1.35 Ct. Grey Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This is a finely cut, transparent 1.35 carat cushion shape grey spinel from Burma, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem measures 6.56 by 5.40 by 4.74 millimeters, presenting a compact and well balanced profile for its weight. The cutter employed a mixed brilliant cut, combining brilliant style crown faceting with modified pavilion geometry to balance brilliance and depth. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, which means minor internal features are present but do not significantly interrupt light passage. Color intensity is described as intense, producing a saturated cool grey that reads as sophisticated and versatile in a range of metal and design contexts. There has been no enhancement, and the piece retains full natural authenticity, making it suitable for collectors and for fine jewelry where untreated material is valued.

The geometric faceting schema of this cushion spinel is engineered to maximize light play, relying on a rigorous arrangement of angles and facet junctions. The mixed brilliant approach typically uses a faceted crown that creates broad flashes and scintillating pinpoint reflections, while the pavilion incorporates modified facets that promote strong internal reflection and contrast patterning. With the depth of the stone at 4.74 millimeters against an average of the length and width of approximately 5.98 millimeters, the depth percent is about 79.3 percent, a relatively deep pavilion that intensifies apparent color and produces compelling windowing behavior when set. The interplay between broad crown facets and intricate pavilion facets yields a dynamic mix of broad flashes and pinpoint scintillation, which in grey spinel translates to an appealing balance of brilliance and velvety tone, the geometry channeling light back to the viewer in layered reflections rather than simple flat return.

Optically, spinel is isotropic, with no pleochroism, and a refractive index in the range expected for gem spinel, which supports strong light return and crisp facet contrast. The lack of birefringence means facet outlines remain stable under changing orientation, enhancing visual predictability for setting design. The excellent polish reported for this stone ensures facet planes meet with precision, maximizing the efficiency of internal reflection and minimizing diffusion that can soften flash. The slightly included clarity grade, assessed at eye level, indicates that inclusions are present but are not dominant, and in this particular cut they are positioned and minimized by the faceting plan so as to limit impact on overall brightness. From a practical perspective the hardness of spinel near eight on the Mohs scale provides good wearability for everyday jewelry, and the intense grey tone pairs well with both warm and cool metals, offering designers flexibility while preserving optical performance.

The provenance from Burma adds a historical and market relevant layer to the gem, with regional material often noted for depth of color and classic spinel character. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the natural, untreated status of this piece, and the cutting demonstrates considered craftsmanship, where proportion choices favor a rich visual depth and consistent light play. For clients seeking a statement center stone or a collector desiring a natural, well cut specimen, this cushion grey spinel represents a refined balance between saturated color, engineered faceting, and practical durability. The stone adapts well to bezel or prong settings that allow side light to interact with the pavilion, and it benefits from designs that permit rotation and daylight exposure to reveal the layered flashes produced by its geometry. In summary this 1.35 carat Burmese cushion spinel combines precise mixed brilliant faceting, intense natural color, and excellent polish into a gem that performs with both optical sophistication and reliable physical properties.