1.01 Ct. Grey Sapphire from Madagascar

This gem is a transparent 1.01 carat cushion shape grey sapphire, with precise dimensions of 5.80 by 5.41 by 3.86 millimeters, originating from Madagascar and supplied by The Natural Sapphire Company. The stone has been fashioned with a designer cut that emphasizes a modified cushion outline and a radiating starburst facet arrangement in the pavilion and crown, a faceting architecture intended to maximize internal light return while maintaining an elegant, slightly softened silhouette. Color intensity is light, yielding a cool grey body color with subtle blue green undertones that shift gently with viewing angle, and the surface finish is described as excellent polish, producing crisp facet junctions and clean reflective planes. Clarity is recorded as very very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, meaning the stone reads visually clean to unaided observation with only minor, well positioned inclusions that do not interrupt the optical pattern or compromise durability. No enhancement has been applied, so the material is presented in its natural state, a desirable attribute for discerning connoisseurs of untreated gems.

Optically and physically the piece demonstrates the strengths of a thoughtful designer cut, specifically the way the pavilion facet geometry creates directional flashes and a central star effect that increases perceived spread relative to its weight. The geometry, coupled with the relatively shallow to medium crown and well controlled table size, allows light to enter and redisperse across the internal facet planes, resulting in a lively, slightly metallic luster characteristic of grey sapphires with a silvery component. Because the stone is a true corundum, it retains high toughness and suitability for everyday wearable designs, yet the cut profile suggests benefits from open mounting choices that permit light ingress through the pavilion for optimum performance. A low to medium height four prong or four cornered V prong setting will secure the cushion outline while preserving the designer cut optics, whereas a thin open gallery or microbezel with an exposed pavilion window will enhance brilliance without obscuring the stone profile.

For custom work, consider designs that either emphasize contrast or create a subtle tonal gradient, depending on the desired effect. For cool, modern contrast place this grey cushion at the center of a platinum or 18 karat white gold mount with a single row halo of high color grade, small melee diamonds, each approximately 0.01 to 0.02 carats, to add scintillation and define the cushion silhouette without overpowering the stone. For a more architectural statement incorporate two tapered baguette or tapered trapezoid white diamonds, each in the 0.10 to 0.25 carat range, as flank stones to maintain a linear profile and preserve visual weight balance against the 1.01 carat center. If a warmer, more romantic palette is preferred the grey sapphire will respond beautifully to 18 karat rose gold, which will coax forward its blue green undertones, especially when paired with small rose cut or matte finish accent sapphires in pale teal or mint tones, sized around 0.05 to 0.15 carats each, set as shoulders or a partial halo to create a refined color progression. For those who prefer color contrast rather than complement, two pear or trillion shaped accent sapphires in a more saturated teal or cornflower blue, each around 0.20 to 0.30 carats, will flank the cushion to produce a three stone composition with dynamic color interplay. In every configuration consider scale and proportion, keeping side stones in the 3 to 5 millimeter range to maintain harmony with the center stone dimensions, and favor settings that leave the pavilion accessible to light, as the designer cut’s starburst facet structure benefits from transmitted light to fully articulate its optical effects. The Natural Sapphire Company can assist in refining these technical decisions to achieve a bespoke piece that showcases the cutter’s intent, the stone’s natural character, and the wearer’s design priorities.