1.72 Ct. Cabochon Kornerupine from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful semi translucent 1.72 carat oval shape black kornerupine, dimensions 8.92 x 5.61 x 3.95 mm, cabochon cut, very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, medium color intensity, excellent polish, no enhancement, origin Ceylon Sri Lanka, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. This kornerupine sits in a rare category both for its dark, almost black coloration and for its larger than average size among naturally occurring kornerupines. Where most kornerupines on the market appear in smaller, green to brown tones, this piece displays a deep, uniform tone that reads as black at arm length, yet reveals subtle internal depth and a semi translucent glow when viewed close up. The cabochon treatment enhances that depth, producing a soft, silky luster that changes with light angle, and the excellent polish ensures the surface presents as smooth and reflective, making it a striking focal stone for bespoke jewelry.

Compared to other gemstones commonly sourced for similar uses, this black kornerupine offers a unique combination of rarity and practicality. Many sellers offer kornerupine in muted greens and browns, often in smaller sizes and frequently with heat or clarity enhancements, which can affect long term value. This example is natural, untreated, and originates from Sri Lanka, a source that is highly respected for producing gem quality material, which adds provenance and confidence in supply. If you are weighing this stone against a White Opal, note that White Opal can show beautiful play of color, but opal is more variable in durability and often commands a different design approach. The black kornerupine therefore occupies a distinct niche, with its deep tone providing a dramatic, modern aesthetic that is less common than standard green kornerupines and more wearable for everyday pieces than many fragile opals.

From the perspective of quality and value, the combination of a 1.72 carat weight, an oval cabochon cut, and an eye level clarity described as very very slightly included makes this stone especially desirable. The size gives a presence that smaller kornerupines lack, while the eye level clarity grade indicates the stone will read clean in finished jewelry unless inspected with magnification, which enhances both its visual appeal and marketability. The medium color intensity is advantageous, as it allows the stone to complement both warm and cool metal choices, and to balance well with accent stones in white or colored diamonds, sapphires, or even the softer glow of a White Opal in complementary designs. The excellent polish means the stone is ready to set without further lapidary work, saving time and expense for the jeweler or the customer seeking a turnkey solution. For collectors and designers looking for a piece that stands apart from the abundance of treated or smaller kornerupines on the market, this example represents a rare find.

Choosing this black kornerupine from The Natural Gemstone Company is a choice for rarity, quality, and future value. Its untreated nature, Sri Lankan origin, and cabochon presentation make it both a collector worthy specimen and a practical choice for striking, modern jewelry. The stone performs differently from faceted gems and from typical white opals, offering a deep, stable presence rather than a shifting, highly reflective play of color, and its durability and polish mean it can be incorporated into rings, pendants, and bespoke pieces with confidence. We recommend pairing this kornerupine with settings that emphasize its oval silhouette and dark tone, such as bezel or low profile prong work in yellow gold, white gold, or platinum, or using it as a dramatic center stone surrounded by small accent stones for contrast. For anyone seeking a rare, naturally colored kornerupine that will not only look exceptional but also promise long term desirability, this piece from The Natural Gemstone Company is an outstanding option, and our team is available to assist with setting recommendations, sourcing matching accent stones, or providing additional photos and measurements upon request.