22 Ct Rare Ottu Cabochon Natural Sapphire

A 22-carat natural sapphire in a cabochon cut, belonging to the rare “Ottu” variety from Sri Lanka. Ottu sapphires are distinguished by their unusual color distribution — the blue color is concentrated in a thin outer layer of the crystal while the center remains nearly colorless. Skilled lapidaries cut these stones so that the color zone works with total internal reflection, giving the gem a deep, saturated blue appearance from above. This natural phenomenon can resemble a doublet, but the stone is a single, uncomposite gem.

The cabochon form — a smooth dome with no faceting — emphasizes the depth and intensity of the color layer, allowing the eye to read the full saturation of the sapphire through its polished surface. At 22 carats, this is a commanding stone suited for a bold ring, a collector’s cabinet, or a museum-quality setting.