1.16 Ct. Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.16 carat oval yellow sapphire from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, presents a compelling combination of size, color, and craftsmanship that will appeal to an educated buyer. The gem measures 7.28 by 5.80 by 3.55 millimeters, giving it a pleasing face up presence that reads larger than the carat weight might suggest, and the depth, at approximately 54 percent of the average diameter, sits comfortably within the proportions that favor strong light return while preserving brightness. The mixed brilliant cut has been executed to balance scintillation and color saturation, with a brilliant style crown that maximizes sparkle and a faceted pavilion that returns light with lively flash. The intense yellow color is a defining attribute of this stone, consistent through the table with attractive saturation and tone that reads as a lively golden yellow in natural light, and the excellent polish enhances the stone surface for crisp facet junctions and a bright face up appearance. At The Natural Sapphire Company we emphasize these measurable attributes so that the discerning buyer understands the practical implications of cut, proportion, and polish when assessing both beauty and long term value.

Clarity is recorded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which is an important point for anyone who values both transparency and natural character. Under magnification the stone reveals a fine suite of internal features typical of Ceylon sapphires, but presented here with an especially elegant distribution that does not detract from the gem face up. The most prominent signature inclusions are a delicate network of very fine rutile needles often referred to by gemologists as silk. These needles form subtle veils and wisps that scatter light in a way that softens the intense yellow, creating an internal glow rather than a harsh flash. Interspersed with the silk are minute pinpoint crystals and tiny platelets that appear as scintillating pinpoints under magnification, and occasional healed fissures that have recrystallized during the gem forming process. This combination produces a layered internal texture that is visually interesting at high magnification, yet remains unobtrusive when the stone is set and worn, delivering both transparency and character.

The inclusion pattern in this sapphire is part of its unmistakable signature, and it serves several key roles in valuation and provenance. First, the silk and needle pattern is characteristic of sapphires from Sri Lanka, and when viewed in context with trace element chemistry and other diagnostic features, it supports the assigned origin of Ceylon, Sri Lanka. Second, the inclusions demonstrate natural formation and centuries of geological history, qualities that collectors and connoisseurs prize as proof of authenticity. Third, because this stone has been heat treated to optimize tone and clarity, the inclusion suite helps explain which changes are natural and which are the result of enhancement. Heat treatment commonly reduces the visibility of rutile silk and can soften color zoning, and in this specimen the treatment has been applied judiciously to intensify the golden hue while retaining the internal fingerprint that confirms natural origin. For a buyer who seeks a stone with both laboratory backed enhancement disclosure and a verifiable natural story, this sapphire exemplifies a responsible balance.

From a practical and aesthetic standpoint the 1.16 carat oval is highly versatile, and the inclusion profile makes it an excellent choice for both everyday wear and special occasion jewelry. The very slightly included clarity grade means that settings which expose the table, such as prong mounted rings or open bezel designs, will showcase the intense yellow color without drawing attention to internal features. The mixed brilliant cut promotes lively scintillation, making this sapphire attractive in rings, pendants, and even bespoke pieces that celebrate color rather than simply weight. As with all gems offered by The Natural Sapphire Company the stone is documented for enhancement and origin, and our gemological team is available to discuss mounting options that protect the stone while maximizing optical performance. For the informed buyer who appreciates the interplay of natural inclusions, measured proportions, and skilled cutting, this Ceylon yellow sapphire offers a distinct signature that combines provenance, beauty, and enduring value.