0.68 Ct. Zircon from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 0.68 carat round yellowish brown zircon is a refined example of natural gem material, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, with a measured profile of 4.60 by 4.57 by 3.45 millimeters. The weight and compact round dimensions reflect zircons high specific gravity, which confers a substantial visual heft and presence in the face up view that exceeds the expectation set by diameter alone. The medium light color intensity sits in a warm neutral zone, enabling the stone to read as a sophisticated, versatile center that will harmonize with warm and neutral metal choices. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and the stone has undergone no enhancement, preserving primary growth textures and natural color distribution. The combination of natural origin, unenhanced state, and transparent clarity is central to the gemological character and value proposition we emphasize at The Natural Gemstone Company.

The cutting style is a mixed brilliant cut, executed to balance scintillation and strong light return in a small round table profile. The cutter has employed a brilliant pattern on the crown, with a series of well proportioned star and kite facets converging to a central table, while the pavilion is faceted to complement the crown, producing concentrated return of white light and selective flash color. The stone exhibits an overall depth to average diameter ratio of approximately 75 percent, which is deeper than classical modern round proportions, yet this geometry is controlled and intentional, concentrating internal reflection and contributing to the gems apparent brightness when viewed table up. The table to diameter relationship, crown angle geometry, and facet junction integrity combine to create a compact pavilion that emphasizes flash and contrast, qualities prized in statement pieces where dynamic light performance is required.

Clarity is graded as very slightly included at eye level, indicating minor internal characteristics that are not visually disruptive to overall transparency under normal viewing conditions. These internal features are stable and naturally occurring, typically appearing as minute feather fragments or pinpoint inclusions when examined under magnification, and they do not interfere with the stone s optical performance. The polish is excellent, delivering crisp facet junctions and uninterrupted reflective planes that maximize brilliance and face up appeal. Optically, zircon is notable for its pronounced dispersion and lively fire, paired with a high luster that approaches an adamantine quality, and this specimen manifests those properties in a measured way, offering distinct flashes of color and a lively scintillation pattern. The stone may display subtle pleochroic tendencies depending on viewing angle and lighting, which can enhance perceived depth and color complexity in different mounting orientations.

For design and setting considerations this 0.68 carat round zircon is exceptionally well suited to act as a confident statement center in a solitaire or halo composition. Its transparent clarity and concentrated light return make it appropriate for a single stone focus, where the mixed brilliant cutting maximizes apparent diameter and visual activity. Given the medium light yellowish brown tone, pairing with yellow gold or warm rose gold will amplify the warmth and vintage character, while platinum or white gold settings will create a contemporary contrast that emphasizes brilliance and fire. Prong mountings with four or six secure points will allow optimal light access and display of the crown facets, whereas a low bezel can protect the girdle while slightly muting peripheral brilliance, an acceptable trade for more active wear. At The Natural Gemstone Company we recommend considering a delicate halo of small accent stones if additional scintillation and perceived size is desired, or a simple polished band to allow the zircon to command attention by its own optical qualities. This gem s natural origin, excellent polish, eye level very slightly included clarity, and unenhanced state make it a refined choice for a collector or designer seeking a statement piece with technical integrity and enduring presence.