2.88 Ct. Reddish Pink Star Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This translucent oval shaped star sapphire weighs 2.88 carat, and measures 8.16 x 7.25 x 4.53 mm, presenting a classical cabochon profile that emphasizes a strong central asterism. The body color reads as a reddish pink with intense color intensity, exhibiting a uniform saturation when viewed face up under standard daylight and incandescent lighting. Clarity is graded as very slightly included at eye level, indicating that the stone shows minor internal features that do not detract from the overall visual appeal or the star phenomenon. The cabochon cut has been executed to precise proportions, with an even dome height and a well centered table that allows the six ray star to resolve cleanly across the stone surface. The origin of this sapphire is Ceylon Sri Lanka, and the piece is natural and untreated, with no enhancement, which preserves the gemological character and value associated with classic Ceylon material. The polish is excellent, allowing for minimal surface diffusion of light and a crisp presentation of the star under directional lighting.

The asterism in this specimen is produced by densely oriented rutile silk, aligned in intersecting planes that scatter incident light to form the star. The cutting strategy focused on aligning the basal plane of the cabochon perpendicular to the c axis of the crystal, which optimizes the intersection angle of the rutile needle sets and yields a sharp six ray star. Under a single point light source the star is well defined, with a bright, narrow band width that remains coherent as the stone is moved, indicating a high degree of parallelism in the inclusion planes. The depth to the silk layers is balanced so that the star appears sited at or just below the surface, avoiding diffusion that would soften the rays. Precision in dome curvature was prioritized, providing a radius that maximizes the asterism contrast while retaining sufficient pavilion thickness for secure mounting and long term stability.

From a clarity and durability perspective the very slightly included grade reflects mainly silk and a few small crystalline inclusions, which are typical of natural star sapphires and are in fact the causal agents of the star effect. These inclusions are distributed in a way that supports the optical phenomenon rather than obscuring it, and they do not compromise structural integrity. The stone exhibits good transparency to translucent transmission, allowing internal light scattering to contribute to overall brilliance. As a corundum specimen the gemstone benefits from a hardness near nine on the Mohs scale, providing excellent resistance to abrasion in everyday wear. The cutting process avoided heat treatment or diffusion enhancement, techniques that would alter color or inclusion morphology, and instead relied on skilled lapidary shaping and progressive polishing steps to achieve an even, high gloss finish. The excellent polish and symmetric oval outline ensure that the gem mounts smoothly in custom settings, and the cabochon profile minimizes stress concentration points.

When considering settings for this 2.88 carat Ceylon star sapphire, orientation and light access are paramount to preserve and display the asterism. A setting that allows the stone to be viewed under both diffuse and directed light will best reveal the moving star, and a subtle dome exposure works well in rings where the stone is intended to be seen in motion. Bezel settings with a low rim can provide superior protection while still permitting the star to be viewed from a range of angles, whereas open gallery settings can increase light throughput and intensify the perceived star strength. The Natural Sapphire Company offers detailed examination notes on mounting dimensions and recommendations for prong and bezel clearances to avoid contact with the apex of the cabochon. For collectors and connoisseurs seeking provenance this piece is identified as Sri Lanka material, a region historically noted for pink and asteriated sapphires, and the untreated status enhances collector appeal. If you require additional technical documentation or advice on custom mounting to optimize the asterism, The Natural Sapphire Company can provide lapidary consultation and bespoke setting design to ensure the optical and physical qualities of this stone are preserved and showcased.