2.86 Ct. Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 2.86 carat asscher octagon yellow sapphire measures 7.83 x 7.49 x 4.65 mm, and has been faceted in a classic asscher cut to present a crisp, square step facet arrangement with an octagonal outline. The stone exhibits intense color intensity, and it has been evaluated as very very slightly included at eye level, indicating exceptional eye clean clarity for a natural sapphire of this size. The polish is graded excellent, producing sharp facet junctions and mirror like facet surfaces that enhance light return. The sapphire was heat treated, which is a widely accepted and stable enhancement used to clarify and intensify color, and its documented origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a provenance noted for producing yellow sapphires with clarity and lively hues. This specimen is offered and presented by The Natural Sapphire Company, and exact dimensions, weight and treatment are available for verification.

The combination of weight, color and cut makes this sapphire notably rare when compared to similar yellow sapphires on the market. Sapphires exhibiting intense, pure yellow saturation are less common than their paler yellow or golden counterparts, and stones approaching three carats in clean, intense yellow from a single crystal source are particularly uncommon. Larger yellow sapphires are often more inclined toward brownish or greenish undertones, or they present with more visible inclusions that require masking by cutting choices. This sapphire, by contrast, delivers a substantial face up size relative to its carat weight, with clean, even color distribution and minimal eye visible inclusions, attributes that are seldom encountered together. The choice of an asscher style step cut further increases rarity, because step cuts are most effective on stones with strong clarity and color, and cutters reserve this elegant geometry for material that will reflect broad planes of color without distracting internal characteristics.

The asscher cut imparts a distinct character and optical performance that differs from brilliant style faceting, emphasizing controlled light return and a geometric, hall of mirrors effect rather than scintillation from numerous small facets. In this yellow sapphire the asscher geometry showcases broad, luminous facets that allow the intense yellow hue to read boldly across the table, while the high polish and precise facet alignment maintain crispness and depth. Designers will find this shape and cut to be exceptionally versatile for refined settings where color and form are primary considerations, for example an open prong solitaire that lets light penetrate the pavilion, a bezel that protects the corners while maintaining a strong color presentation, or a restrained halo to add visual scale while preserving the stone s clean step facet appearance. Because step cuts reveal clarity more readily than mixed cuts, the very very slightly included clarity grade here is a significant advantage, permitting a larger, cleaner visual face up than would otherwise be possible at similar weights.

Practical attributes and stewardship considerations make this sapphire suitable for fine jewelry intended for regular wear, while also advising appropriate care. Sapphire registers a nine on the Mohs hardness scale, providing excellent resistance to abrasion, and the heat treatment disclosed is considered stable under normal wearing and cleaning conditions. Routine care should include gentle cleaning with warm water and mild detergent, and periodic professional inspection of settings to ensure secure mounting. The Natural Sapphire Company provides additional imagery, setting recommendations and independent gemological reporting on request, supporting transparency in treatment and origin. For collectors and designers seeking a yellow sapphire that is both uncommon in its vivid, saturated color and notable in its clean, near three carat size, this asscher octagon from Ceylon represents a rare opportunity to secure a refined, high quality centerpiece that balances optical presence with gemological integrity.