2.48 Ct. Zircon from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a transparent round white zircon weighing 2.48 carats, with measured dimensions of 7.62 by 7.66 by 5.08 millimeters, presented in a skillfully executed mixed brilliant cut. The cutter has balanced a brilliant crown faceting arrangement with a modified pavilion geometry to optimize both brilliance and fire, resulting in strongly faceted crown stars and pavilion mains that produce multiple return reflections under direct light. The depth measures approximately 66.5 percent relative to the average diameter, a proportion that is modestly deep for a round face up, and this depth choice amplifies dispersion without sacrificing face up presence, yielding a lively play of spectral flashes. The polish is graded excellent, meaning facet junctions are clean and facet planes are free of polish pits or abrasion, which preserves the stone's adamantine luster and maximizes light return. Clarity is described as very slightly included at eye level, indicating only minor internal characteristics that do not materially interrupt the path of light or the balance of contrast and brilliance, and the color is near colorless, providing a neutral white appearance that allows dispersion to read as crisp fire rather than body color. The stone is from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and there has been no enhancement applied, confirming natural optical structure and authentic provenance.

From an optical and gemological standpoint this white zircon exhibits the attributes that collectors and technically minded buyers seek. Zircon is characterized by a high refractive index and a significant dispersion coefficient, properties that produce both intense brilliance and pronounced fire when the cutting geometry is optimized. In this example, the mixed brilliant cut capitalizes on those inherent properties, delivering a silhouette that reads larger on the finger than the carat weight alone would suggest, and producing a balance between scintillation and spectral color separation. The eye level clarity grading of very slightly included is particularly relevant for investment grading, because it means the stone can be set and worn with visual confidence while maintaining rarity premiums associated with eye clean stones in this size class. The lack of heat or irradiation enhancement preserves the natural crystal lattice, which is an important factor for secondary market resale among connoisseurs who place a premium on untreated material.

The investment case for a high quality, untreated Sri Lankan white zircon of 2.48 carats is underpinned by a combination of optical rarity, traceable origin, and current market dynamics. Natural, near colorless zircons of this size and with excellent polish are less commonly available than smaller or treated material, and provenance from established producing regions such as Ceylon adds an additional layer of desirability and verifiability for institutional and private collectors. Market demand has been increasing for untreated gemstones that deliver diamond like visual characteristics without synthetic or blended augmentations, and this has driven premiums for stones that combine strong dispersion, eye level clarity, and competent cutting. Supply side pressures also support potential future appreciation, because high quality zircon is sourced from a limited number of deposits, and responsible mining practices together with export controls can constrain market availability. For investors who seek capital appreciation, this piece is attractive because its size position above two carats, its excellent finish, and its untreated status create a profile that is both collectible and saleable in diverse markets including auction, private sale, and specialty retail.

From a stewardship perspective, buyers should consider certification and appropriate mounting to preserve both aesthetic and monetary value. A laboratory report confirming origin, weight, dimensions, and the absence of treatment will materially enhance liquidity and resale confidence. Because zircon has a Mohs hardness that is lower than diamond, careful setting design such as a protective bezel or secure prongs is advisable to minimize abrasion and edge wear while maintaining visibility of the crown facets. For clients of The Natural Gemstone Company who are evaluating long term appreciation, this white zircon represents a technical gemological proposition as well as an investment asset, combining a precise cut strategy, excellent polish, and verified natural origin into a single calibrated package that is well suited for holding or selective resale as market interest for high quality untreated gemstones continues to grow.