3.06ct Ceylon Blue Sapphire - Cushion Cut
3.06ct Ceylon Blue Sapphire - Cushion Cut
Product Details
| Gem Type | Natural Sapphire |
| Carat Weight | 3.06 ct |
| Dimensions | 7.80 x 7.20 x 6.17 mm |
| Shape/Cut | Cushion Faceted |
| Colour | Royal Blue |
| Treatment | Traditional Heat Treatment |
| Origin | Ceylon (Sri Lanka) |
| Certification | Ceylon Gem Lab (CGL) |
This 3.06ct Ceylon blue sapphire is a substantial collector-grade gemstone that combines the coveted royal blue colour with a near-square cushion cut measuring 7.80 x 7.20 mm. The proportions are almost perfectly balanced, creating a symmetrical face-up presentation that maximises the stone's impressive colour saturation from every viewing angle.
At just over 3 carats, this sapphire occupies a weight class where quality specimens become significantly harder to source. The deep, saturated royal blue, the single most desirable colour in the sapphire market. Runs evenly through the stone with no visible zoning, a hallmark of fine Ceylon material.
Origin & Certification
This sapphire originates from Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the island whose sapphires have set the standard for blue gemstone quality since antiquity. The nearly square cushion proportions suggest this stone was cut from a well-formed crystal, allowing the lapidary to optimise both weight retention and visual beauty, a balance that becomes increasingly important at the 3-carat level.
This stone has been enhanced through traditional heat treatment, a universally accepted industry practice that improves colour saturation and clarity. The Ceylon Gem Lab (CGL) has examined this sapphire and issued a certificate confirming its natural origin, royal blue colour grade, treatment status, and precise weight of 3.06 carats. CGL certification is widely respected in the international gemstone trade.
Collector-Grade Quality
The 3-carat threshold is a significant milestone in sapphire collecting. Beyond this weight, the rarity curve steepens sharply. Fine blue sapphires over 3 carats represent a small fraction of annual global production. Several characteristics distinguish this stone as collector-grade:
- Colour consistency: The royal blue saturation is even across the full face-up area, with no visible colour banding or windowing.
- Proportions: The near-square 7.80 x 7.20 mm outline indicates the stone was cut for beauty rather than weight maximisation, a quality indicator in large sapphires.
- Depth: At 6.17 mm deep, the stone carries excellent weight-to-surface ratio, ensuring strong brilliance without excessive bulk beneath the setting.
Why This Sapphire
At $12,000 AUD, this 3.06ct Ceylon blue sapphire is priced for the serious collector or the buyer commissioning a significant piece of jewellery. The near-square cushion shape is particularly versatile. It works equally well in bold cocktail rings, classic solitaire settings, and pendant designs where the stone's full face-up area is on display.
For collectors, this stone sits in the sweet spot between accessible 1-2ct sapphires and the most exclusive 5ct+ specimens. It delivers the visual weight and rarity of a large Ceylon sapphire while remaining within reach for the discerning buyer who values certified provenance and genuine quality.
Related:
Is this sapphire heated?
Yes. This sapphire has undergone traditional heat treatment, a standard and universally accepted practice in the gemstone industry. The treatment enhances colour saturation and clarity. CGL has confirmed the treatment on the accompanying certificate.
What makes a 3-carat sapphire collector-grade?
Blue sapphires over 3 carats with strong colour saturation and certified Ceylon origin are uncommon in the market. The combination of size, royal blue colour grade, near-square cushion proportions, and CGL certification places this stone firmly in the collector category. Quality at this level holds its value and appreciates over time.
How does the cushion cut affect this sapphire's appearance?
The near-square cushion cut (7.80 x 7.20 mm) creates a balanced, symmetrical face-up presentation that distributes the royal blue colour evenly. Cushion cuts are the preferred shape for large sapphires because they maximise both brilliance and colour saturation, making the stone appear vivid from every angle.
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