2.59 Ct. Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This specimen is a transparent 2.59 carat cushion shaped spinel, precisely measured at 8.50 by 7.33 by 5.16 millimeters, exhibiting a greyish violet hue with dark color intensity, and presented in a mixed brilliant faceting scheme. The cutter has executed a refined cushion outline with softened corners and a balanced pavilion depth, producing an overall depth of approximately sixty five percent relative to the mean diameter, a proportion that supports controlled light return while preserving face up color saturation. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, confirming an eye clean appearance with only minor internal features visible under careful inspection. Polish is excellent across the table, crown and pavilion facets, and there has been no enhancement, which means the color and clarity are entirely natural, attributes that are central to the value proposition we provide at The Natural Gemstone Company.

The mixed brilliant cut employed here combines a brilliant facet arrangement on the crown with a modified pavilion architecture, an approach that optimizes scintillation while maintaining depth of color. On the crown, the small star and kite facets work in concert with a moderately sized table to fragment incident light and create lively scintillation, while the pavilion facet set has been configured to reduce windowing and enhance the perceived saturation of the greyish violet body color. Spinel exhibits isometric optical behavior, therefore it is singly refractive with no pleochroism, and this isotropic nature means that facet geometry and polish quality are the principal controls on light performance. Measured refractive index values for spinel typically fall in the range of 1.71 to 1.72, and specific gravity is around 3.58 to 3.61, values which contribute to a pleasing heft for its size and predictable optical behavior in faceted forms.

Clarity and craftsmanship merit particular attention in this piece, because very slightly included spinels can present a range of inclusion morphologies, and the cutter has chosen facet proportions and orientations that mask minor inclusions while retaining excellent transparency. The internal features in this stone are minute and localized, consistent with natural growth related crystals and healed fissures that do not compromise structural integrity or light transmission at normal viewing distances. The excellent polish is evident in the sharpness of facet junctions and the absence of surface abrasions, which improves contrast and allows clean facet reflections. Since this spinel is unenhanced, the color is original to the crystal, and the absence of diffusion, heating or glass filling preserves both long term stability and collector value. The combination of careful cutting, considered depth, and meticulous finishing produces a gem that responds predictably in jewelry settings, delivering balanced brilliance, distinct table reflections, and a deep, elegant face up color.

The declared origin of this spinel is Burma, a provenance that carries historical and market significance and that adds measurable value to the gem. Burmese spinels, particularly those from classic producing areas such as the Mogok region, are historically respected for their crystal quality, dense color and scarcity, attributes that have contributed to their presence in royal and museum collections for centuries. Provenance from Burma implies formation under specific geological conditions that yield well crystallized material with favorable trace element chemistry, a factor that can generate colors and saturation levels not commonly found in other sources. In a market where untreated material commands a premium, the combination of natural color, Burmese origin and unmodified clarity places this stone in a desirable niche for connoisseurs and designers. For practical use we recommend settings that take advantage of the cushion silhouette and dark tone, such as a four or six prong solitaire and a polished white metal or muted yellow metal to either emphasize the cool grey violet tones or introduce a warm contrast, and standard care involves gentle cleaning with warm water, mild detergent and a soft brush, avoiding aggressive chemicals and impact, with the gem generally tolerant of standard jewelers processes due to the inherent hardness and stability of spinel. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document this gem as a high quality, untreated Burmese spinel, suitable for both investment oriented collections and elevated bespoke jewellery commissions.