1.34 Ct. Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This exquisite transparent 1.34 carat asscher octagon yellow sapphire from The Natural Sapphire Company is a study in classical proportion and natural purity, a gem that speaks directly to the knowledgeable collector. The stone measures 6.39 x 6.35 x 3.28 mm, and its asscher cut, with its squared octagonal outline and stepped pavilion facets, produces a refined interplay of light and windowed brilliance. Graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, this sapphire displays clarity that approaches eye clean, allowing the medium light color intensity to read true and luminous in the face up view. The excellent polish enhances facet crispness and mirror like reflections, and the fact that the stone has no enhancement greatly elevates its desirability to buyers who prize natural, untreated material from reputable sources.

From the standpoint of gemological specifics, this sapphire embodies the structural and optical properties that make corundum both durable and beautiful. Corundum has a refractive index that typically ranges around 1.762 to 1.770, and a specific gravity near 3.95, factors that contribute to the lively light return and substantial heft you feel in the hand. The asscher cut used for this stone is ideally suited to its octagonal geometry, offering broad step facets that emphasize clarity and color rather than scintillation alone. The medium light yellow tone you see is created by trace concentrations of iron within the corundum lattice, and in yellow sapphires pleochroism is usually modest so the face up color remains consistent across viewing angles. The clarity description of very very slightly included evaluated at eye level indicates that any internal features are minute and do not detract from visual appeal for most observers, and the excellent polish speaks to careful lapidary work that maximizes the stones potential without resorting to aggressive facetting that could thin pavements or reduce durability.

The provenance from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, is an important part of the sapphires story and its market value. Sri Lanka has produced some of the worlds most celebrated sapphires for centuries, and stones from established Ceylon sources are sought after for their balanced saturation and often lively, clean appearance. Ceylon sapphires are typically recovered from both primary metamorphic host rocks and from alluvial gravels where ancient river systems concentrated gem crystals. The reputation of The Natural Sapphire Company for sourcing responsibly and documenting origin gives additional assurance to the buyer who values traceability and geological context. Untreated Ceylon sapphires of fine clarity and cut are relatively uncommon compared with heat treated material on the market, and that rarity combined with confirmed origin and a documented lack of enhancement strongly influences both intrinsic and investment value.

To imagine how this bright yellow sapphire came to be begins deep in Earths crust, where aluminum bearing sediments and impure marbles were subjected to intense heat and pressure over geological timescales. Under conditions of regional metamorphism, aluminum and oxygen recombined to form corundum crystals, while trace iron became incorporated into the crystal lattice, imparting the yellow hue. Over tens to hundreds of millions of years, these corundum crystals slowly grew as pulses of metamorphic fluids supplied the necessary elements, forming well defined crystals with the atomic order that yields excellent transparency. Subsequent tectonic uplift and weathering liberated these crystals from their host rocks, and in Sri Lanka prolonged erosion and hydraulic sorting concentrated the heavier corundum crystals in river gravels and alluvial placers. The specimen you now see was recovered from that long geological journey, later selected for its exceptional transparency and natural color, and then handed to skilled cutters who fashioned it into an asscher octagon, balancing pavilion depth and table proportions to reveal its optimal face up charm.

For the discerning purchaser this sapphire offers both aesthetic and practical advantages, it is well suited to a ring center given corundums hardness rating of nine on the Mohs scale and its stable, untreated character. The carat weight of 1.34 carat combined with the nearly square 6.39 x 6.35 mm table and a depth of 3.28 mm produces a pleasing face up presence without excessive bulk, making it an excellent choice for a classic solitaire or a refined three stone setting. Because the stone is untreated, it holds intrinsic rarity value and will be of particular interest to collectors and connoisseurs who require documented origin and natural state. The Natural Sapphire Company stands ready to provide full gemological documentation, bespoke setting options, and guidance on care, such as routine gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemicals and extreme sudden temperature changes. For an educated buyer seeking a combination of geological provenance, untreated status, high clarity, excellent polish, and a timeless asscher octagon silhouette, this Ceylon yellow sapphire represents a compelling and enduring choice.