1.16 Ct. Orangish Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This cushion shape orangish yellow sapphire weighs 1.16 carats, and measures 5.87 x 5.62 x 3.76 mm, which places it in a size range ideal for refined solitaire or halo settings. The mixed brilliant cut balances table size and pavilion faceting to produce lively return of light, and the excellent polish ensures crisp facet junctions and clean reflections. The color presents as an intense orangish yellow, a hue that reads warm and saturated under daylight, yet remains versatile enough to complement both warm and cool metals. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, meaning the gem offers a predominantly clean visual appearance to the unaided eye, while harboring minor internal features that do not detract from overall transparency or brilliance.

What truly gives this sapphire an unmistakable signature are its unique inclusions, which in this specimen present as delicate needle like silk and minute crystal pinpoints distributed within the body of the stone. These fine silk threads create subtle silk planes and soft internal reflections that animate the stone as it moves, producing a glowing diffusion that enhances the perceived color intensity. The tiny crystal pinpoints act like natural star points when backlit, contributing to a lively scintillation pattern within the mixed brilliant faceting. For the educated buyer, these inclusions are attributes rather than defects, because they attest to the natural origin of the sapphire and contribute to optical character and individuality. Inclusions of this type also assist gemologists in distinguishing natural sapphires from synthetics, when examined with proper equipment, adding to provenance verification and collector appeal.

This sapphire has been heat treated, a standard and widely accepted enhancement that improves color and clarity through controlled heating, and that should be disclosed to the purchaser, as this example is. Heat treatment at moderate temperatures can reduce the visibility of some silk inclusions by partially dissolving rutile, while intensifying the yellow and orange components to achieve the bright, consistent hue observed here. Origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a classic and desirable source known for producing sapphires that combine lively saturation with excellent transparency. While origin contributes to market perception and desirability, the tangible factors that underlie value remain color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, all of which are presented here with transparent description. The mixed brilliant cut, coupled with the excellent polish, maximizes the interplay of light and color, making this stone particularly well suited for jewelry where sparkle and color are equally important.

For design and pairing, consider settings that allow light to enter the pavilion and showcase the internal silk and crystal inclusions, such as open back bezels or four prong mounts. This orangish yellow sapphire pairs beautifully with accent diamonds, warm rose gold, and with certain opals for a striking contrast. As an example, a Semi Black Opal provides a dark, iridescent backdrop that can accentuate the vivid warmth of this sapphire, creating a modern two stone composition that emphasizes both stones unique signatures. At The Natural Sapphire Company we present this gemstone with full disclosure regarding origin and treatment, and we encourage clients to request detailed imaging and gemological commentary for confirmation and peace of mind. For the buyer who values natural character, optical performance, and documented provenance, this Sri Lankan cushion sapphire represents a refined and collectible choice.