5.12 Ct. Purple Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This remarkable, transparent 5.12 carat cushion shape purple sapphire presents itself as a confident and elegant gemstone, with dimensions of 9.77 by 9.75 by 5.81 millimeters, a mixed brilliant cut, and an eye clean clarity grade at normal viewing distance. The color intensity is classified as intense, producing a deep, saturated purple that is lively under both natural and artificial light. The polish has been judged excellent, which means the facets are smoothly executed and designed to maximize both return of light and the stone's intrinsic color. This sapphire originates from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a region long regarded for producing sapphires with clear, bright tones, and it has been heat treated, a common and stable enhancement that improves color and clarity when applied by reputable cutters. At The Natural Sapphire Company we present this gem with full disclosure of its attributes, and we highlight its combination of weight, cut, color, and clarity for the informed buyer who values both beauty and technical quality.

From a gemological perspective this sapphire is corundum, the mineral species that includes all gem quality sapphires and rubies, with trace elements creating its purple hue. In most purple sapphires, the balance of trace elements, commonly iron and chromium among others, influences the shift from violet to redder purple tones, and the result in this stone is a strong, evenly distributed color that reads as intense rather than muted. The mixed brilliant cut marries the scintillation of brilliant facets with the depth control of step facets, typically featuring a brilliant style crown that enhances sparkle and a pavilion that manages light return to preserve saturation. The excellent polish ensures minimal light leakage from surface irregularities, producing crisp facet junctions and lively facet flashes. Being eye clean at standard viewing distances means that inclusions are absent to the unaided eye, which positively affects the perceived purity and value of the gem, while the substantial 5.12 carat weight and the near square cushion proportions yield an impressive face up area that balances presence and wearable scale.

Treatment, origin, and the combination of attributes are essential considerations for a knowledgeable purchaser, and in this example all three aspects support its desirability and investment potential. Heat treatment is disclosed, and when correctly applied it is stable under normal wear and does not diminish the gemological integrity of corundum. Ceylon, Sri Lanka is a historic and well documented source, noted for producing sapphires with clarity and keenness of color that appeal to connoisseurs, and provenance from this region often enhances collectibility. For an educated buyer, the interplay of an intense purple color, a mixed brilliant cushion cut, an eye clean clarity grade, excellent polish, and a substantial 5.12 carat weight creates a precise market position. Purple sapphires in this size and with this level of quality are less common than many blue counterparts, and the scarcity of saturated, eye clean material in this weight class supports both aesthetic and monetary value. The Natural Sapphire Company provides complete disclosure about treatments and origin, enabling buyers to make informed appraisals and to compare this gem objectively with other high quality sapphires on the market.

When considering this sapphire as a generational heirloom, several durable and timeless features stand out. Corundum is a robust gem species with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond in everyday scratch resistance, which makes it exceptionally well suited for pieces intended to be worn frequently and passed down. The cushion shape is a classic silhouette that transcends fleeting trends, harmonizing with both vintage and contemporary settings, and the mixed brilliant cut offers enduring optical appeal that will remain attractive to future generations. For long term preservation we recommend secure, artisan settings that protect the girdle and corners, such as a bezel or a protective prong arrangement with reinforced mounts, and routine professional inspections to ensure the setting remains sound. We also advise proper documentation and appraisal, including any available origin or treatment reports, which enhances provenance and ease of transfer to heirs or future buyers. At The Natural Sapphire Company our team can assist with custom designs, documentation, and guidance on care to ensure this 5.12 carat Ceylon purple sapphire will remain a treasured family jewel for decades to come, carrying both its intrinsic gemological virtues and the stories of the lives it adorns.