1.60 Ct. Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This exceptional purple sapphire from Ceylon, weighing 1.60 carats, presents a compelling combination of color, proportion, and natural integrity that will appeal to an educated buyer. The oval dimensions measure 7.83 by 6.05 by 4.07 millimeters, producing a balanced length to width ratio of approximately 1.30, a pleasing proportion for an elegant, wearable center stone. The depth at roughly 4.07 millimeters yields a depth percentage of about 59 percent when measured against the average diameter, which falls into the practical sweet spot for maximizing light return without causing excessive windowing or a heavy, dark appearance. Origin information is significant in the market, and this sapphire’s Ceylon provenance adds contextual value, as Sri Lankan stones are renowned for their lively, transparent character and for producing a range of desirable hues, including pure and soft purple tones that are prized for their clarity and brightness.

Color is the defining attribute of any sapphire, and this gem demonstrates a medium intense purple that reads as a refined and versatile tone in common lighting. Medium intensity means the color is neither washed nor overly saturated, so the stone maintains attractiveness across a variety of settings, from everyday wear to more formal occasions. The hue sits squarely in the purple range, rather than drifting toward strong violet or blue. For the discerning buyer, medium intense color offers a strong balance between vibrancy and versatility, translating to good appearance in both natural daylight and artificial light. The transparent nature of the crystal combined with an excellent polish enhances the saturation and evenness of the color, ensuring that the eye perceives a consistent tone across the crown, rather than localized color concentrations or dark patches.

Clarity and enhancement status are critical factors when evaluating natural sapphires, and this gem has been assessed as slightly included at eye level, with no enhancement. Slightly included indicates there are minor inclusions that are visible upon careful unaided inspection, but they do not materially interfere with the gem’s visual performance or structural integrity. These natural inclusions are often seen as confirmation of a natural origin, and in a Ceylon sapphire they are commonly fine and well distributed, allowing strong light transmission. The untreated status is particularly valuable. No heat treatment or other enhancement means the color and clarity are entirely natural. Untreated corundum, especially from a reputable locality, commands a premium because it represents rarity and geological authenticity, qualities that educated collectors and investors explicitly seek.

The mixed brilliant cut has been chosen for its capacity to optimize both scintillation and color presentation in an oval outline, and it is a key reason this stone reads so attractively in hand. A mixed brilliant approach typically employs a brilliant facet pattern on the crown to produce lively flashes and scintillation, combined with a controlled facet structure on the pavilion to manage light return and avoid dark voids. For a transparent, medium intense purple sapphire, this cut strategy disperses light evenly across the table and crown facets, creating a lively play of faceted brilliance while preserving the depth of the hue. In practical terms, the cut directs incident light back through the crown, maximizing perceived brightness and making the stone appear larger than its carat weight might suggest. The excellent polish further refines each facet junction so that reflections remain crisp and the surface shows minimal abrasion, which in turn enhances sparkle and the stone’s overall visual appeal.

From the perspective of an informed buyer, this 1.60 carat Ceylon purple sapphire represents an attractive proposition. The combination of natural, untreated origin, a balanced oval shape and proportions, a mixed brilliant cut tuned to amplify both color and brilliance, and an excellent polish all contribute to a gem that will perform beautifully as a center stone. The slightly included clarity grade is consistent with natural corundum and does not undermine the stone’s aesthetic or durability, and the 1.60 carat weight provides a confident presence in rings, pendants, or bespoke pieces. At The Natural Sapphire Company we prioritize transparent, technical descriptions and full disclosure, and we encourage buyers to consider this stone for custom settings that showcase its color, such as a simple solitaire or a halo that can intensify perceived color and provide additional protection. For specific setting recommendations, certification details, and professional guidance on care and maintenance, contact The Natural Sapphire Company and our gemologists will be pleased to provide tailored advice and documentation.