0.70 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the blue hills of Ceylon to the quiet precision of the lapidary studio, this purple spinel carries a story that feels personal the moment you hold it. Born in the volcanic soils and ancient alluvial gravels of Sri Lanka, this crystal grew over millennia under pressure and heat, developing a saturated purple that reads as both regal and intimate. Local miners who have read the land for generations recovered the rough crystal, and our partners at The Natural Gemstone Company ensured its journey onwards was careful and respectful. The gem was handed to an experienced cutter who honored the stone by choosing a mixed brilliant cut, a decision that preserved both weight and color while coaxing lively scintillation from its heart. There are no enhancements to alter its natural beauty, and the clarity reads as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, evidence that this is a genuine, untreated treasure from Ceylon.

The physical presence of this spinel is deceptively strong, despite its modest size. It weighs 0.70 carat, and its round shape measures 5.96 x 5.97 x 3.39 mm, with an excellent polish that allows light to dance across each facet. The mixed brilliant cut gives it a modern sparkle from the table, while the pavilion facets return color and depth that make the purple read as intense rather than muted. Because the stone is transparent and free of treatments, you will notice subtle variations in tone as it moves, a living quality that treated or synthetic stones seldom display. When mounted, the stone retains crisp facet definition, and the excellent polish ensures clean reflections that enhance wearability day to night. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document each step of the journey so that the provenance of this spinel is as clear as the gem itself, from the mine to the cutting wheel to the setting of your choosing.

Purple is a remarkably versatile color for jewelry, capable of flattering a wide spectrum of skin tones while also creating distinct moods depending on metal and setting. On fair and porcelain skin, this intense purple reads as a striking focal point, especially when set in white metal such as platinum or white gold, where the cool backdrop heightens the violet notes and creates a crisp, contemporary look. On light and medium skin tones with warm undertones, pairing the spinel with yellow gold or rose gold warms the purple, producing a rich, almost vintage glow that feels both elegant and approachable. Olive skin tones wear purple with natural harmony, as the jewel bridges warm and cool notes, and looks beautiful against both warm yellow metals and cool white metals, allowing you to choose the mood you want to express. On deeper and dark skin tones, the intensity of this spinel becomes bold and luminous, offering a jewel that reads luxurious and vivid, particularly in solitaire settings or halo designs where surrounding diamonds or small sapphires elevate the color contrast and amplify the stone s presence.

Consider how the cut and size will interact with your chosen design to maximize the way the color complements your skin. A prong set ring will allow light to flood the pavilion and keep the purple lively, ideal for those who prefer a classic, airy silhouette. A bezel setting will give the gem modern continuity, softening edges and emphasizing the stone s color as a solid color field, which can be especially flattering when worn close to the hand or throat. For a romantic or evening look, a halo of small white diamonds will sharpen the purple and add dazzle, perfect for formal occasions. If you favor warm, everyday pieces, a thin rose gold band will draw out the warmer facets in the spinel and harmonize with warm skin undertones. No matter the choice, this untreated, Ceylon purple spinel, brought to you by The Natural Gemstone Company, offers a rare combination of intense color, fine cut, and authentic provenance, a gem that invites personal expression and a connection to the land and hands that brought it to life.