3.12 Ct. Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

Spinel carries a lineage as storied as any of the great gemstones, a quiet companion to history that has often been mistaken for its flashier cousins yet stands apart for its own refined character. From the regal collections of bygone courts to the private treasures passed through generations, spinel has been prized where connoisseurs seek both beauty and legacy. Burmese spinel in particular evokes the classic romance of Southeast Asian gem country, a region whose mines have produced stones admired for centuries. This purplish grey cushion spinel channels that same timeless appeal, offering a subdued and dignified palette that reads equally well in a period inspired signet or a contemporary bezel set ring. At The Natural Gemstone Company we celebrate that continuity, presenting stones that are as much an invitation to personal history as they are an adornment, ideal for someone who values heritage and the endurance of a carefully chosen jewel.

This gem is a transparent 3.12 carat cushion shape spinel, measuring 10.11 by 7.77 by 4.82 millimeters, with a mixed brilliant cut that brings modern optical performance to a traditional silhouette. Its intense color intensity is a compelling purplish grey that shifts with light and angle, revealing cooler grey tones and warmer purple flashes, making it versatile for gold or platinum settings and a striking focal point whether worn day to day or for special occasions. The clarity is eye clean when evaluated at eye level, allowing the mixed brilliant facets to deliver lively return of light and a pleasing depth without visible inclusions to distract the gaze. The polish is excellent, a testament to careful cutting and finishing that maximizes the stone’s mirror and scintillation. This spinel has been heat treated, a widely accepted and stable enhancement that refines tone and transparency without compromising the structural integrity of the gem. Origin is Burma Myanmar, a provenance that carries historical prestige, and The Natural Gemstone Company provides full disclosure of the gem’s treatments and origin, because true legacy is rooted in honest stewardship.

Beyond its aesthetic virtues, spinel is an exceptionally practical choice for everyday jewelry, combining hardness and toughness in a way that supports regular wear. With a Mohs hardness of about eight, spinel resists surface scratches from ordinary contact far better than many other gemstones, and its crystalline structure grants it good toughness so it withstands the small knocks and friction of daily life. The robust nature of this 3.12 carat cushion makes it particularly well suited for rings, pendants, cufflinks, and other items intended for frequent use. For settings we recommend classical protective options: a low bezel for active wearers, well-designed prongs for a dressier presentation, or a halo of supporting stones to add both security and sparkle. Care is straightforward and forgiving, standard warm soapy water and a soft brush being effective for routine cleaning, and the heat treatment used on this stone is stable under normal cleaning conditions. As with any treasured gem, avoid prolonged exposure to strong acids or extreme heat, and store separately to prevent abrasion against harder stones. When set and worn with consideration, this Burmese purplish grey spinel becomes more than an accessory, it becomes an heirloom ready to record the stories of everyday life. If you would like assistance designing the perfect setting or to view the stone in person, The Natural Gemstone Company is available to guide you through bespoke mounting options so this timeless gem serves both your aesthetic and practical needs for decades to come.