1.17 Ct. Yellowish Green Sapphire from Madagascar

This listing presents a transparent 1.17 carat marquise shape yellowish green sapphire, with precise dimensions of 9.02 by 4.96 by 3.43 mm, cut in a mixed brilliant style, clarity graded as very slightly included at eye level, intense color intensity, and an excellent polish. Enhancement reported is heat treated, and the sapphire originates from Madagascar. At The Natural Sapphire Company we prioritize clear, concise gem information, and this stone is a strong example of what collectors and designers seek when they want a vivid, wearable colored sapphire that balances color, clarity, and cut. The marquise shape gives a flattering elongation for rings and pendants, the mixed brilliant cut maximizes internal fire and scintillation, and the intense yellowish green hue sits comfortably between classic green gems and traditional blue sapphires, making it versatile for many jewelry directions.

Compared with storied gemstones in history, this sapphire brings its own chapter of interest. The famous Star of India and other legendary sapphires are celebrated for size and rarity, and while those museum pieces are priceless in their provenance, they often display deep, saturated blues or star effects. This Madagascar sapphire instead offers an elegant, nuanced yellowish green that recalls the rare green tones prized in certain historical royal collections, yet in a modern, wearable size. Against the great Ceylon sapphires that are esteemed for velvety cornflower blue, this gem stands apart by delivering intense green leaning color, a rarity that appeals to collectors who want distinction rather than replication. In comparison to the iconic Hope Diamond which is renowned for dramatic presence but not for day to day wear, this sapphire balances visual impact with practical durability and versatility.

The marquise shape and mixed brilliant faceting create a dynamic light performance that compares favorably with many historically cut pieces that show less internal brilliance. The marquise cut has royal associations going back to eighteenth century French court jewelry, and in contemporary practice it offers the illusion of greater size along with a graceful silhouette. Compared with antique cushion or old mine cuts that emphasize table size over brilliance, the mixed brilliant facets on this sapphire deliver crisp flashes and lively return of light, which is particularly important in a yellowish green tone where contrast can deepen perceived saturation. The excellent polish ensures clean reflections, and the very slightly included clarity at eye level means the stone reads clean to the naked eye, unlike many historical gems that require magnification to judge inclusions. For those seeking a stone with refined sparkle without compromising natural character, this sapphire is a superior choice.

From a gemological and practical point of view, sapphires are among the most durable of colored stones, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale, and this yellowish green sapphire is no exception. Compared with emeralds which can be more brittle and often require oiling or other treatments to stabilize surface reaching fissures, this sapphire will withstand everyday wear in rings and bracelets with less concern. Compared with peridot which is softer and prone to cleavage, the hardness and toughness of sapphire allow confident setting designs and secure long term ownership. Madagascar has emerged in recent decades as a source of exceptional and distinctive sapphire colors, producing stones that challenge traditional color categories and appeal to contemporary tastes. Heat treatment is a widely accepted enhancement that stabilizes and improves color and clarity in natural sapphires, and when disclosed it supports both ethical sourcing and consumer confidence in value and durability.

In terms of value proposition and collectability, this 1.17 carat yellowish green marquise from Madagascar is positioned as a unique alternative to the classic blue sapphire market, offering rarity of hue, excellent cut, and eye clean clarity at an accessible size that is ideal for bespoke jewelry. When compared to famous historical gems which are often museum bound and valued for provenance rather than wearable beauty, this sapphire offers the pleasure of ownership and daily enjoyment. It pairs beautifully with warm yellow gold for vintage inspired settings, with rose gold for modern romantic pieces, or with platinum and diamond halos to accentuate the green tones and add contrast. At The Natural Sapphire Company we can advise on mounting options that leverage the marquise profile and mixed brilliant facets to maximize both brilliance and perceived size. Care is straightforward, using gentle soap and warm water and avoiding extreme heat or sudden impacts, which preserves the intense color and excellent polish for generations. For collectors and designers seeking a distinguished, historically resonant alternative to more common hues, this sapphire represents an exceptional balance of character, quality, and wearability.