0.38 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the moment this purple spinel first emerged from the ancient soils of Ceylon, Sri Lanka, it began a quiet journey that links earth and hand, miner and wearer. Small scale miners working in weathered alluvial deposits have for generations known where the land hides its treasures, and the discovery of this transparent 0.38 carat oval spinel is part of that ongoing story. The rough crystal arrived to careful hands with a promise of vivid purple, and that promise guided each decision from initial assessment to final polish. At The Natural Gemstone Company we honor the path of every gem, and we work with partners who respect the land and invest in local livelihoods, so this stone carries with it not only beauty, but the trace of a community and a landscape that allowed it to be born. The streambeds and hill slopes of Ceylon have produced some of the world most beloved spinels, and this gem speaks of that lineage with a color that feels both rare and familiar, a reminder that true beauty often arrives quietly, shaped by time and patience.

When the cutter first laid eyes on the rough crystal, the goal was to reveal the depth and life already present within, rather than to impose an artificial ideal. The result is an oval shape weighing 0.38 carat, with precise dimensions of 5.13 x 4.13 x 2.49 mm, and a mixed brilliant cut that captures light with modern symmetry while preserving the stone natural character. Transparency is a standout quality in this specimen, paired with an intense color intensity that shifts between lavender and deeper violet tones depending on viewing angle and light source. Clarity is graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which means the stone reads visually clean while still retaining those tiny internal fingerprints that prove its natural origin. The polish is excellent, so each facet plays its part in returning light to the eye with a lively scintillation, and importantly there has been no enhancement to alter or improve the stone. This is a natural spinel in the truest sense, its beauty unlocked by skillful cutting rather than laboratory treatment.

For the conscious collector, the provenance of a gem matters as much as its appearance, and this purple spinel was sourced in alignment with ethical principles that guide The Natural Gemstone Company. Our sourcing practices prioritize transparency, fair compensation, and environmental care, so miners receive fair pay, and lands are managed with reclamation practices that reduce long term impact. We build long term relationships with suppliers in Sri Lanka, encouraging responsible mining practices and supporting community projects that may include access to education, healthcare, and safe working conditions. Each step of the supply chain is documented, so buyers can feel confident about the origin story of their gem. Choosing a naturally occurring, unenhanced spinel from a responsible source is an act of mindful luxury, it is a way to celebrate craftsmanship and natural beauty without the compromises sometimes found in mass produced alternatives. For those who value ethical provenance, this gem becomes more than an accessory, it becomes a statement that beauty can coexist with conscience.

In a personal collection this purple spinel serves many roles, from a refined center stone for a bespoke ring to a subtle accent in a pendant or a pair of custom earrings. Its oval silhouette and lively mixed brilliant cut lend themselves to classic solitaire settings as well as more contemporary bezel or halo designs, and the 5.13 x 4.13 mm size translates beautifully to both delicate everyday pieces and elegant evening jewelry. Pair it with warm yellow gold to emphasize its pinker violet notes, or with cool white gold or platinum to make its purple depth appear crisper and more regal. Care for the stone with gentle cleaning in warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoid sudden temperature shocks, and have settings checked periodically to keep the gem secure. Over time this spinel can become a family heirloom, carried forward not only for its color and clarity, but for the story it tells about place, people, and practice. If you would like more information about this gem, or wish to commission a setting that honors its origin and character, our team at The Natural Gemstone Company will guide you with expertise and care, helping you choose a design that reflects your values and showcases this lovely Ceylon spinel to its fullest advantage.