2.28 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Spinel Pair from Mozambique

This pair of transparent natural spinels presents as a precisely matched study in bluish grey, each stone exhibiting clean round geometry and professional cutting. The two stones weigh 1.10 carats and 1.18 carats respectively, with dimensions of 6.41 by 6.42 by 4.20 millimeters for the 1.10 carat specimen, and 6.37 by 6.37 by 4.56 millimeters for the 1.18 carat specimen. Both are fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, a design that marries a brilliant style crown with a pavilion treatment that emphasizes contrast and controlled light return. Clarity is reported as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating extremely minor natural inclusions that do not interfere with visual performance. Color intensity registers as medium intense, giving a saturated bluish grey tone that reads cool and sophisticated under neutral lighting. The polish is graded excellent, and there has been no enhancement, confirming their natural state and preserving the material integrity that collectors and lapidaries prize. The stones are of Mozambique origin, a source known for producing spinels with stable natural hues and strong crystalline structure.

The mixed brilliant faceting in these spinels is a deliberate technical choice, balancing fire and contrast in a way that complements the bluish grey body color. On the crown, well defined star and bezel facets provide controlled dispersion, while the table and crown height relationships contribute to the stones sustaining a focused face up appearance. The pavilion proportions, calculated from the supplied dimensions, produce depth percentages of approximately 65.5 percent for the 6.41 millimeter diameter stone, and approximately 71.6 percent for the 6.37 millimeter diameter stone. These deeper pavilion profiles increase internal light travel, yielding selective darkening and velvety contrast that accentuate the bluish grey hue while preserving scintillation at facet junctions. The excellent polish ensures facet junctions are crisp and reflective transitions are smooth, which is important in mixed cuts where interactions between crown dispersion and pavilion contrast define the perceived brilliance. The optical result is a controlled play of light, with bright facet flashes interspersed with broader slate colored fields, a combination that reads as refined and contemporary when set in either cool toned or warm toned metals.

From a clarity and matching perspective these two spinels are highly suitable for paired settings and coordinated heirloom pieces. The very very slightly included grade assessed at eye level means inclusions are minimal and typically only apparent under magnification, preserving the stones structural integrity and visual clean appearance when worn. The near parity in diameter and proportional symmetry across both stones creates a paired harmony that is ideal for matched stud earrings, a pair of signet or cufflink inlays, or flanking stones in a three stone ring or pendant composition. The small weight difference of 0.08 carats is within accepted tolerances for matched pairs, and the consistent medium intense color allows a designer to exploit subtle tonality rather than fight disparity. Origin information from Mozambique adds provenance value, and the fact that these spinels are free of enhancement supports long term preservation for future generations. For the connoisseur or artisan interested in lapidary integrity, these stones represent a blend of natural color stability, durable crystalline hardness, and refined cutting that stands up to close inspection and repeated wear.

When considering the creation of an heirloom piece around this pair, attention to setting geometry and metal selection will preserve the optical character of the stones while adding wearable resilience. For earrings, low profile settings with small bezel rims or secure four prong seats will protect the girdles and maintain the face up presentation, while a subtle under gallery can be engineered to allow light ingress that complements the deeper pavilion behavior. As central stones in a bespoke pendant or a paired three stone ring, these spinels will respond well to complementary accent stones, with small white diamonds enhancing perceived brightness, and warmer yellow gold providing an appealing contrast that warms the bluish grey. Platinum and white gold will emphasize the cool, modern aspect of the hue and maintain a neutral backdrop for the stones medium intense color. From a craftsmanship standpoint, micro milling and precise seat shaping will be important to avoid light leakage at the girdle and to preserve the mixed cut alignment. Spinel has a Mohs hardness around 8, which affords excellent durability for daily wear, though standard care instructions advise against extreme thermal shock and aggressive mechanical impact during setting. The Natural Gemstone Company can assist with custom design consultation, detailed facet and proportion analysis, and recommendations for report grade documentation, ensuring the final piece becomes a technically informed heirloom that communicates provenance, material honesty, and enduring aesthetic value.