4.98 Carat Antique Ceylon Yellow Sapphire

Natural · Unheated · Sri Lankan Origin

This natural yellow sapphire is a distinctive antique stone with the individuality and physical character that collectors often seek in older-cut gemstones. Weighing 4.98 carats, it displays a soft light-yellow color and is accompanied by a laboratory report identifying its geographic origin as Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon.

Rather than following the balanced proportions expected of a modern precision cut, the sapphire has a notably deep, bottom-heavy profile. Its 81.4% total depth concentrates a substantial portion of the stone’s weight below the girdle, giving it a pronounced three-dimensional presence. This is not a conventionally proportional cut, and its symmetry is graded Fair. However, for the right collector, these irregularities are part of its appeal: they preserve the personality of an earlier cutting tradition and distinguish the stone from more standardized contemporary sapphires.

The gemstone’s mixed oval cut, softly rounded outline, and substantial pavilion create an unmistakably individual appearance. It feels like a stone shaped around the original crystal rather than cut to conform to a modern commercial template.

Most importantly, the sapphire is unenhanced, with no evidence of heat treatment. Natural, unheated yellow sapphires from Sri Lanka are desirable to collectors who value geographic origin, traditional cutting, and minimal intervention.

Why Otzera Selected It 

This sapphire was selected for its authenticity and character rather than technical perfection. Its collectible appeal rests on the combination of:

• Antique cutting character

• Sri Lankan—Ceylon—origin

• No evidence of heat treatment

• A substantial weight approaching five carats

• An unusually deep profile that clearly separates it from conventional modern cuts

The bulky pavilion is an honest and visible part of the stone. Some buyers may regard it as inefficient cutting, while others will appreciate it as the defining characteristic that gives the sapphire its individuality and historic feel.

Jyotish and Traditional Setting Appeal

For buyers interested in Jyotish gemstone traditions, the sapphire’s exceptional depth may be particularly appealing. Jyotish-style rings are often designed with an open back so that the gemstone can make direct contact with the wearer’s skin. Because this stone has a deep pavilion, it may lend itself naturally to that type of custom setting.

Within Jyotish tradition, yellow sapphire is associated with Jupiter and is worn in the belief that it supports prosperity, wisdom, positive energy, and good fortune. These are traditional spiritual and astrological beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.

Gemstone Details

• Gemstone: Natural Yellow Sapphire

• Mineral Species: Corundum

• Weight: 4.98 carats

• Measurements: 9.75 × 7.98 × 6.50 mm

• Shape: Oval

• Cutting Style: Mixed Cut

• Color: Light Yellow

• Geographic Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

• Polish: Good

• Symmetry: Fair

• Overall Cut Assessment: Well Made

• Table: 45%

• Total Depth: 81.4%

• Enhancement: None detected; no evidence of heat

Certification

Accompanied by Carte Blu Report No. 44080114, dated September 23, 2019.

Care and Setting

Sapphire is highly durable and suitable for regular jewelry wear. Because of this stone’s unusually deep pavilion, it should be evaluated by an experienced jeweler before setting. A custom mounting will likely provide the best balance of protection, comfort, and presentation, particularly when creating an open-backed Jyotish-style ring.