1.97 Ct. Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 1.97 carat oval purple sapphire presents a balanced and elegant face up presence, with dimensions of 8.69 x 6.05 x 4.25 mm and a mixed brilliant cut that optimizes both brilliance and depth. The color reads as a medium intense purple that is evenly distributed across the table and crown, and the stone exhibits an excellent polish that produces crisp facet junctions and lively light return. The clarity is graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, meaning the gem appears clean to the unaided eye while retaining a set of microscopic characteristics that are both natural and diagnostic. The sapphire has been heat treated, a standard and stable enhancement employed to refine tone and saturation, and the specimen is from Ceylon, a provenance associated with lively, well saturated sapphires that combine color and clarity in a pleasing manner.

The inclusions within this sapphire create an unmistakable signature that is best appreciated under magnification and in differing lighting conditions. A network of extremely fine, oriented needlelike features produces a subtle silkiness that diffuses and softens reflections in certain facets, creating a gentle internal texture rather than large, obvious obstructions. Scattered, minute crystal inclusions appear as pinpoint reflective accents when light strikes at the proper angle, contributing to a lively scintillation that alternates between crisp flashes and softened gleams. There are also fine planar growth bands and delicate color zoning parallel to the crystal habit, which under shortwave illumination reveal layered history of crystal development. These layered features, coupled with the short, oriented silk and the patterning of minute crystals, form a consistent internal fingerprint, a combination of characteristics that is commonly observed in natural sapphires from Sri Lanka.

Because the stone is heat treated, some of the silk has been partially altered, resulting in improved transparency and a more uniform face up color, while leaving sufficient microscopic structure to confirm natural origin and geological formation. The very very slightly included grade at eye level indicates that the inclusions are unlikely to affect durability or the visual impact of the gem when set, and the mixed brilliant cut has been executed to maximize return of light while accommodating the pavilion and girdle proportions that enhance the stone’s optical performance. The excellent polish contributes to the perception of purity, allowing the internal signature to present itself as a refined character trait rather than a distraction. Under direct, focused light the small crystal inclusions provide lively pinpoints of light, while in softer ambient illumination the growth zoning and silk work together to give the purple hue a velvety, layered depth.

This sapphire is presented with practical considerations for setting and long term enjoyment, the oval proportions and size make it suitable for a solitaire ring, a three stone mounting, or a refined halo design, and the stone’s profile and pavilion depth accommodate both low and semi bezel settings without sacrificing light performance. The unique internal signature described here is part of the gem’s identity and provides a reliable reference when paired with gemological reports and magnified imagery, and The Natural Sapphire Company can supply additional photographs, microscopic images, and certification upon request to fully document the inclusion pattern and treatment history. Routine care involves avoiding sudden temperature extremes and routine professional checks of the mounting, and with proper setting and maintenance this 1.97 carat Ceylon purple sapphire will retain its character and optical appeal for generations.