1.01 Ct. Purple Star Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This translucent purple star sapphire weighs 1.01 carat, and it is fashioned as an oval cabochon with dimensions 5.76 x 5.18 x 3.19 mm, and the cabochon cut enhances the classic asterism that defines a true star sapphire. The gem displays a clear six ray star under direct illumination, and that visual phenomenon is produced by fine, oriented rutile inclusions that reflect light in a symmetrical pattern. The medium color intensity is an even purple hue, and the tone sits comfortably between light and deep, allowing the star to contrast well against the body color. The surface exhibits an excellent polish which contributes to a lively silk like sheen, and the translucency allows the star to appear to float just below the surface when viewed under a single point light source. Origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a locality renowned for producing sapphires with attractive color and classic asterism, and this stone is entirely natural with no enhancement recorded, a feature that is particularly significant for collectors and connoisseurs who value untreated material.

From a grading and clarity perspective this sapphire has a clarity grade of very slightly included as evaluated at eye level, and that designation reflects the presence of fine inclusions that do not interfere with the overall transparency or beauty when viewed without magnification. In star sapphires, inclusions are a paradoxical advantage, because the oriented silk is the mechanism that creates the sharp star, and a balanced quantity of silk produces the most distinct asterism while preserving attractive translucency. The medium color intensity provides a pleasing balance, and the gem shows consistent color saturation across the oval table without localized zoning that would distract from the star. The cabochon proportions are well judged for this size, the height to diameter relationship supports a well formed star without appearing overly domed, and the excellent polish ensures that light plays across the surface cleanly and without visible polishing marks. Because the stone is unheated and unenhanced, its market value benefits from its natural state, and provenance from Ceylon Sri Lanka further adds to desirability because of the long standing reputation of that source for quality corundum.

For an educated buyer this stone represents several points of tangible value and long term appeal, and those considerations are worth highlighting when comparing potential acquisitions. First, the combination of natural asterism, medium saturated purple color, and very slightly included clarity evaluated at eye level means that the gem balances rarity and aesthetic performance, qualities that appeal to both collectors and designers. Second, the absence of enhancement is meaningful in current market practice, because untreated sapphires command a premium and remain stable in presentation and resale. Third, the measured proportions and excellent polish indicate that the cutter understood how to maximise the star effect for this specific piece, creating a gem that will translate well into a ring or pendant, and when set with a protective bezel the cabochon will show its star clearly while remaining well anchored for everyday wear. At The Natural Sapphire Company we document origin and treatment status for each stone, and we can advise on mounting options that protect the cabochon while allowing the star to be viewed easily under natural light. For care, handle as you would any corundum, avoid harsh blows and prolonged chemical exposure, and if cleaning is required use warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding steam and aggressive ultrasonic cleaning if there is any concern about surface reaching or inclusions. If you would like additional photographs under different lighting conditions, or a bespoke setting recommendation, The Natural Sapphire Company can provide expert guidance and supporting documentation to ensure this rare purple star sapphire integrates beautifully into your collection.