1.74 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

You are looking at an exceptional 1.74 carat oval blue spinel from Ceylon Sri Lanka, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. This gem measures 7.34 x 5.92 x 4.30 mm, and it has been fashioned into a mixed brilliant cut to maximize scintillation and light return. The stone is transparent, with an intense blue that rivals many of the finest blue gemstones on the market. Clarity is graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a characteristic that is common in natural spinel and one that does not detract from the gem’s overall presence when set. The polish is excellent, and the cutter has used the mixed brilliant style to balance fire and brilliance with the elegant silhouette of an oval shape. The gem has been heat treated, a stable and widely accepted enhancement in the trade that improves color saturation while preserving the integrity and durability of the crystal.

Compared to other blue gemstones, this spinel offers a combination of attributes that make it stand out. When placed against blue sapphire with similar hue and saturation, high quality spinel often presents a cleaner, more lively brilliance because of its optical properties and the excellent polish on this stone. Fine blue spinel is rarer in the market than many people realize, and collectors prize well cut examples for their vivid, pure color and lively sparkle. Unlike many lower grade sapphires that require heavier treatment or diffusion, top spinels from Ceylon often present their color with minimal intervention, and even in this case where heat treatment has been applied, the enhancement is conventional and stable. The mixed brilliant cut on this 1.74 carat piece gives it a market advantage over poorly cut gems of similar weight, because cut quality is the single most important factor in how beautiful a gem looks and how well it performs in jewelry applications.

From an investment perspective, fine blue spinel has been attracting greater attention and appreciation over the last decade. Demand from both private collectors and designers has grown, and supply remains constrained because high quality material is not mined in large volumes. Sri Lankan spinels, in particular, carry provenance that is respected by connoisseurs, and a well cut, transparent stone with intense color is a category that historically shows stronger price resilience than lower quality material. The 1.74 carat weight is a meaningful size for a blue spinel, large enough to be desirable for a statement ring or a pendant, while still being within price ranges that allow collectors and investors to buy quality without the same capital outlay required for comparable sapphires. While no one can guarantee future returns, market trends and auction results over recent years show increased buyer interest in colored gemstones that combine scarcity, exceptional color, and good cutting, and this spinel checks those boxes.

Practical considerations further support its appeal as both a beautiful gem and an investment grade piece. Spinel rates 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it is durable enough for most types of jewelry and everyday wear, unlike softer stones that require special care. The slight inclusions noted at eye level are typical for natural spinel and can actually serve as internal fingerprints that confirm natural origin, when documented by a reputable laboratory. Heat treatment in spinel is an accepted practice that enhances color without undermining long term stability, and disclosure is standard and honest in responsible trade. To maximize future resale value, buyers should consider obtaining independent gemological certification and keeping provenance documentation, especially the origin designation of Ceylon Sri Lanka, because well documented stones with proven origin and treatment history tend to perform better in the secondary market.

When you purchase this blue spinel from The Natural Gemstone Company you are working with a team that understands both gems and the market dynamics that drive value. We select stones with an eye for long term desirability, placing emphasis on color intensity, cut excellence, and honest disclosure of treatment and origin. This 1.74 carat oval blue spinel represents a rare balance of size, intense color, strong polish, and respected provenance, making it an attractive choice for collectors, designers, and investors who want a gemstone that is as likely to please the eye as it is to hold and potentially increase its value over time. If you are weighing this spinel against other investment grade options, consider that its combination of rarity, beauty, and durability positions it as a superior choice in its class, and we are happy to assist with certification and documentation to support your purchase and future resale potential.