3.26 Ct. Spinel from Burma (Myanmar)

This exquisite transparent blue spinel weighs 3.26 carats and is fashioned into a classic emerald cut with precise dimensions of 9.95 x 7.88 x 5.08 mm. The emerald cut emphasizes the stone's depth of color and clarity by using long step facets that create broad planes of reflected light, allowing the intense blue saturation to present as a rich, velvety field with subtle internal flashes. The cut proportions and excellent polish on the pavilion and crown work together to deliver even light return and crisp facet junctions, which is especially important for blue spinel where color and facet definition determine perceived quality. Originating from Burma, a source long admired for producing some of the finest spinel material in the world, this gem carries the character and pedigree that educated buyers seek, and The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind this provenance.

Clarity for this gem is graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which means that to the unaided eye the stone appears exceptionally clean, while under magnification subtle natural features reveal themselves. Those minute inclusions are not flaws in the pejorative sense, but natural fingerprints that authenticate the stone and trace its geological history. In spinel these identifiers commonly present as tiny isolated crystals, delicate growth zoning, and fine planar features that reflect the conditions of crystallization deep within the earth. In this specimen the inclusions are discreet and contribute to the gemological identity without compromising brilliance, and because the emerald cut lays bare the interior, the quality of the clarity grade assures an elegant, glassy window into the stone. The piece has undergone a documented heat treatment, a widely accepted and stable enhancement that refines color and improves visual uniformity, and it has been finished with an excellent polish that maximizes surface luster and tactile smoothness.

From a connoisseurship perspective, several attributes make this blue spinel a compelling acquisition. The carat weight of 3.26 places it in a size range that is uncommon for intensely colored Burmese spinel, where large, clean examples are relatively rare compared to more common gem species. The intense color intensity combined with step faceting produces a sophisticated, deep blue that is both contemporary and timeless, offering versatility for high quality jewels. Durability is favorable for everyday wear, spinel registering approximately eight on the Mohs scale, and the emerald cut, while elegant, benefits from protective mounting at the corners so the stone can be enjoyed with confidence. For setting considerations, a bezel or four prong setting with corner protection will preserve the stone while showcasing the geometry of the cut, and the stone pairs beautifully with both white and yellow metal palettes depending on the desired contrast and warmth.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we document origin, treatment, and physical measurements to provide transparency and confidence to discerning buyers. This blue spinel is presented with its exact dimensions, weight, cut description, clarity grade, polish quality, and treatment disclosure so you may evaluate it against independent standards and certification if desired. The natural inclusions that identify this gem are recorded as part of its character, making it uniquely recognizable and traceable for collectors and jewelers who value verifiable natural gemstones. For care, we recommend routine gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding extreme thermal shock and harsh chemicals, and professional inspection of the setting periodically to protect the emerald cut corners. This blue spinel from Burma represents a rare combination of size, color, and clarity, and it is an excellent choice for the educated buyer seeking a museum quality yet wearable gemstone.