5.06 Ct. Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This parcel consists of one transparent 5.06 carat oval purple sapphire, with precise dimensions of 11.25 x 9.22 x 5.47 mm, supplied by The Natural Sapphire Company. The stone is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a brilliant style crown with a complementary pavilion faceting scheme, to balance scintillation and color saturation. The clarity is evaluated as eye clean at normal viewing distance, indicating no inclusions that interrupt the primary light paths. Color intensity is classified as intense, and the polish is graded excellent, producing crisp facet junctions and mirror like facet surfaces. Enhancement by controlled heat treatment has been applied to stabilize and intensify the hue, consistent with standard trade practice for Ceylon sapphires, and the material provenance is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a source known for high quality corundum.

From an optical and gemological perspective this sapphire exhibits the typical refractive behavior of corundum, with strong light return and modest pleochroism, presenting varying proportions of violet and pinkish violet when viewed along different crystallographic axes. Face up the mixed brilliant proportions emphasize even color distribution across the table, while the pavilion architecture redirects light for a lively pattern of flashes and scintillation. The combination of transparency and intense color results in a saturated yet luminous appearance, avoiding the closed in look that can occur with overly deep goods. Birefringence is minimal, preserving optical clarity, and the heat treatment has been applied to alter trace element valence states in a controlled manner, enhancing chroma without introducing surface residues or fillers.

The cut and craftsmanship are executed to professional standards, with an oval length to width ratio near 1.22, a form that is versatile for a wide range of mounting styles from rings to pendants. The mixed brilliant faceting pattern on the crown maximizes return of short wave light, creating a lively faceted crown that works in concert with a well proportioned pavilion depth to avoid windowing. Facet symmetry and girdle execution are consistent with the excellent polish grade, and the stone displays tight facet junctions that enhance brilliance and reduce leakage. The table to depth relationship is calibrated to present the intense purple hue at face up, while maintaining balance between optical performance and durability for everyday wear.

When set in jewelry the purple hue of this sapphire offers broad compatibility with different skin tones, and the effect can be modulated by metal choice and setting architecture. Against cool undertones the violet leaning tones harmonize with cooler complexions, producing a refined, cohesive look when paired with white metals such as platinum or white gold, which reflect cooler wavelengths and emphasize the stone clarity. For warm undertones the same purple presents as a striking contrast, and when set in yellow gold the metal warmth adds depth and a slightly richer appearance to the purple, creating an appealing interplay between warm and cool elements. On neutral undertones the sapphire appears balanced and versatile, offering both depth and vibrancy.

For medium and deeper skin tones the intense purple reads as luminous and highly visible, making the sapphire an excellent focal point in both solitaire and halo settings, with white diamond accents that increase perceived brightness. On fair skin the stone conveys refined color saturation without overpowering the wearer, and smaller side stones or metal accents can be used to tailor the visual weight. Design recommendations include a modest bezel for daily wear, a prong set solitaire to maximize light entry, or a halo of small white diamonds to enhance perceived size and sparkle. The Natural Sapphire Company can advise on specific mounting tolerances and metal choices to preserve the integrity of the heat treated surface, and to achieve the desired color interaction with skin tone and wardrobe.