0.79 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This purple spinel begins its story beneath the warm monsoon rains of Ceylon, where ancient rivers and weathered rock beds have, for millennia, concentrated treasures in the gravels that line the island streams. A small team of artisanal miners, guided by generations of local knowledge, would have recognized the telltale glint of spinel among the pebbles, and gently coaxed this gem free from its matrix. Washed in clear water beneath a tropical sky, the rough revealed a promise of color and clarity that only a practiced cutter could coax into brilliance. At The Natural Gemstone Company we honor that first moment of discovery, because it ties a single stone to a real place, real hands, and a long tradition of gem craft in Sri Lanka.

From rough to gem the transformation is an act of restraint and art, and this 0.79 carat oval, with dimensions of 6.16 by 4.97 by 3.65 millimeters, shows the result of careful decisions. The cutter chose a mixed brilliant faceting style to combine a lively pavilion faceting pattern with a classic crown, a choice that amplifies the gem's transparency and its intense purple color. The depth is approximately 66 percent, a proportion that balances light return with a pleasing oval silhouette, and the excellent polish allows each facet to flash cleanly as the stone moves. At eye level the clarity reads very slightly included, a gentle signature that reminds us this is a natural, not synthetically perfected, treasure. Because it has no enhancement, the rich violet purple that greets you in sunlight is the stone itself, a natural expression of Ceylon geology and the conditions that formed it over countless years.

Purple spinel from Sri Lanka carries more than color, it carries history. For centuries spinel from Ceylon has shared royal treasuries with sapphires and rubies, often admired for its resilience and saturated colors. Collectors and designers prize untreated stones because they connect the wearer directly to the earth and to tradition. This particular spinel sits on the rarer side of the color spectrum, leaning toward a cool violet with intense saturation that looks different under morning light and evening lamplight. In daylight the gem is transparent and lively, glowing with internal flashes from the mixed brilliant facets, and in softer light it takes on a velvety, near regal tone that is quietly dramatic. The very slight inclusions lend a fingerprint of authenticity, present only under careful inspection, and the whole gem presents as a confident, wearable size for many styles of fine jewelry.

When you imagine this 0.79 carat oval set into a custom piece, several complementary pairings bring out different aspects of the spinel's personality. For a classic, modern look place the stone in a simple four or six prong setting in platinum or 18 karat white gold, surrounded by a delicate halo of small brilliant white diamonds to increase apparent size and to provide a bright contrast to the violet body color. For a warmer, romantic approach choose 18 karat rose gold, and set the spinel within a split shank ring where petite pink sapphires or rose cut diamonds mingle with tiny accent stones, the warm metal softening and enriching the purple. If you prefer contrast that sings, flank the oval with two tapered green tsavorites or small rectangular emeralds, the unexpected green creating a lively color conversation that makes the purple appear more vivid. For a statement pendant consider a bezel or low profile crown that shows the mixed brilliant cut from above, and surround it with alternating small champagne diamonds and pale violet amethysts for an antique inspired cluster that reads both refined and joyful. In an elegant three stone ring, tapered baguette diamonds or elongated kites in white gold will emphasize length and elegance, while a halo of pavé diamonds in a softer metal will keep the center tone intimate and glowing.

Practical design choices will ensure this spinel shines every day as well as on special occasions. The dimensions make it ideal for common oval settings that are comfortable on the finger and well suited to pendant bails, and the depth proportion supports secure prong work without sacrificing image. A bezel setting will protect the girdle for active wearers while a prong mount will maximize brilliance and the sense of light passing through the gem. Pairing with melee diamonds will increase perceived sparkle and brightness, pairing with warm colored stones like peach sapphires or cognac diamonds will emphasize the purple's depth, and pairing with green accents will create a spirited, contemporary palette. At The Natural Gemstone Company we can recommend exact side stone sizes and metal choices based on how you want the finished piece to feel, whether that means a delicate everyday ring or a centerpiece pendant for a momentous occasion.

This gem arrives to you as a natural, untreated expression of Ceylon, ready to be shaped into a personal heirloom, and at The Natural Gemstone Company we cherish the opportunity to help translate its story into design. Because the stone is transparent, intensely colored, and beautifully polished, it responds beautifully to thoughtful design that respects its origin and highlights its natural beauty. If you imagine it as a quiet solitaire that speaks of dignity, or as a richly set, colorful cluster that celebrates life and occasion, we can craft sketches and metal mockups that show exactly how the purple spinel will sit, sparkle, and interact with complementary stones. Reach out to our team to explore customization options, ethical sourcing details, and setting suggestions, and together we will let this Ceylon spinel complete its journey from river gravel to the jewelry you will wear and pass on.