0.83 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Spinel is a captivating gemstone type whose popularity has surged in recent years due to its availability in a range of colors, excellent hardness, and relative affordability compared to stones like sapphire and ruby. While spinel has been mistaken for ruby in the past—most famously in the case of the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown—it has now established its own distinguished reputation.
The purple spinel in question is a fine example of this gemstone's allure. At 0.83 carats, it is a modestly-sized stone that is suitable for a variety of jewelry settings. Its cushion shape—a square or slightly rectangular cut with rounded corners—is classic and popular, as it's designed to enhance the gem's brilliance. Measuring 5.50 x 5.50 x 3.80 mm, this spinel possesses a mixed brilliant cut, which refers to the stone having a combination of kite and triangle-shaped facets. These facets are designed to maximize light reflection, thereby enhancing the stone's natural sparkle.
With a clarity grade of very slightly included, the gemstone retains transparency, with only minor inclusions that do not detract significantly from its appearance or structural integrity. This is particularly favorable for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts who value purity in their gemstones. The medium intense color intensity suggests a delightful depth of purple that is neither too faint nor overly dark, giving the gem a vivid yet sophisticated appearance. The excellent polish complements the stone's features, ensuring that it has a smooth and reflective surface.
As for its origin, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) is renown for producing high-quality spinel along with other precious stones. The provenance often adds a layer of prestige and assures buyers of its authenticity and natural origins.
Imagining a pair of intricately designed earrings featuring this type of purple spinel, one could expect a creation that exudes elegance and meticulous artistry. The earrings would perhaps be crafted from 18-karat white gold to provide a neutral yet sophisticated backdrop for the purple gemstones, ensuring the metal enhances rather than overwhelms the spinels' natural beauty.
The spinels would be the centerpiece of each earring, carefully set in a secure bezel or four-prong setting that allows light to pass through the stones and enhances their color and brilliance. Surrounding the central stone might be a halo of smaller, pavé-set diamonds that add a contrasting sparkle and create a luxurious frame for the purple spinels.
The craftsmanship of these earrings would involve precise detailing, possibly with filigree work on the sides or back of the settings—an intricate lace-like metalwork that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal without detracting from the simple elegance of the central stones. The earrings could also include delicate engraving along the edges or a milgrain finish—a border of tiny bead-like metalwork that lends a vintage touch to the contemporary design.
Overall, the earrings' aesthetic would be one of timeless sophistication, drawing attention to the exquisite purple spinel while showcasing the highest levels of craftsmanship and design, embodying both the allure of the gemstone type and the wearable art that it inspires.