1.36 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Spinel is a gemstone that has been gaining popularity amongst both collectors and jewelry enthusiasts in recent years. Although it once lived in the shadow of more well-known gems like sapphire and ruby, the appeal of spinel with its range of colors, excellent hardness, and often more accessible price point has made it a favored choice for those seeking both beauty and value in their gemstones.
The particular gemstone described here is a purple spinel, which showcases its own unique charm. Purple spinel is not as commonly found as its red or pink counterparts, making it a special find for anyone looking to add an unusual piece to their collection. With its transparent nature and a weight of 1.36 carats, the stone has substantial presence without being too large for practical, everyday wear.
To further examine its features, this purple spinel is fashioned in an emerald cut, a style known for its clean lines and stepped facets which accentuate the gem’s clarity, and allows for a display of the stone’s luster and color. The dimensions of 8.51 x 4.95 x 3.53 mm provide a nice length-to-width ratio, giving the stone an elegant appearance. This particular cut also enhances the stability of the gemstone, making it less prone to chipping when set in jewelry.
The clarity grade of very slightly included indicates that while there may be minor internal features common to spinel, they are very difficult to see with the naked eye and do not detract from the beauty or brilliance of the stone. Its medium color intensity ensures that the purple hue stands out while maintaining a sophisticated softness, and an excellent polish means that the surfaces of the stone reflect light beautifully, contributing to its overall sparkle.
Spinel is a durable gem, rating 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which makes it suitable for a variety of uses including rings, pendants, and earrings. Given the size and quality of this purple spinel, it can serve as a remarkable centerpiece in a piece of fine jewelry.
Now, imagine this purple spinel set in a pair of intricately designed earrings. These hypothetical earrings could be crafted from high-quality materials such as 18-karat white gold or platinum to frame the spinel. Talented artisans might surround the central stone with a halo of delicate diamonds, each individually set to catch the light and add to the overall sparkle. The craftsmanship might include fine milgrain detailing or hand-engraved patterns on the metal, enhancing the vintage feel and sophisticated appearance of the earrings.
The ear wires or posts would be crafted with comfort and security in mind, ensuring that these significant pieces could be worn comfortably for extended periods. The overall aesthetic of such earrings would balance the exquisite purple color of the spinel with the subtle shimmer of a diamond setting, creating a timeless and elegant piece suitable for special occasions yet understated enough for more casual wear. The combination of the purple spinel with the meticulously executed metal work would result in a pair of earrings that are not only captivating in their beauty but also a testament to the skill of their creators.