0.35 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

There are gemstones that tell stories of empires, of caravans and sea lanes, of lovers and coronations. This blue spinel, a transparent oval weighing 0.35 carat, is one such stone, a small but potent ambassador of the long and noble gem history of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. For centuries Sri Lanka has been a source of some of the world most revered gems, and the appeal of a true Ceylon spinel is not merely its color, but the sense of continuity it carries, a continuity that reaches back to the earliest crown jewels and to the hands of jewelers who prized these stones for their pure, crystalline beauty. The oval shape offers a classical silhouette that sits comfortably in period inspired settings and also translates elegantly into contemporary designs, making this mixed brilliant cut spinel a piece that bridges eras, ready to be worn as a family heirloom tomorrow.

Measured at 4.48 x 3.91 x 2.68 mm, this gem combines compact size with meticulous craftsmanship. The mixed brilliant cut has been selected to maximize return of light in an elongated oval outline, allowing the pavilion facets to create scintillation while the crown facets deliver lively sparkle. The clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, which means that to an unaided eye the stone reads as clean and luminous, yet up close there are tiny, natural signatures that confirm its authentic origin and formation. The color is medium intense, a blue that is neither muted nor electric, but rather a refined, noble tone that travels easily between day and evening wear. The polish is excellent, a final testament to the lapidary skill that shaped this gem, and importantly, there has been no enhancement. This is a natural, untreated spinel in every sense, a fact that collectors and connoisseurs consistently prize.

What gives this particular spinel its unmistakable signature is the pattern of inclusions that lie within, tiny geological fingerprints that tell of the stone slow crystallization deep within the earth. You will find minute mineral crystals that sit like stars in a clear sky, and fine needle like growth features that refract and scatter light, creating a subtle, inner animation as the gem turns. There are delicate growth zoning lines that trace the crystal habit, evidence of shifting chemical conditions as the spinel formed, and small negative crystals and hollow pockets that catch light differently from one angle to the next. These inclusions are not imperfections in the aesthetic sense, they are the stone provenance, each one a marker of natural origin and each one contributing to a depth and individuality that no synthetic or heavily treated stone can replicate. When set, the stone will flash with lively brilliance from the facets, while at closer inspection the inclusions will reveal themselves as a private landscape, a reminder of the long geologic history encapsulated in a gem barely larger than a pinhead.

For the jeweler and the wearer who cherish tradition, this blue spinel lends itself perfectly to classic designs that honor lineage. Consider a single stone solitaire in a four prong mounting, a setting that echoes vintage restraint, or a delicate halo of small white diamonds that elevates its medium intense blue while preserving its antique sensibility. A bezel setting will emphasize the oval outline and protect the gem, suitable for everyday wear, while a three stone composition will allow it to perform as the dignified center in a ring meant to be passed down. Beyond rings, the gem adapts well to pendant and stud designs, each placement turning its tiny internal story into a wearable narrative. As a natural, untreated spinel from Ceylon, it also holds appeal for collectors who value traceable origin and authenticity, and who understand that slight inclusions are often the most eloquent proof of a stone true provenance.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we take great care to preserve and present gems that are as honest as they are beautiful. This 0.35 carat oval blue spinel, with its mixed brilliant cut, measurements 4.48 x 3.91 x 2.68 mm, slightly included clarity at eye level, medium intense blue color, excellent polish, no enhancement, and Ceylon Sri Lanka origin, is curated with an eye to history and to future legacy. If you are drawn to pieces that convey story and authenticity, and if you value workmanship that respects natural character, this spinel is a rare and fitting choice. We welcome inquiries about setting, certification, and provenance documentation, and we are pleased to assist in designing a setting that will allow this small but storied gem to become a lasting emblem in your collection.