1.32 Ct. Spinel from Tanzania

This spinel is a transparent, cushion shaped gem weighing 1.32 carats, with precise dimensions of 7.22 x 5.38 x 4.17 millimeters. The cutter employed a mixed brilliant faceting scheme, combining a brilliant style crown with a modified pavilion to balance fire and depth. The stone displays a vivid pinkish red hue with saturated face up color, evaluated as vivid color intensity. Clarity is graded eye clean at normal viewing distance, indicating no inclusions that interfere with the face up appearance, and the polish is excellent, with crisp facet junctions and smooth facet planes that enhance light return. The piece is natural and untreated, confirmed as no enhancement, and provenance is Tanzania, a region known for producing spinels with rich, saturated tones and stable natural color. These baseline parameters define both the aesthetic character and the technical performance of the gem, and they inform every recommended setting and mounting option discussed below.

The mixed brilliant cut delivers a specific optical behavior that is worth describing in technical terms for a buyer considering custom work. The brilliant crown maximizes scintillation and dispersion through a constellation of kite and star facets, while the modified pavilion introduces broader step like facets that trap and concentrate color towards the table. With a measured depth of 4.17 millimeters and an average footprint of 6.30 millimeters, the depth percentage calculates to approximately 66 percent. This depth is in the zone that enhances color saturation without sacrificing too much face up spread, so the gem appears lively yet deeply colored. The excellent polish and well executed facet geometry reduce windowing and promote even facet contrast, so movement yields appealing flashes of red and pink without abrupt dark areas. On the durability side, spinel rates eight on the Mohs scale, it lacks true cleavage, and this particular stone shows no surface or internal features that would compromise its suitability for daily wear when set appropriately.

From a customization perspective this 7.22 by 5.38 millimeter cushion lends itself to a wide spectrum of designs, and I recommend selecting a setting style with intent to either showcase the face up color or to protect the girdle and crown for everyday wear. For maximum color display a low cathedral four prong or six prong setting that aligns the prongs at the corners of the cushion will expose the table and crown facets, maximizing light entry and scintillation. A bezel or partial bezel offers superior protection and is advisable for clients who lead active lifestyles, because the bezel secures the girdle entirely and reduces the risk of facet chips. An east west orientation produces a contemporary aesthetic for rings and pendants, while a traditional north south orientation emphasizes classic proportions. When incorporating accent stones, a halo of small high quality white diamonds creates a visual contrast that intensifies the perceived saturation of the spinel, whereas a halo of flush set dark blue sapphires can deepen the overall presentation and create a vintage influenced palette. Three stone layouts work beautifully with this size, pairing the central spinel with tapered baguettes or trillion cut diamonds to enhance length and symmetry. For earrings the stone adapts well to stud mounts with friction backs or to drop designs where a lower bezel adds safety and a small pavé connector provides sparkle.

Our bespoke services at The Natural Gemstone Company support all of the above customization options with technical guidance and production capabilities. We provide CAD renderings and photo realistic simulations so clients can evaluate prong placement, bezel rail thickness, and accent stone size before committing to fabrication. Metal choices influence the perception of color, so we recommend 18 karat rose gold to warm the pinkish red tones, 18 karat yellow gold to add richness and warmth, or platinum and 18 karat white gold to present the color with a cooler, more modern contrast. For daily wear rings consider lower profile settings, secure pierced prongs, and a shank design with shoulder support to reduce torque on the stone. For tension and bezel mountings we advise precise girdle profiling and controlled tightness to prevent stress concentrations, tasks that our bench craftsmen perform to exacting tolerances. We can match pairs for earrings, create convertible designs that move from pendant to brooch, and incorporate engraving or milgrain for added character. Documentation such as a detailed gem report addressing weight, dimensions, cut description, clarity observation, color grade, absence of enhancement, and Tanzanian origin is provided upon request, and we can prepare mounting recommendations tailored to the client use case and lifestyle. If you would like a custom quote, construction timeline, or sample renderings, we are ready to assist.