1.69 Ct. Reddish Pink Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This listing presents a beautifully transparent reddish pink spinel from Burma, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, weighing 1.69 carat, and fashioned into a classic cushion shape with dimensions of 7.50 by 6.15 by 4.12 millimeters. The cutting style is faceted, with a mixed brilliant cut that balances large pavilion facets with a faceted crown to maximize both depth and liveliness. Color is described as intense color intensity, and the stone displays a lively, saturated reddish pink that benefits from Burma provenance and zero enhancement. Clarity has been graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which means the stone appears clean to many observers but contains minor natural inclusions that do not detract from its overall beauty. Polish is excellent, so facet junctions are crisp and surface reflections are sharp, a detail that contributes directly to the perceived brightness and finishing quality that discerning buyers expect.

A mixed brilliant cushion cut such as this one is designed to enhance both brilliance and scintillation, and in this specimen the cutter has emphasized window control and facet symmetry to produce broad flashes of color and pinpoint sparkle. The slightly included clarity grade indicates that inclusions are present but limited in size and number, and they are mostly internal crystal or pinpoint features that do not significantly interrupt light transmission. In practical terms, this means the gem retains strong reflective properties, returning light to the eye in clean flashes rather than in a diffuse haze. The excellent polish ensures that light entering the stone encounters well defined facet planes, which improves contrast and the perception of depth. For an educated buyer comparing similar spinels, the combination of intense natural color, mixed brilliant cutting, and excellent polish places this stone toward the higher end of hand selected material from the market, especially given the lack of any heat or color enhancement.

When comparing reflective qualities to other gemstones within the red to pink category, spinel has a distinctive profile that makes it attractive for different reasons. Spinel has a refractive index near 1.718, and a low to moderate dispersion around 0.018, which yields a clear, glassy brilliance and restrained fire. By comparison, corundum species such as ruby and pink sapphire have a slightly higher refractive index near 1.762 to 1.770, and they exhibit a bit more brilliance and stronger light return in many cuts, owing to that higher refractive index and often higher dispersion. Garnets, depending on variety, can have a wide range of refractive indices that sometimes produce strong luster but often show a denser, more oily appearance in very saturated colors. Tourmaline typically has a lower refractive index and less lively brilliance than spinel, resulting in a deeper, more velvety appearance rather than bright flashes. The single refractive nature of spinel means it does not show doubling of facet edges under magnification, so reflections remain crisp and well defined, an attribute that contributes to the immediate visual cleanliness and appeal of this Burmese example.

Beyond optical characteristics, practical considerations such as hardness and durability influence both wearability and value. Spinel rates about eight on the Mohs scale, which makes it hard enough for daily wear in rings and bracelets while being easier to cut with precision than corundum. The excellent polish on this 1.69 carat cushion means facet edges are intact and well preserved, supporting long term stability in settings. Origin plays a meaningful role in market perception, and Burmese spinel has a storied reputation for producing intensely saturated red and reddish pink material that collectors seek. The fact that this stone is natural and unenhanced increases its desirability among connoisseurs who value untreated provenance. For clients considering this gem for a bespoke commission, its size and proportions are well suited to a center stone in a ring or a prominent pendant, where the mixed brilliant cut will engage viewers with both strong color and lively scintillation. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the description and provenance of this spinel, and we recommend independent gemological documentation for buyers looking to confirm the grading details prior to setting.