4.32 Ct. Topaz from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent Swiss blue topaz presents a balanced combination of weight, dimension, and optical clarity, making it a refined example of its species. It weighs 4.32 carats and measures 10.04 x 10.02 x 5.40 mm, in a classic cushion shape that retains a broad visual face for maximum color presentation. The stone exhibits an intense blue color intensity, produced through controlled irradiation enhancement, and maintains a clarity grade of very very slightly included as evaluated at eye level. The cut is a checkerboard pattern across the crown, while the overall finish displays an excellent polish, attributes that together contribute to a clean and lively appearance under a range of lighting conditions. Origin is recorded as Ceylon Sri Lanka, a source known for well formed crystals that respond predictably to skillful cutting and finishing.

The cushion shape and checkerboard cut work in concert to emphasize the topaz attributes that most influence human perception of beauty, namely color saturation, light return, and scintillation. Cushion shaping preserves a generous table while softening the outline through rounded corners, which distributes internal reflections more evenly than more angular outline styles. The checkerboard crown subdivides the table surface into a mosaic of small, planar facets, each acting as an individual reflector and refractor. This pattern increases the number of light entry and exit paths, creating a dynamic play of bright flashes and deeper pools of color as the stone, wearer, or observer moves. The result is an appearance that alternates between broad, velvety color and lively pinpoint reflections, without sacrificing the overall blue saturation that defines Swiss blue topaz.

From an optical mechanics perspective the checkerboard cut enhances light performance through increased micro facetation on the crown, combined with a proportioned pavilion that returns light through the table. The micro facets on the crown scatter incident light into multiple, narrowly directed beams, which the pavilion then redirects back toward the viewer. Because the topaz is transparent with very low apparent inclusions at eye level, there is minimal internal obstruction to these light paths. The excellent polish ensures that facet junctions remain crisp and specular, minimizing diffuse scattering and preserving contrast between bright highlights and the deeper blue body color. This contrast is a key component of perceived brilliance and sparkle, and in this specimen it is particularly effective because the intense color provides a saturated backdrop against which the bright facet reflections read as distinct and lively.

The stone’s intense coloration, achieved through irradiation, benefits from the checkerboard anatomy by allowing the color to be read at multiple depths simultaneously. Surface oriented facets create immediate, high intensity reflections that appear lighter and more electric, while the larger internal planes allow the inherent body color to show through as a more saturated and stable blue. That layered perception of color depth is particularly desirable in Swiss blue topaz because it balances vibrancy with richness. Practical considerations include the cushion dimensions which make this gem suitable for a range of mounting styles, from a prominent solitaire pendant to a substantial center stone in a ring. The clarity grade and excellent polish reduce the need for protective bezel settings to mask or stabilize inclusions, and the stone’s proportions allow cutters and setters to predict how the gem will sit within typical jewelry seats.

The Natural Gemstone Company documents this topaz with its key specifications, noting weight, exact dimensions, cut description, clarity evaluation, color intensity, polish grade, enhancement by irradiation, and origin as Ceylon Sri Lanka. For designers and gem conscious buyers who prioritize optical performance and predictable behavior in finished pieces, this 4.32 carat cushion Swiss blue topaz represents a technically well executed example. The checkerboard cut both enhances immediate scintillation and preserves the saturated blue that defines the gem, while the clarity and polish ensure maximum light transmission and crisp facet reflections. When combined with appropriate mounting and lighting, this topaz will deliver a controlled interplay of flash and depth, consistent with the material properties and cutting choices recorded by The Natural Gemstone Company.