0.44 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a transparent 0.44 carat oval blue spinel, with precise dimensions of 4.87 x 4.30 x 2.80 mm, originating from Ceylon Sri Lanka, untreated and free of enhancement, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. The weight and dimensions yield an elongation ratio of approximately 1.13, a proportion that favors even light distribution across the oval plane while maintaining a compact silhouette suitable for fine mounting. The cutter executed a mixed brilliant design, marrying a brilliant style crown with a tailored pavilion geometry, a configuration chosen to preserve strong internal return while emphasizing the gemstone s inherent color saturation. Clarity is graded as very slightly included evaluated at eye level, the inclusions are unintrusive, the transparency is high, and the overall polish has been assessed as excellent, ensuring crisp facet junctions and minimal surface disturbance to light transmission.

The geometric faceting is deliberate and technical, the mixed brilliant approach uses a concentrated network of crown facets arranged to maximize angular dispersion and scintillation, while the pavilion facets are calibrated to the refractive index of spinel. For spinel the refractive index is approximately 1.712 to 1.715, a window the cutter accounted for by setting pavilion main angles that favor internal reflection rather than light leakage, producing a face up brilliance that is lively for a stone of this depth. The gem exhibits a depth to average diameter ratio near 61 percent, a proportion that balances depth induced color saturation with optimal return of white light through the table. The table is cut to a size that maintains a large effective window, while the crown height and star facets are shaped to create a precise interplay of contrast and flash, this geometry yields a pattern of light and dark areas that accentuate the intense blue hue without sacrificing brilliance.

Optical performance of this blue spinel is a result of the combined parameters of material properties, cutting geometry, and surface finish. The intense color intensity manifests as a deep pure blue with controlled secondary tone, the mixed brilliant faceting multiplies small flashes of white light and cooler blue scintillation as the stone is tilted, while the excellent polish maintains sharp facet edges which contribute to crisp, high contrast reflections. The very slightly included clarity grade evaluated at eye level confirms that the small internal features do not obstruct the light pathways that create brilliance and dispersion. Spinel has inherently low birefringence and modest dispersion, characteristics that are amplified by competent cutting, the result is a clean, saturated color field punctuated by geometric flashes from individual facets rather than broad color zoning. The absence of enhancement preserves natural depth and tone, and the Ceylon provenance is consistent with a historical source known for producing intensely colored blue spinel crystals that respond well to precision cutting.

From a practical and design perspective this 0.44 carat oval spinel presents versatile mounting options for bespoke jewelry, the compact dimensions and balanced proportions suit four prong or six prong head settings, bezel settings, and tension mounts where facet orientation and light access can be optimized. The intense blue is complimentary to both warm and cool white metals, with platinum and 18 karat white gold enhancing the stone s icy contrast, while warm yellow gold can be used to create a rich classical combination that deepens perceived saturation. For bespoke settings that emphasize the mixed brilliant geometry, an open pavilion aperture will maximize light return and scintillation, a shallow bezel can be specified to reveal crown facets and maintain table light. The Natural Gemstone Company confirms that this spinel has been evaluated via loupe and measured for proportions and polish, the cutter s technical choices prioritize geometric faceting that yields maximum light play, and the combination of intense color, precise proportions, and excellent polish make this an attractive choice for collectors and designers who appreciate fine optical engineering in natural gemstones.