0.55 Ct. Red Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

One transparent cushion shape red spinel weighing 0.55 carat is presented with precise dimensions of 6.29 x 3.93 x 2.66 mm, a mixed brilliant cut, a clarity grade of slightly included as evaluated at eye level, intense color intensity, and an excellent polish, enhancement none, origin Burma, Myanmar. The cushion outline retains classical rounded shoulders and softened corners while the mixed brilliant faceting pattern integrates a well proportioned brilliant crown with a faceted pavilion engineered to maximize return of red saturation. The table facet and crown faceting are calibrated to balance scintillation and color delivery, while the overall polish quality produces crisp facet junctions and a bright, mirror like facet finish that enhances light return and optical contrast. The gem sits squarely in the category of transparent, unenhanced spinel specimens, and the absence of thermal or chemical enhancement preserves original material properties and market desirability.

Measured proportions yield an approximate depth of 52 percent relative to the mean of length and width, a depth that is well suited to the mixed brilliant design and conducive to strong face up color without sacrificing lively internal reflection. The mixed brilliant arrangement places emphasis on smaller crown facets to break light into saturated red flashes, while the pavilion facet angles are set to return light through the table and crown, optimizing both brilliance and color intensity. Clarity is graded slightly included at the eye level, indicating small inclusions that are not obtrusive to overall transparency, these minor internal features provide natural identification characteristics without materially diminishing the gem s face up presence. The intense color intensity is the defining attribute, with saturation robust enough to command visual weight beyond the numeric carat figure, and the gem s transparency allows that color to read cleanly under a range of lighting conditions. The excellent polish supports high facet reflectivity, producing crisp light return and clean windowing, and the mixed cut manages trade offs between color depth and brilliance to present a vivid, balanced red to the viewer.

From a commercial and rarity perspective, the 0.55 carat weight is significant, as it crosses the half carat threshold where per carat price typically increases due to supply scarcity, especially for Burmese, unenhanced red spinel. Spinel supply from Burma Myanmar with intense red hue and natural clarity is comparatively limited when compared to more commonly sourced weights under 0.50 carat, and therefore a naturally occurring, unenhanced example at 0.55 carat carries both collectible and investment interest. Weight contributes directly to value in two ways, first through the standard per carat scaling where larger increments command premium multiples, second through optical mass, where a slightly higher carat weight allows a cutter to retain depth and table proportions that enhance color saturation without creating a visually dark stone. In practical terms this specimen s half carat plus mass allows it to register more prominently in ring settings and small pendant applications, providing a clear visual presence while maintaining comfortable proportions for everyday wear. The Natural Gemstone Company offers this Burmese red spinel as a vetted, unenhanced specimen, and we emphasize provenance, exact measurements, faceting style, and optical characteristics so that knowledgeable buyers may assess rarity, setting requirements, and long term value with confidence.