2.56 Ct. Spinel from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful transparent 2.56 carat cushion shape purple spinel from Ceylon Sri Lanka presents itself as an immediate statement of refined taste and natural quality, and at The Natural Gemstone Company we are proud to offer this exceptional example of what untreated spinel can be. The gem measures 8.55 x 7.61 x 5.33 mm, carries a mixed brilliant cut, and is graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level. Its intense color intensity and excellent polish combine with the fact that there has been no enhancement to deliver a stone that reads as honest, vibrant, and rare. In hand the cushion silhouette balances classical presence with modern brilliance, and the generous carat weight paired with compact dimensions gives a visual impact that translates beautifully into rings, pendants, or bespoke settings.

The secret to the unmatched sparkle of this spinel lies in its internal structure and the way it has been cut to exploit that structure, and unlike many other colored stones this spinel benefits from the inherent optical advantages of an isometric crystal system. Because spinel is isotropic the stone returns light uniformly, so flashes of light and color are steady and lively from every angle, rather than showing directional color change that can mute or unevenly distribute brilliance in pleochroic gems. The mixed brilliant cut has been chosen to marry the cushion outline with a pavilion that maximizes light return, so crown facets work with pavilion facets to create lively scintillation and pinpoint sparkle. The clarity of this specimen, described as very very slightly included at eye level, means there are minimal internal interruptions to light travel, so the path of light through the gem is clean and direct, producing bright facet reflections and crisp, lively scintillation that many other stones simply cannot match. An excellent polish finishes each facet like a mirror, so every facet edge is sharp and each facet plane contributes to a cohesive play of light rather than scattering it, and because there are no treatments to alter color or clarity the radiance you see is wholly natural, not the product of coatings or diffusion.

When comparing this purple spinel to alternatives on the market it stands out for several reasons that translate directly into tangible value for discerning buyers. Against amethyst and other purple gems this spinel offers more consistent brilliance and better durability for everyday wear, with a clarity and brightness that make purple remain palpable even under different lighting conditions where other stones can appear flat. Against sapphire the spinel has a different character rather than a lesser one, offering a more lively, gemlike flash because the mixed brilliant cutting and isotropic light return keep reflections sharp and consistent, while its origin from Ceylon gives a provenance associated with high quality color and historical desirability. Compared to many commercially treated stones the untreated nature of this spinel increases its intrinsic value and long term appeal, and because it is natural and unenhanced collectors and custom jewelers will appreciate the rarity and honesty of the material. In practical terms the dimensions and weight of 2.56 carat in a well cut cushion shape provide an eye catching presence without the bulk or cost of much larger stones, giving an excellent quality to price ratio when measured against equivalent color and clarity specimens in other gem species.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we emphasize stones that perform as beautifully in the hand as they do under the loupe, and this cushion purple spinel exemplifies that promise through its intense natural color, minimal inclusions, meticulous mixed brilliant cutting, and superb polish. Whether you are designing a showpiece ring where sparkle is the priority, selecting a pendant that needs to catch light from all angles, or adding a rare and honest gemstone to a curated collection, this spinel offers a level of brilliance and stability that will outshine many alternatives while still being a sensible choice for regular wear. We welcome inquiries about mounting suggestions, custom setting options that enhance pavilion light return, and additional photographs under differing lighting to appreciate the consistent and lively sparkle that this Sri Lankan spinel delivers, and we stand behind our selection process as we present only the finest examples to our clients.