Eye Clean Purple Spinel - From Zo Valley, Afghanistan / Tajikistan Border - 1.06 ct. Custom Shape and Faceting by: Scott Maier

Gem:  Spinel Weight:  1.06 ct. Dimensions:   Clarity: VVS+ / Eye Clean Origin:  Zo Valley, Afghanistan / Tajikistan Border Area Treatments:  None Comments:  This rich, medium-toned purple spinel is tip top.  I designed a bright and interesting gemstone diagram, and set to cutting.  I couldn't be happier with the results.  The pattern presents completely, with a very minimal window, only visible at shallow angles. This rough is coveted for a number of reasons, but top among them is the rich color, and absence of gray or dark secondary colors.  It's pure, open, and clean, and just sings its color.   Put shortly:  This gem performs great, and is above average for color, light return, and completeness of pattern.  This is due partly to it's deep semi-barion pavilion.  A relatively shallow crown should help this stone stay damage free whether set in prongs OR bezel. Some of the oldest gemstones in the world came from Afghanistan.  Millennia ago, both lapis lazuli AND amazingly clear, vibran