33.32 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This lot presents one translucent grey moonstone, oval shape, weighing 33.32 carats, with calibrated dimensions of 21.16 x 17.28 x 12.28 mm, originating from Ceylon Sri Lanka, and offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem has been fashioned as a cabochon with a high, even dome and a well centered apex, yielding a length to width ratio of approximately 1.22, a proportion that reads as classically balanced for oval cabochon work, and a depth that emphasizes a substantial three dimensional presence without compromising surface symmetry. The piece is unenhanced, evaluated as having very slightly included clarity at eye level, and graded with intense color intensity. The combination of substantial carat weight and pronounced dome height makes this stone particularly suitable where a bold visual mass is desired, and its untreated status from a respected Sri Lankan source is a key determinant in its technical and market appeal.

From a gemological perspective the moonstone displays the feldspathic characteristics expected of adularia type material from Sri Lanka, including a soft adularescent sheen when viewed under directional light, and a translucent ground that allows internal features to modulate light without creating a windowed or overly transparent appearance. The grey hue presents with neutral tonality and strong saturation, recorded as intense color intensity, which maintains uniformity across the girdle and dome with minimal zoning. Clarity assessment at loupe and eye level yields very slightly included, indicating the presence of fine internal features that are characteristic of moonstone, such as oriented exsolution lamellae and occasional minute growth related inclusions, these features are minor and do not detract from the overall adularescent effect. Surface condition is excellent with an outstanding polish that produces a smooth, even luster across the dome, resulting in a pearly to slightly vitreous sheen that enhances the stone stability in set jewelry.

The lapidary execution on this cabochon demonstrates disciplined preforming and polishing methodologies, beginning with orientation of the blank to align the schiller planes parallel to the dome to optimize the lunar sheen and optical alignment. The cutter executed a consistent convex profile with no evidence of facet junctions, the girdle is smoothly rounded and free of nicks, and the apex is centered to preserve optical symmetry across viewing angles. Final polishing was completed to a high degree with fine abrasives appropriate to feldspar group minerals, resulting in the excellent polish grade noted, and the surface finish displays minimal micro abrasions under magnification. The substantial height of the dome at 12.28 mm contributes to pronounced play of light and a tactile presence, while the oval outline and the balanced length to width ratio allow for conventional bezel or custom open back settings without excessive reworking of the stone.

For practical application and care the piece is well suited to a variety of jewelry design strategies that respect the physical properties of moonstone, including bezel settings that secure the rounded girdle and protect the dome, and custom mounts designed to expose the base for light interaction when a stronger adularescence is desired. Because the stone is untreated, it is attractive to collectors and designers seeking natural color and optical phenomena, and the origin from Ceylon adds provenance value in technical evaluations. Routine care should avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and high heat, and cleaning is best performed with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaning to preserve both clarity and polish. The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional magnified imagery, directional lighting views to document the adularescence, and handling recommendations for setting and conservation upon request, ensuring that the gem is integrated into design work with full respect for its material characteristics and lapidary execution.