1.38 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This greyish blue spinel was born in the layered metamorphic formations of Ceylon Sri Lanka, a region historically renowned for producing some of the most collectible spinels in the world. The stone began its life as a pocket of crystalline material embedded in compacted mica schist and residual gravels, where slow geological pressure and heat allowed aluminum and magnesium to combine with oxygen and chromium traces to form gem quality spinel. Miners working artisanal benches and well managed alluvial fields recovered the rough, a modest nugget that nevertheless displayed an appealing potential in its crystalline structure. Early inspection in the field noted a fine degree of transparency and a cool greyish blue hue that responded attractively to daylight and shade, prompting its careful extraction and immediate placement into a sorting lot destined for precision cutting. From this first stage the spinel entered a chain of custody that emphasizes traceability and ethical sourcing, a protocol maintained for every stone offered by The Natural Gemstone Company.

Following retrieval the rough was brought to a sorting and planning facility where experienced gem cutters and graders assessed its proportions and optical potential. Decisions at this stage determine yield and final appearance, so the cutter selected a mixed brilliant approach to balance face up brilliance with depth of body tone. The result is an oval shaped gem, weighing 1.38 carat, with finished dimensions of 7.63 x 5.66 x 4.49 mm, proportions chosen to maximize light return while preserving weight and color. The mixed brilliant cut combines a faceted crown designed for scintillation with a pavilion arrangement that enhances fire and stability, and this spinel exhibits that intent in practice. Under careful magnification and at eye level the clarity was evaluated as very slightly included, a grade that denotes minor internal features which do not detract from visual performance when mounted. The stone displays a medium light color intensity that gives it a balanced presence, neither fragile nor overpowering, and the polish has been executed to an excellent standard, producing crisp facet junctions and clean reflections without application of thermal or chemical treatment, the enhancement status recorded as no enhancement.

After cutting the spinel underwent systematic grading and final quality control, procedures intended to secure an accurate representation of its attributes for gemologists and clients alike. Color evaluations were performed under standard daylight approximated lighting, confirming the greyish blue tone that reads differently depending on viewing angle and background, a characteristic that offers versatility in design. Clarity assessment at eye level identified only very slight inclusions, consistent with natural origin and minimal impact on brilliance. Measured dimensions and precise carat weight were recorded, and surface finish was scrutinized for any nicks or polishing lines, none of which were present. The stone was then photographed in controlled conditions and imaged on a hand to illustrate scale and wearability, demonstrating how an oval 1.38 carat spinel sits in a ring or pendant application. Spinel is known for its robust nature and good wearability, with a Mohs hardness that supports frequent use in jewelry, and the combination of hardness and stability makes this gem suitable for a range of settings and design approaches.

The final stage of the journey is packaging and presentation for the market, a process that emphasizes provenance documentation and secure transit. At The Natural Gemstone Company the stone is paired with its recorded measurements and observations, a concise history that traces its path from Sri Lankan alluvial pocket to polished oval. Photographs accompany the documentation, providing visual confirmation of color and clarity in real world contexts, and the piece is carefully boxed to prevent movement during shipping. For the client who values both geological story and technical accuracy this spinel offers a clear narrative, from crystalline formation through considered cutting to a finished gem that retains natural character without enhancement. It is a single example of how region specific geology and skilled human intervention produce gems that are both durable and visually engaging, suitable for considered jewelry projects or collection. For inquiries about provenance, setting recommendations, or further technical details please contact The Natural Gemstone Company, where each stone is prepared and described with precision and respect for its origin.