5.04 Ct. Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This exceptional, transparent purple sapphire comes to you with a GIA certificate, a 5.04 carat oval shape, and precise dimensions of 11.01 by 9.19 by 5.87 millimeters, a combination that immediately signals rarity and desirability. The stone displays a vivid color intensity that remains evenly distributed across the table and crown, the mixed brilliant cut has been executed to balance sparkle with color saturation, and the excellent polish contributes to crisp facet reflections and a lively face up appearance. Clarity has been evaluated as very slightly included at eye level, which for a colored gemstone of this size means the stone presents with remarkable transparency and eye appeal, while the lack of any enhancement confirms that the hue and clarity are entirely natural. Origin information identifies this sapphire as coming from Ceylon Sri Lanka, a source long respected for producing sapphires with luminous tones and fine crystalline structure, and for collectors and connoisseurs the provenance is a meaningful component of value. At The Natural Sapphire Company we prioritize documented origin and laboratory verification, and this piece is accompanied by a GIA report that provides independent confirmation of its key characteristics.

The 5.04 carat weight is a defining feature, and weight contributes to value in several interrelated ways, first market dynamics favor larger natural sapphires, especially those over the five carat threshold, because such sizes occur less frequently in gem quality material, second when a sapphire of superior color and clarity reaches this weight class, the price per carat typically increases non linearly, therefore the total value is amplified beyond the simple multiplication of smaller per carat prices, third larger stones offer more design flexibility for fine jewelry, enabling solitaire settings that showcase the gem or bespoke designs that utilize the depth of color and presence that only a substantial carat weight can provide. For an educated buyer weighing aesthetic considerations and long term investment potential, a transparent, unheated, vivid purple sapphire at 5.04 carats from Ceylon Sri Lanka represents a convergence of rarity, provenance, and aesthetic superiority, factors which collectively support both immediate enjoyment and potential appreciation over time.

Clarity and the absence of enhancement are central to the stones appeal and to its structural integrity, very slightly included as evaluated at eye level indicates that any inclusions are minimal and do not disrupt the visual performance when the gem is set and worn, eye level grading in colored stones is particularly relevant because colored gem appreciation is primarily visual under normal viewing conditions. The absence of enhancement means the sapphire has not undergone heat treatment or diffusion, treatments that can improve color or clarity but alter the natural state of the material, unenhanced sapphires of fine color command a premium because they present the original geological signature of the crystal, and many collectors and discerning buyers place a premium on material that is untouched. From a practical perspective, the modest internal features that account for the very slightly included grade do not compromise durability, they often serve to authenticate natural origin, and they interact with light to produce a lively internal scintillation that complements the mixed brilliant facet arrangement.

The cutting style and proportions of this oval sapphire are optimized to present the best balance of color, brilliance, and wearability, the mixed brilliant cut uses pavilion facets that return light efficiently while crown facets are arranged to enhance face up brightness without sacrificing the depth of the vivid purple hue. The dimensions 11.01 by 9.19 by 5.87 millimeters produce a depth that equates to about 58 percent relative to the average diameter, a proportion that sits comfortably within the range that gem cutters aim for when the goal is to preserve color richness while maintaining good light return. The oval shape offers a favorable spread across a finger or pendant setting, giving the impression of a larger face up area compared with round stones of similar weight, and the mixed brilliant cut helps control color zoning and refraction, resulting in a stone that reads consistently purple from most viewing angles. The excellent polish enhances facet clarity and creates sharp reflections, which is particularly important in a vivid colored sapphire because every facet edge contributes to the perception of color saturation and overall brilliance.

When you consider certification, provenance, and the practical aspects of ownership, this sapphire stands out as a gem that combines beauty with documented credibility, the GIA report provides an authoritative record of weight, shape, dimensions, cut description, clarity assessment, color description, and the confirmation of no enhancement, and this documentation is a valuable asset when insuring a piece or when consulting with a jeweler for a custom mounting. Ceylon Sri Lanka as the stated origin is significant, historical mining regions supply material with characteristic color palettes and crystalline habits, and informed buyers recognize the distinction in material when provenance is clearly documented. At The Natural Sapphire Company we can assist with bespoke design options that respect the stones size and color profile, recommend settings that protect the pavilion and girdle while maximizing visible surface area, and provide guidance on care which generally consists of routine gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning unless approved following a professional inspection. This 5.04 carat, GIA certified, unheated purple sapphire presents an opportunity to acquire a rare and well documented gemstone that will perform beautifully in fine jewelry, and for those seeking a significant, naturally formed example of Ceylon origin material, it represents a compelling and authoritative choice.