0.55 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing presents a fine natural blue spinel from Ceylon Sri Lanka, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, a gem specialist with a focus on untreated material. The stone weighs 0.55 carat, which places it in a premium class for facetable spinel because stones above the half carat threshold combine wearable presence with efficient pricing relative to larger sizes. The gem is cut into an oval shape, measuring 5.66 by 4.50 by 3.16 millimeters, and it is transparent with a mixed brilliant cut that balances fire and scintillation. Color is light in intensity, displaying a delicate and refined blue that reads beautifully in both natural daylight and controlled indoor lighting. The polish is excellent, and there is no enhancement, which preserves the natural character and long term value of the material.

The mixed brilliant cut of this oval spinel is a key contributor to its visual performance, and its proportions are optimized for a pleasing face up appearance given the measured dimensions. The shallow to moderate profile indicated by the 3.16 millimeter depth works with the oval spread to maximize table size and perceived carat weight, which is especially important for a buyer seeking a stone that looks larger on the finger or in a pendant. The mixed brilliant faceting alternates step style pavilion facets with brilliant crown facets, creating both lively white light return and well defined flashes of color. For an educated buyer, these cutting choices translate to efficient light performance, durable faceting junctions, and consistent sparkle across viewing angles.

Clarity has been evaluated as slightly included at eye level, and this is communicated here so that expectations are aligned with in hand appearance. Slightly included in spinel typically indicates the presence of small natural inclusions that do not materially compromise structural soundness, and which can add to the internal character and proof of natural origin. From a practical standpoint slightly included material is often a prudent choice for everyday jewelry because it retains attractive transparency while offering better value per carat than the rare eye clean examples. The excellent polish further enhances the impression of clarity, because well executed facet surfaces allow light to transmit and reflect with minimal scattering. Buyers who prefer to set this gem in a ring will find that the clarity and polish together preserve lively brilliance and minimize the visibility of internal features when mounted.

Color and provenance are important determinants of desirability for spinel, and this gem benefits from both a pleasant light blue tone and a Ceylon Sri Lanka origin. Sri Lankan spinels are historically esteemed for clean, vivid colors and consistent crystal quality, and collectors recognize Ceylon as a reliable source for attractive material. The blue hue in spinel is caused primarily by trace amounts of iron, and in some occurrences by other trace elements, which interact with the crystal lattice to produce the observed color. The light intensity of this particular stone offers elegant versatility, pairing well with both white and yellow metal settings and providing a subtle, sophisticated alternative to deeper blue gems. Crucially the stone is natural and has not been subjected to heat or other enhancements, a fact that enhances its appeal to buyers who prioritize untreated provenance and long term stability.

From a practical and investment perspective the 0.55 carat weight is significant, because it gives a gemstone that reads as a prominent center or halo accent while remaining economical compared with much larger sizes. Spinel ranks at about 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is durable enough for daily wear in rings and bracelets when set with appropriate protective settings. The combination of a high quality mixed brilliant cut, excellent polish, natural slightly included clarity, light blue color, and an untreated origin in Ceylon Sri Lanka makes this gem a compelling option for both collectors and fine jewelry designers. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the stone with transparent description and imagery, and we welcome requests for additional photographs, measurements, or custom mounting options to ensure the gem meets your exact expectations.