1.14 Ct. Purple Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.14 carat cushion shape purple spinel from Ceylon Sri Lanka represents a refined example of natural gem quality, offered to discerning buyers by The Natural Gemstone Company. The stone measures 6.76 by 5.34 by 3.85 millimeters, and it is faceted in a mixed brilliant style that marries the sparkle of a brilliant cut with the classic silhouette of a cushion outline. The gem is transparent, with an intense color intensity that reads as a rich, saturated purple under standard daylight conditions, and it exhibits an eye clean clarity when viewed at eye level. The combination of weight, proportions, and optical properties makes this spinel attractive for a variety of fine jewelry applications, particularly as a central stone in rings and pendants where both color and light performance are prized.

From a gemological standpoint the mixed brilliant cut employed here has been chosen to maximize the intrinsic optical properties of spinel. Spinel has a refractive index that responds well to fine facet geometry, and the mixed brilliant arrangement enhances both internal reflection and controlled light leakage. The crown facets act to disperse light back into the viewer, creating lively flashes of white light and subtle color flashes, while the pavilion facets are angulated to promote strong return of light through the crown. The cushion outline softens the outline and increases the apparent face up color, so the intense purple is presented with depth and evenness, rather than appearing patchy. Excellent polish further allows internal light to traverse facet junctions with minimal scattering, so the stone exhibits sharp facet contrast and lively scintillation without a hazy surface film that would dull its brilliance.

Clarity and treatment status are central to value for experienced buyers, and this gemstone scores favorably on both counts. The clarity is classified as eye clean, meaning that inclusions are not apparent without magnification during normal unaided observation, a highly desirable attribute in a 1 carat class spinel. There is no enhancement reported, which preserves the natural origin and unaltered state of the material, an important factor for collectors and connoisseurs who differentiate value based on natural versus treated stones. The origin of Ceylon Sri Lanka lends additional provenance, as Sri Lankan spinels have a long established history of producing intensely colored, gem quality material. When combined with the excellent polish and careful cutting, the lack of enhancement and the documented origin support both aesthetic desirability and market confidence.

For the buyer who evaluates gemstones with an eye for durability and daily wear suitability, spinel is a practical choice. Spinel rates high on the Mohs scale for wear resistance, and this particular specimen is well proportioned for secure setting. The mixed brilliant cushion cut not only accentuates light performance, but also creates stable facet junctions that reduce the risk of chipping during setting. We recommend settings that allow the pavilion to breathe and that avoid excessive metal coverage over the crown, so that the cut can do its work reflecting light back to the viewer. Simple prong settings, four or six prongs depending on design, or delicate bezel settings with open crowns are both excellent options. At The Natural Gemstone Company we are prepared to advise on mounting styles that preserve the stone as a fine collector piece while ensuring it achieves maximal visual impact in jewelry. This cushion purple spinel combines natural provenance, precise cutting, and clean clarity, offering an informed buyer a rare balance of beauty and gemological integrity.