1.22 Ct. Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One transparent 1.22 carat oval yellow chrysoberyl, dimensions 5.48 x 5.19 x 4.44 mm, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. This specimen exhibits an intense yellow saturation that remains consistent across the table and girdle, with optical transmission characteristic of fine chrysoberyl. The piece is fashioned as a cabochon, employing a smooth domed crown and a carefully controlled pavilion profile to maximize perceived depth and color uniformity. The clarity is graded eye clean at standard viewing distance, with no significant inclusions visible to the unaided eye. No enhancement has been applied to this stone, and its provenance is Ceylon, a classic locality noted for producing chrysoberyl with bright, saturated hues. Typical physical properties for chrysoberyl that inform handling and setting include a refractive index range approximately 1.746 to 1.754, which contributes to crisp light return even in a domed cut, and a specific gravity near 3.70 to 3.80, which gives a solid heft for its size. These material constants, coupled with the gem venus clarity and intense color, position this cabochon as a durable and attractive choice for jewelry that requires both visual presence and daily wear resilience.

The cabochon cutting approach used on this oval chassis was intentional, and the lapidary sequence reflects best practices for transparent chrysoberyl when the goal is to accentuate hue and internal translucency. Preforming began with orientation of the rough to align the long axis of the oval with the piece of greatest color saturation, minimizing color zoning across the dome. The crown was brought up to a high dome that measures proportionally to the overall height of 4.44 mm, balancing light diffusion and surface brilliance. The pavilion was flattened to a shallow curve to avoid windowing and to promote even light retention across the face, and the girdle was finished to a small, uniform width to facilitate secure bezel settings without introducing facet reflections that could break the visual continuity. Polishing employed progressively finer diamond slurries on resin laps, culminating in an ultra fine oxide polish that yields the excellent polish grade reported. The result is a cabochon with smooth, continuous curvature, an apex that reads concentric and true to the oval outline, and a surface finish that supports lively specular highlights while preserving the gem body color.

From a gemological and practical perspective, this yellow chrysoberyl offers several desirable attributes for discerning buyers and setters. The eye clean clarity indicates that internal features are confined to microscopic or magnification level characteristics, which is advantageous for a cabochon since larger internal features can disrupt color flow. Natural growth features consistent with Ceylon chrysoberyl can be observed under 10x magnification, and the absence of treatment enhances long term value and marketability. The intense color intensity is well suited to classic bezel or closed back settings, which further protect the polished dome and preserve the uniformity of tone. For design considerations, the modest dimensions allow this cabochon to serve either as a focal solitaire in refined rings, or as a harmonious center for pendants and brooches where the optical depth of the dome will be appreciated. Routine care consists of warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding steam and harsh chemical cleaners to maintain the integrity of the polish. Certification and imaging can be provided on request, and The Natural Gemstone Company remains available to discuss matching stones, custom mounting recommendations, and magnified imaging to assist in design and appraisal decisions.