2.55 Ct. Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This piece is a finely formed, translucent brown chrysoberyl weighing 2.55 carats, with measured dimensions of 7.73 x 7.65 x 5.54 mm, presented in a classic round cabochon profile. The cabochon cut has been executed to emphasize internal texture and optical alignment, producing a broad, centered light band when viewed under directional illumination, a characteristic enhanced by oriented inclusions. Clarity is graded as slightly included at eye level, permitting internal features to be observed without compromising the stone integrity, and the surface finish has been brought to an excellent polish. Color intensity is intense, delivering a deep, warm brown that reads with subtle complexity under variable lighting, and the gem is free from any artificial enhancement, retaining its natural state and its documented origin of Ceylon Sri Lanka. In technical terms the mass and proportions produce an ideal crown to pavilion ratio for a cabochon, allowing the dome to catch light while the girdle and lower body maintain depth and weight, which is essential for stability in mounting and optimal interaction with external light sources.

From an optical and mineralogical perspective this chrysoberyl exhibits the mechanical and refractive properties that make chrysoberyl a desirable gem for both collectors and makers. Chrysoberyl registers a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, providing durable wear for everyday jewelry, while its refractive index range near 1.746 to 1.755 yields moderate brilliance and strong light refraction for a transparent to translucent material. Measured birefringence is low, approximately 0.008, which in combination with the cabochon form, minimizes unwanted doubling and preserves a coherent light band when chatoyancy is present. Specific gravity in the mineral family typically centers around 3.73, contributing to a reassuring heft in hand relative to size, and the inherent toughness of chrysoberyl allows the cutter to achieve a high polish without excessive fragility. The cabochon shaping here demonstrates careful doming, with symmetrical curvature and a well executed girdle, which together reduce the risk of edge nicks and provide a uniform profile that flatters bezel and closed settings while also permitting prong mounts to secure the piece without stressing the dome.

When compared to storied gemstones in historical collections, this brown Ceylon chrysoberyl holds a unique position. In terms of surface optical phenomena, its cabochon band invites comparison to star sapphires such as the Star of India insofar as both rely on oriented inclusions to produce line or star effects, yet chrysoberyl manifests these phenomena with a different internal chemistry and hardness profile, yielding a crisper, often more defined band for a given dome curvature. Against large famous diamonds or historical rubies which are celebrated for extreme brilliance and color saturation, this chrysoberyl presents a contrasting aesthetic, favoring contemplative depth and warm tonal subtlety rather than high dispersion. Historically, Sri Lankan gems have been prized for their clarity and natural color distribution, and this specimen reflects that tradition, offering provenance that resonates with collectors who value documented origin. Unlike heat treated or flux enhanced stones that dominate some markets, the unenhanced state of this gem aligns it more closely with antique pieces that derived their value from natural formation and skilled lapidary work, rather than post mining modification.

For the discerning buyer who values technical specification and lapidary provenance, this chrysoberyl is a compelling offering from The Natural Gemstone Company. The combination of a precise cabochon geometry, intense natural color, slightly included eye level clarity, and excellent polish creates a gem that is both wearable and collectible. For jewelers seeking to design a piece that emphasizes optical motion, a deep bezel or a low profile prong setting will preserve the cabochon silhouette while allowing directional lighting to activate the band. For collectors focused on investment grade considerations, the unenhanced origin, documented Sri Lankan source, and the stone durability contribute to long term desirability. In every respect this chrysoberyl rewards technical appreciation, from its measured proportions and refractive behavior to its surface finish and inclusion architecture, making it an informative example of high quality natural chrysoberyl.