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

This 1.16 carat transparent oval greyish blue spinel is an exceptional gem for the connoisseur, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem measures 6.94 by 5.51 by 4.10 millimeters, it is faceted in an elegant oval outline, and it features a mixed brilliant cut that combines the scintillation of brilliant faceting with the color retention of step faceting. Its color intensity is described as intense, a saturation level that presents as a rich, silvery blue with subtle grey tones that lend it a sophisticated and versatile appearance. The clarity grade is very very slightly included evaluated at eye level, a level of clarity that ensures superb transparency and visual purity to the naked eye, while preserving the natural character that informed collectors value. The polish is excellent, producing a smooth surface that maximizes light return, and the gem is free of enhancements, which means its color and clarity are entirely natural. The origin of this spinel is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a historic and highly regarded source for some of the finest spinel material in the world.

When evaluating this gemstone from a technical perspective, several factors make it particularly appealing to an educated buyer. The mixed brilliant cut has been chosen to achieve an optimal balance between brilliance and color depth, allowing crown facets to scatter light for lively sparkle, while pavilion facets retain color saturation and depth. The cutter has respected proportions appropriate to the 6.94 by 5.51 by 4.10 millimeter dimensions, preserving table size and girdle thickness to enhance both optical performance and durability. The clarity grade of very very slightly included evaluated at eye level indicates that inclusions are minimal and do not detract from face up appearance, while also serving as evidence of a natural origin when viewed under magnification. The excellent polish contributes to crisp facet junctions and strong light return, which in turn accentuates the gem s intense color intensity. For those who assess gemstones by the classic trade criteria of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, this spinel registers highly across each category while offering the additional premium of being untreated.

Beyond the immediate gemological attributes, the provenance and species characteristics further justify its status as a valuable addition to a fine collection. Spinel is a durable species with a Mohs hardness of approximately 8, making it suitable for everyday wear when set with appropriate protection, yet it remains rare enough in market presence that fine quality specimens command respect in private and museum collections. Sri Lankan spinels have a well documented history of producing vibrant and nuanced colors, and the Ceylon origin of this piece situates it within a lineage of gemstones prized by both historic and contemporary collectors. The greyish blue hue of this stone is uncommon among spinels, which more frequently occur in vivid reds and pinks, adding an element of scarcity that appeals to specialists seeking pieces with distinctive color signatures. The absence of enhancement is particularly important to collectors who prioritize natural state material, as untreated gems retain their original optical and structural characteristics, and they often maintain stronger provenance value.

For curators and private collectors seeking to elevate a high end gemstone collection, this 1.16 carat greyish blue spinel represents a rare convergence of natural beauty, technical quality, and trusted origin. Its compact yet substantial dimensions make it versatile for fine jewelry mounting, where its intense color and excellent polish will command visual attention while the very very slightly included clarity ensures a clean face up presentation. Displayed as a single stone in a bespoke mount, or preserved as part of a cabinet of color focused specimens, it will serve as both an aesthetic highlight and an informative example of Sri Lankan spinel quality. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document provenance and provide detailed imagery and further gemological information upon request, supporting informed acquisition decisions for collectors, jewelers, and investors. This spinel is an opportunity to obtain a naturally occurring, untreated, expertly cut gem that will complement and elevate a discerning collection for years to come.