3.55 Ct. Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

There is a particular magnetism to gemstones that have borne witness to centuries of admiration, and this 3.55 carat oval purple sapphire from Ceylon is a modern bearer of that ancient lineage. At The Natural Sapphire Company we celebrate stones that speak to history, and this sapphire speaks in a tone both regal and enduring. Its oval silhouette recalls the cabochons and faceted gems that once graced royal treasuries, while its vivid color intensity aligns it with the most prized discoveries from Sri Lanka, an island famed for yielding sapphires to pharaohs, princes, and collectors across the ages. This gem invites comparison not only for its beauty, but for its capacity to connect a wearer with the long, storied tradition of lapidary craft, where each generation of cutters refined techniques and designs to showcase light and life within crystalline forms.

Measured with precision, this purple sapphire weighs 3.55 carats and presents as an elegant oval measuring 9.70 by 7.09 by 5.94 mm, a size that balances presence with versatility. It is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, a masterful union of step and brilliant faceting that enhances both depth and sparkle. The clarity is described as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which means it carries only minimal internal character that does not distract from its overall transparency or the intensity of color. The polish is excellent, allowing each facet to present a clean, mirror like surface that contributes to the stone meeting light with uncompromising clarity. Importantly, this sapphire bears the mark of natural integrity with no enhancement, a quality that is increasingly rare and deeply valued by connoisseurs who seek stones in their most authentic state.

Central to the gemology of this sapphire is its geometric faceting, a deliberate and refined arrangement that allows maximum light play. The mixed brilliant cut combines the scintillation of brilliant facets on the crown with structured step facets below, creating a choreography of light that alternates between lively flashes and rich, velvety color. From the table to the pavilion, each facet has been oriented to capture incoming light and fling it back in a spectrum of reflections, so that the sapphire seems to breathe as the wearer moves, revealing layers of purple from electric violet to deep amethyst. The geometry of the faceting also enhances the sense of depth, permitting light to refract within the stone and return as a complex interplay of brilliance and color saturation, a visual effect that is at once scientific and poetic. In practical terms, this means that the stone will perform beautifully in both daylight and interior lighting, commanding attention while retaining a sense of refined dignity.

For those who view gemstones as legacy pieces meant to be cherished across generations, this Ceylon purple sapphire offers both rarity and reassurance. Its proportions and vivid color intensity make it suitable for a variety of settings, from a classic solitaire that celebrates the stone alone, to an antique inspired cluster that echoes the traditions of historic jewelry design. The absence of enhancement preserves the stone for collectors and heirs who value provenance and natural state above treated alternatives, and the very slightly included clarity gives character while maintaining excellent overall transparency. At The Natural Sapphire Company we recommend secure settings that protect the pavilion and corners of the oval shape, and periodic professional cleaning to maintain the polish and optical performance. This sapphire is more than an ornament, it is a touchstone to the past and a promise for the future, ready to become the centerpiece of a story that will be told and retold in years to come.