1.11 Ct. Pinkish Purple Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This piece is a beautiful transparent 1.11 carat oval shape pinkish purple spinel that measures 7.18 by 5.51 by 3.52 mm. The cutting style is faceted with a mixed brilliant cut that maximizes fire and scintillation while preserving depth of color. Its clarity is graded very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a level of clarity that indicates only minor internal features which do not interfere with brilliance or face up appearance. The polish is excellent, producing crisp facet junctions and smooth surfaces that enhance light return. There has been no enhancement applied to this stone, it is completely natural and untreated, and its origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a classic provenance that has produced exceptional spinels for generations. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this gem as an example of a rare combination of size, color intensity, and authenticity that will appeal to connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Color is the single most influential factor in the value of spinel, and this example displays an intense pinkish purple hue that is very attractive and well saturated without appearing dark. The mixed brilliant cut is designed to balance brilliance with color, allowing the stone to appear lively under a range of lighting conditions. Transparency is very good, allowing light to pass through the gem and interact with the cut to create pleasing sparkle. The clarity grade of very slightly included is meaningful to an educated buyer, because it indicates that any internal features are minute and require magnification or close inspection to observe, rather than being visible to the unaided eye across the table of the gem. In practical terms this clarity grade preserves the gem's visual appeal and value, while the excellent polish ensures that surface luster is uncompromised. When assessing a gem for purchase, an educated buyer will weigh these attributes together, and this spinel demonstrates a high level of quality across color, cut, clarity, and finish.

Durability is one of the key reasons this spinel is well suited to daily wear in jewelry. Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, which places it well above many common gems and makes it resistant to scratches from everyday objects. Unlike stones that exhibit cleavage, spinel has no true cleavage planes, which reduces the risk of cleaving or splitting from impacts during normal wear. The combination of hardness and good toughness means that this stone can be confidently set into rings, pendants, and other pieces that may receive frequent contact. For ring settings I recommend protective design choices such as a low profile bezel or secure prong work to reduce the chance of direct edge strikes, and for bracelets and rings a slightly raised setting can be employed where appropriate. Cleaning is straightforward, and for routine maintenance warm soapy water and a soft brush will keep the gem bright. While many jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners and steam for durable stones, I advise confirming cleaning methods with your jeweler, and for long term care avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes to preserve polish and overall condition.

From a provenance and market perspective, Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, is recognized for producing spinels with fine color and clarity, and this origin adds contextual value for discerning buyers. The absence of enhancement is particularly important in the current market, because untreated color and natural formation command a premium among collectors and investors. At 1.11 carat and with dimensions of 7.18 by 5.51 by 3.52 mm this gem sits in a size range that is versatile for many jewelry applications while still being substantial enough to be of interest to collectors. For those familiar with gemology, the refractive and durability properties of spinel make it a compelling alternative to other pink and purple gems, offering a unique combination of color purity and structural resilience. The Natural Gemstone Company is committed to providing accurate information and transparent provenance for each gem we offer, and we can provide additional details or independent certification upon request. This spinel represents a well documented, high quality natural choice for someone seeking a durable, attractive, and investment worthy gemstone that will perform beautifully in daily wear.