0.80 Ct. Greyish Blue Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 0.80 carat oval greyish blue spinel, measuring 6.18 x 4.96 x 3.60 millimeters, is a technically refined example of classical faceting executed with modern precision. The mixed brilliant faceting combines a brilliant-style crown with a modified pavilion, producing controlled light return, lively scintillation, and even color distribution across the oval plane. The length-to-width ratio of approximately 1.25 yields a balanced, slightly elongated silhouette that flatters both ring and pendant designs. Clarity is evaluated as very slightly included at eye level, with minute internal features that do not impede transparency or brilliance, and the excellent polish maximizes surface reflection and crisp facet junctions. Color is a greyish blue with dark intensity, lending a sophisticated, subdued appearance that shifts between steely blue and muted slate depending on viewing angle and lighting. The stone is natural and unenhanced, sourced from Ceylon Sri Lanka, and benefits from careful cutting that respects the original crystal habit to preserve weight while optimizing optical performance.

When composed into a custom piece, this spinel performs beautifully as a cool mid-tone anchor that responds well to both high-contrast and tonal companion gems. For maximum brilliance and contrast, set with colorless round brilliant diamonds in a three-stone or halo configuration, using baguette or tapered baguette shoulders to echo the spinel’s elongation and to emphasize its mixed brilliant play. For a warmer, more fashion-forward palette, flank the spinel with small rose-toned sapphires or padparadscha accents, paired with rose gold metalwork to create a lively contrast that makes the greyish blue read more vibrant. Green accents such as tsavorite garnet or demantoid in calibrated melee sizes will introduce a fresh color dialogue, particularly effective in cluster pendants or multi-stone rings where pavilion depths are matched for consistent light performance. Practical setting choices include low-profile four-prong or French-bezel mounting to protect the 3.60 mm depth while allowing the crown facets to interact with light, or a bezel with minimal banding to showcase the stone’s polished girdle. At The Natural Gemstone Company we recommend prototyping in CAD to confirm proportion relationships, and we can advise exact accent sizes and facet orientation to optimize optical balance for ring, pendant, or earring applications.