3.23 Ct. Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This gem began as a slow conversation between heat and pressure deep within the soils of Ceylon, an island whose rivers and hills have yielded some of the most storied sapphires in history. Formed from the same corundum mineral that produces blues and pinks, this Other certified Yellow sapphire carries a lineage of geology and time, its hue born from trace elements that warmed its crystalline lattice into a medium intense yellow. At 3.23 carats, and measuring 9.78 by 6.41 by 5.18 millimeters, the stone holds a substantial presence without overwhelming a design, its cushion shape offering a gentle balance of rounded shoulders and elegant proportions. In the field it was noticed for its transparency and for being eye clean at normal viewing distances, a clarity grade that allows light to travel through the gem with minimal interruption. Our experts at The Natural Sapphire Company documented its origin and treatment history, noting that this sapphire has been heat treated to stabilize and enrich its color, and that it displays an excellent polish across the mixed brilliant facets that were chosen to maximize both brilliance and a subtle, refined sparkle.

The story continued under the hands of The Natural Sapphire Company cutters, who considered the stone as an individual with personality, rather than as a number. The mixed brilliant cut combines larger pavilion facets with smaller crown facets, creating lively internal reflections while maintaining broad flashes of color across the table. In bright midday sunlight the yellow takes on a clear, cheerful warmth, radiating pure golden tones and scattering lively white sparkle from the numerous internal facets. Under softer morning or late afternoon light, its color deepens gently, showing a richer golden hue that carries a hint of honey without becoming heavy. In warm incandescent light, or by candlelight, the sapphire shows a glowing amber sentiment, the facets catching the warm spectrum and returning a softer, more romantic fire. Under cool white LEDs or fluorescent lighting, the gem trims its warmth slightly, displaying a fresher, lemon kissed yellow with crisp facet reflections, and in focused spotlighting the stone reveals its cut precision, producing defined scintillation as the eye moves. Because it is transparent and eye clean, light is free to travel and reflect, and the excellent polish ensures every facet edge returns light with clarity and vigor. The heat treatment performed by skilled technicians serves to enhance the evenness and stability of that yellow, while the stone retains natural depth and life that only a genuine Ceylon sapphire can convey.

When set into jewelry this sapphire becomes part of a new narrative, one that blends provenance with personal style. Shown on a finger, it has a poised presence that is both modern and timeless, the cushion silhouette flattering a range of settings from classic four claw mounts to low bezel designs designed for daily wear. In white metals the yellow reads as a fresh burst of color, providing a luminous contrast that makes the stone appear almost sunlit from within, while in warm metals such as yellow gold the gem harmonizes with the metal to create a cohesive, vintage inspired glow. Its size and cut make it versatile for an engagement ring, a statement cocktail piece, or a refined pendant where light can enter from multiple directions. The Natural Sapphire Company provides full documentation of origin, treatment, and the qualities that make this sapphire special, so every wearer can appreciate both the geological journey and the human craftsmanship behind the finished gem. If you are seeking a yellow sapphire that carries the soft intensity of Ceylon, the balanced dimensions of a well executed cushion, and the lively optical performance of a mixed brilliant cut, this 3.23 carat stone offers all of that, wrapped in a provenance that traces back to the earth and forward to a piece you will wear with confidence.