1.11 Ct. Grey Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.11 carat cushion shape grey spinel from Ceylon is a finely executed piece that will appeal to designers and discerning clients seeking an unenhanced natural centre stone, The Natural Gemstone Company presents this transparent spinel with exact dimensions of 6.11 by 4.95 by 4.40 millimetres, a faceted mixed brilliant cutting style, and an excellent polish. The cushion outline provides a soft geometric presence with rounded corners and a slightly pillow-like profile, while the mixed brilliant faceting blends angular step elements with brilliant facets to balance color saturation and scintillation. The gem exhibits light colour intensity in a cool grey register, and the clarity is graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating minor internal characteristics that do not materially disrupt the gem’s face up appeal. No enhancement is reported, which preserves the natural chemical and optical qualities associated with Sri Lankan spinel, and the excellent polish confirms that facet planes and junctions have been executed to minimize surface diffusion and maximize light return.

From a technical perspective the mixed brilliant cushion presents an advantageous interplay between pavilion depth and crown architecture, which in this specimen produces strong contrast flash and consistent scintillation across the table. With a measured depth of 4.40 millimetres against a length to width average of 5.53 millimetres, the proportional depth is appreciably deep, which tends to intensify face-up colour and deepen the perceived tone without excessive loss of brightness when the facetting is disciplined. The mixed brilliant arrangement allocates a combination of longer, rectangular facets and smaller triangular brilliant facets, a configuration that channels light into concentrated flashes while also breaking reflections into a pleasing scintillation pattern under both diffuse and directional lighting. The slightly included clarity grade indicates internal features that are small and localized, and because the spinel is transparent and well polished, these inclusions are unlikely to dominate the visual field in most mounting orientations. The excellent polish and careful facet junctions further reduce light leakage and preserve crisp facet edges, characteristics that are essential for settings that will be scrutinised from multiple viewing angles.

For custom jewellery applications the recorded dimensions and cushion silhouette make this 1.11 carat spinel exceptionally versatile as a centre stone for rings, pendants, and tailored earring pairs. The 6.11 by 4.95 millimetre footprint fits comfortably within standard ring heads designed for 6 by 5 millimetre cushions, and the slightly deep profile affords a robust pavilion that can be accommodated in both prong and bezel constructions, or alternatively in a halo setting where the surrounding melee can enhance perceived size and contrast. Designers seeking a low-set ring can opt to seat the pavilion slightly into the mounting, preserving comfort while showcasing the excellent polish and mixed brilliant light return, whereas a bezel will offer enhanced security and a modern silhouette, with the deeper pavilion hidden to create a flatter face-up presentation. The neutral grey tone of this Sri Lankan spinel pairs elegantly with both warm and cool precious metals, providing flexibility for platinum, palladium, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold palettes, and it complements accent diamonds or coloured gemstones to create high-contrast or tone-on-tone compositions. For bespoke commissions where colour matching, setting clearance, and ring shank ergonomics are critical, The Natural Gemstone Company recommends consultation on seat depth and prong geometry to optimize optical performance and durability, with the assurance that this unenhanced Ceylon spinel presents a naturally attractive and technically sound option for refined custom jewellery.