceylon is an exceptional example of classic Sri Lankan color and craftsmanship, weighing 3.58 carats and presented in a cushion shape with dimensions of 9.17 by 8.53 by 5.20 millimeters, a scale that offers substantial presence for a center stone. The pavilion and crown have been fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, a design choice that combines the lively return of a brilliant cut with the soft, elegant silhouette of a cushion outline, producing broad flashes of light and a pleasing face up size. Transparency is excellent, and the stone has been graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which indicates that the inclusions are minimal and do not detract from the gem when set or viewed unaided. The color intensity is medium light, a tonal range highly sought after in Ceylon pink sapphires for its delicate yet visible pink character. The finish is signed by an excellent polish, and importantly, the sapphire is completely natural with no enhancement, a rarity that elevates both its gemological and market value. The Natural Sapphire Company stands behind its provenance and grading, and this stone carries the additional assurance of independent GIA certification, making it an ideal choice for discerning buyers who demand transparency and documented authenticity.

Understanding the grading terms and what they mean to an educated buyer is essential when evaluating this sapphire. The GIA certification confirms the stone is a natural corundum, and the clarity notation of very very slightly included at eye level describes a gem with inclusions that are difficult to detect without magnification, preserving visual purity and offering long term appeal. Clarity in sapphires differs from diamonds, and minor crystal inclusions often attest to natural origin rather than detract from value, particularly when they do not interrupt the flow of light across the table and facets. The medium light color intensity positions this pink between pale pastel examples and stronger, deeper pinks that can approach ruby territory, which in the Sri Lankan context is highly desirable because it offers versatility for both contemporary and vintage inspired settings. The no enhancement status is especially valuable, because many sapphires on the market undergo heat treatment to improve color and clarity. A natural, unenhanced Ceylon pink sapphire of this size and visual quality commands a premium, since it combines rarity of origin with intact natural characteristics that collectors and connoisseurs prize.

The mixed brilliant cut and cushion shape work together to optimize how this sapphire interacts with light. Mixed brilliant cutting employs a combination of step facets and brilliant facets, allowing the gem to display both broad color saturation across the table and lively scintillation as the wearer moves. Given corundum’s relatively low dispersion compared to diamond, sapphires depend on facet arrangement and polish to deliver sparkle, and the excellent polish on this stone ensures maximum light return and crisp facet junctions that enhance scintillation and luster. Cushion shapes have a rounded square appearance that softens reflections while providing a sizable table for face up color to present evenly, and the 5.20 millimeter depth is balanced to avoid excessive windowing or light leakage. Sapphires are pleochroic, so viewing angle and orientation can reveal slight shifts in tone, typically between a warmer pink and a cooler mauve or purplish tint in this material, which is a desirable optical phenomenon that gives the gem life and complexity. The stone’s internal features, when present, can sometimes act as additional light scattering points that enhance sparkle under motion, but in this piece the inclusions are minimal enough to support a clean, lively appearance while still confirming natural origin to a trained eye.

How this sapphire will present under varied lighting environments is a practical concern for buyers, and this gem performs beautifully across illumination types due to its cut, clarity, and medium light color intensity. In bright natural daylight, particularly in open shade or soft northern light, the face up color will read as a fresh medium pink with subtle cool undertones, and the mixed brilliant facets will return broad flashes of bright pink and white light, creating a balanced, even appearance. Under direct sunlight, brightness increases and the stone will display strong scintillation as facets catch the sun, though corundum’s lower dispersion means you will see more vibrant pink flashes than spectral fire. In incandescent lighting and warm halogen sources, the pink will take on a warmer, more saturated tone, appearing richer and slightly more purplish or rosy, which flatters skin tones and creates an intimate glow in evening wear. Cool white LEDs and photographic flash will emphasize brilliance and contrast, making facet edges appear crisp while maintaining the true medium light hue. Under fluorescent lighting the stone may appear slightly paler, as cooler, diffuse light can mute some warm undertones, but the excellent polish will continue to provide attractive sparkle. When set as a ring, mounting choices will affect perceived color. A white metal halo of small diamonds will increase contrast and make the pink appear more vivid, while a yellow gold setting will warm the overall presentation, intensifying the rosy aspect. A low bezel will reduce visible brilliance slightly but offer strong protection for everyday wear, which is feasible for corundum rated at Mohs hardness 9, a durable choice for a center stone.

This Ceylon pink sapphire from The Natural Sapphire Company combines documented pedigree, natural origin, and superior cutting and finishing to deliver a gem that appeals to educated buyers seeking both beauty and integrity. The GIA certification provides independent verification of the stone’s natural status, and the unenhanced treatment history is a rare quality marker that enhances collectibility. At 3.58 carats with a generous face up size and excellent polish, the cushion mixed brilliant cut offers a compelling play of color and scintillation in hand and on the finger, and the stone’s measured dimensions allow for confident planning when selecting a mounting. If you would like further technical information, facet diagrams, or guidance on settings to optimize the visual behavior of this sapphire under your preferred lighting conditions, The Natural Sapphire Company can provide tailored advice and high resolution imaging to help you visualize the final piece.