1.61 Ct. Ruby from Madagascar

This listing describes a single transparent ruby weighing 1.61 carats, cut into an oval outline with precise dimensions of 8.29 by 6.26 by 3.56 millimeters, and originating from Madagascar. The gem displays a purplish red hue with vivid color intensity, and it has been evaluated as slightly included at eye level. The cutter selected a mixed brilliant configuration to combine the optical advantages of a brilliant style crown with pavilion faceting tailored for color saturation. The surface finish is classified as excellent polish, and the stone has been subjected to standard heat treatment, which is a stable enhancement commonly applied to maximize color and clarity. The Natural Ruby Company is presenting this specimen as an example of high quality material in a size class where vivid purplish red saturation is comparatively scarce.

From a cutting and proportion perspective this ruby was shaped to balance face up appearance, color depth, and light performance. The length to width ratio is approximately 1.33, which provides a classical oval silhouette that sits well in a wide range of mounting styles. The depth of 3.56 millimeters yields a depth percentage of approximately 48.9 percent when referenced to the mean of the length and width, a proportion that optimizes color saturation without sacrificing spread. The mixed brilliant approach places a faceted brilliant crown above a pavilion that integrates subtly modified step and brilliant facets. This configuration reduces the incidence of a color window while producing even dispersion and tasteful scintillation. The cutter maintained a moderately faceted girdle and a minimal culet to preserve weight and optimize symmetry. The result is a gem that presents a generous visual face up area relative to its carat weight, while maintaining controlled light return and balanced contrast.

Color and clarity interplay are central to the character of this ruby, and both attributes support its rarity proposition. The dominant hue is purplish red, which sits perceptibly toward the red end of the spectrum while carrying a distinct secondary purplish tone. In natural ruby populations, and particularly in material from Madagascar, vivid purplish red saturation in the one and a half carat class is less common than pinkish or orangey red varieties. Achieving vivid intensity at this size requires a combination of favorable crystal chemistry and selective cutting that preserves saturation. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, with small internal crystal and needle type inclusions that are typical of natural rubies and that do not materially detract from transparency or color. These inclusions are minor relative to the gem weight and distribution, and they are often masked by the stone s depth and rich saturation. When compared to other available options in the same weight range, many stones show either lower color intensity or heavier clarity issues, making this purplish red 1.61 carat example unusual and desirable for collectors and high end jewelry designers.

Provenance and treatment disclosure are important for buyers who value traceability and stability. This ruby is sourced from Madagascar and has received controlled heat treatment only, a standard enhancement applied to improve color uniformity and to reduce the visibility of some internal features. Heat treatment in natural ruby is an accepted and stable practice, and the effects are permanent under normal wear conditions. For setting recommendations, the stone s oval proportions and vivid color make it particularly effective in a prong set solitaire that maximizes light exposure from the pavilion, or in a low profile bezel when protection against wear is prioritized. An open gallery mounting will allow light to interact with the pavilion and preserve the lively face up saturation. For design and appraisal purposes, The Natural Ruby Company can supply additional high resolution images, facet map information, and assistance arranging a gemological report if required. We invite serious collectors and connoisseurs to contact The Natural Ruby Company for further technical data and bespoke mounting options, because stones of this combination of size and vivid purplish red color are uncommon on the market.