3.17 Ct. Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the alluvial rivers of Ceylon Sri Lanka to the hands of a master cutter, this yellow sapphire carries the story of ancient earth and human craft. For millions of years heat and pressure forged corundum crystals deep within the island, and trace elements gave this gem its sunny hue. Miners working traditional fields and modern terraces discovered this transparent crystal, and it was selected for its clarity and color. The journey began in the soil that has produced some of the world s most celebrated sapphires, and it continued as this stone was carefully extracted, cleaned, and assessed for its potential. The Natural Sapphire Company s relationship with Sri Lankan sources means that every step of this journey can be traced, and that respect for the land and the communities that recover these gems is part of the piece s provenance.

In the lap of skilled hands the rough crystal was given new life, shaped into a cushion form and faceted with a mixed brilliant cut to balance brilliance and color. The result is a transparent GIA certified yellow sapphire weighing 3.17 carats, measuring 7.78 x 7.43 x 5.68 mm, with a clarity grade described as eye clean at eye level, medium color intensity, and an excellent polish. There is no enhancement, the stone is natural and untreated, and its GIA certificate confirms these important attributes. The mixed brilliant pavilion gives lively scintillation and a soft broad table that displays the gem s hue evenly, while the cushion outline retains a classic, slightly vintage character. The excellent polish allows light to enter and leave without obstruction, so every facet works in concert to animate the stone.

How this sapphire performs under different lighting conditions is where its personality becomes apparent. In bright daylight and under direct sun the medium yellow lifts toward a clear golden tone, the mixed brilliant cut throwing flashes of white light and subtle spectral colors across the table and crown. In overcast or diffused daylight the color reads softer and warmer, a gentle lemon to honey presence that feels elegant and restrained. Under warm incandescent light or candlelight the yellow deepens, becoming more intimate and glowing, the pavilion producing rich, golden flash. Under cool white LED or modern display lights the stone maintains excellent brilliance, with crisp highlights and a pleasing balance between sparkle and color. In spotlight or stage style lighting the faceted geometry creates bold scintillation, and in softer ambient interiors the sapphire emits a steady, reassuring glow. The gem s transparency and excellent polish mean that it will not appear cloudy in softer light, and its eye clean clarity ensures that the surface and internal reflections remain the center of attention.

As a piece to be worn, the sapphire tells a story that connects wearer and origin. Ceylon yellow sapphires have historically been prized for their association with prosperity and clarity, and this cushion shaped gem translates that heritage into a contemporary jewel. Set as a solitaire the stone commands attention, its 3.17 carat presence balanced by the cushion proportions that look generous on the hand without overwhelming. In a halo setting the light bouncing from surrounding smaller stones magnifies the central gem s brilliance and can amplify the perception of size and fire. The choice of metal will subtly alter the visual message, yellow gold harmonizing with the gem s warmth to present a unified golden field, while white metal such as platinum or white gold will create a bright contrast that sharpens the stone s color and emphasizes scintillation. Because the sapphire is natural and unenhanced, it is a desirable option for collectors and for those who value authenticity, and its GIA certification offers documented assurance of origin and characteristics.

At The Natural Sapphire Company we celebrate gems that arrive with a clear lineage and a story to tell. This 3.17 carat, GIA certified Ceylon yellow sapphire is more than a measured set of attributes, it is a portable fragment of Sri Lanka s geology and culture, refined by expert hands to reveal light and life. Each viewing of the stone is an invitation to recall the riverbeds where it began, the cutter s patient work, and the setting that will complete its narrative on a finger or in a bespoke piece. For clients seeking a center stone that offers warmth, clarity, and a distinctly natural history, this sapphire represents a rare and honest offering. If you would like to explore setting options, view certificate details, or discuss how this gem will sit in a bespoke design, our team at The Natural Sapphire Company is ready to guide you through each choice with the same care that went into bringing this stone from Ceylon to you.