4.52 Carat Unheated Ceylon Purple Sapphire

Natural · Sri Lankan Origin · Antique Cushion Mixed Cut 

This natural purple sapphire is a substantial and highly individual collector stone, weighing 4.52 carats and displaying a soft-to-moderate violet color. Its appeal lies not in modern cutting perfection, but in the combination of unenhanced color, documented Sri Lankan origin, notable size, and authentic antique cutting character.

The sapphire was fashioned as an antique cushion-shaped mixed cut, with a deep profile and a gently irregular outline. Its proportions and facet arrangement reflect an earlier approach to gemstone cutting, when cutters often prioritized preserving as much valuable rough as possible rather than achieving the strict symmetry and standardized proportions expected today.

As a result, the stone shows some visible asymmetry and does not present with the uniform precision of a contemporary cushion cut. For collectors of older gemstones, however, these characteristics can be part of its charm. They give the sapphire a distinct identity and preserve evidence of the cutting decisions made around the original crystal.

The gemstone is graded Moderately Included, and some inclusions are visible without magnification. These natural internal features should be viewed as part of the stone’s individual character rather than concealed. While they affect transparency in certain areas, the sapphire retains an attractive violet appearance and a strong physical presence.

Most importantly, the accompanying report identifies the stone as originating from Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, one of the world’s most respected sapphire-producing regions. The report also states that there is no gemological evidence of heat treatment. This combination of origin, untreated status, antique cutting, and weight above four carats gives the stone meaningful collector desirability.

Why Otzera Selected It

This sapphire was selected for the authenticity of its presentation. It is not a standardized modern gemstone, and that is precisely what makes it interesting.

Its collectible qualities include:

• A substantial weight of 4.52 carats

• Documented Sri Lankan—or Ceylon—origin

• No evidence of heat treatment

• An antique cushion-shaped cutting style

• Visible inclusions that confirm its natural character

• A deep, weight-retaining cut shaped by traditional cutting priorities

• An individual outline and facet pattern unlike mass-produced modern stones

Collectors who appreciate historic cutting methods often value the features that modern cutters might attempt to remove. The slight irregularities, depth, and retained weight give this sapphire a sense of history and personality.

Gemstone Details

• Gemstone: Natural Purple Sapphire

• Mineral Species: Corundum

• Weight: 4.52 carats

• Measurements: 9.40 × 7.32 × 5.75 mm

• Shape: Antique Cushion

• Cutting Style: Mixed Cut

• Color: Moderate Violet

• Clarity: Moderately Included

• Polish: Good

• Symmetry: Good, with visible antique-cut irregularity

• Overall Cut Assessment: Well Made

• Table: 51%

• Total Depth: 78.6%

• Geographic Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

• Enhancement: None detected; no gemological evidence of heat

Certification

Accompanied by Carte Blu Report No. 44090126, dated October 11, 2019.

Care and Setting

Sapphire is a durable gemstone suitable for jewelry, but this stone’s inclusions and antique proportions should be considered before setting. A protective custom mounting is recommended, particularly if the stone will be worn frequently. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush, and avoid sharp impacts or aggressive ultrasonic cleaning unless the gemstone has first been examined by a qualified jeweler.