12.46 Ct. Ruby from Burma (Myanmar)

This offering is a transparent, AGL certified Pink-Red ruby, weighing 12.46 carats, presented in a cushion shape with dimensions of 14.95 x 11.93 x 8.48 mm. The gem carries a brilliant cut, an eye clean clarity grade as evaluated at eye level, intense color intensity, and an excellent polish. There has been no enhancement applied to this material, and its documented origin is Burma, Myanmar. The combination of substantial carat weight, classic cushion proportions, and a brilliant facet scheme yields a gemstone that is both impressive in scale and refined in optical performance. The AGL report provides objective confirmation of the stone’s natural state and its geographic provenance, while the absence of treatment preserves the integrity of the corundum and the authentic character of its color and light behavior.

The ruby’s sparkle is a direct consequence of its crystalline nature and the optical properties of corundum. Ruby is a form of aluminum oxide with chromium as a trace chromophore, crystallizing in the trigonal system. This arrangement produces a tightly packed lattice with a relatively high refractive index, typically in the range of 1.762 to 1.770, which governs how strongly the material bends and retains light within the stone. When light enters the ruby, the high refractive index increases internal reflection, allowing multiple facet interactions before light exits toward the viewer. Although rubies exhibit modest dispersion compared with diamond, their brilliance is driven by efficient light retention and the way the internal lattice transmits and reflects chromatic light. The pink-red hue from chromium absorption is concentrated in specific wavelengths, and when combined with deep transparency, it results in saturated flashes of color that are perceived as lively and luminous rather than merely dark or opaque.

The gem’s brilliant cut and excellent polish are calibrated to the corundum’s optical constants, translating the intrinsic potential of the crystal into a visible, dynamic play of light. A cushion shape provides a balance between a softened outline and broad faceting planes, and the brilliant facet arrangement maximizes return of incident light through the crown. Precision in facet angles is crucial for corundum because even small deviations can dissipate light through the pavilion rather than directing it back to the eye. In this specimen, facet junction sharpness and polish quality reduce surface scattering and promote clean, mirror-like reflections. The eye clean clarity grade means that there are no significant inclusions visible under standard viewing, enabling unobstructed light pathways and consistent scintillation. The absence of silk or dense inclusions that might otherwise scatter light contributes to a uniform and intense color presentation, while internal features, when present at microscopic scale, can serve to subtly diffuse light across facets, softening contrast and adding depth without compromising brilliance.

Provenance and natural condition further enhance the desirability of this ruby from a gemological perspective. Burmese rubies are historically renowned for their vivid saturation and a unique balance of depth and brightness, attributes that emerge from the geological conditions that formed the corundum. AGL certification corroborates the stone’s natural, unenhanced status and documents its origin, offering assurance of authenticity for collectors and connoisseurs who prioritize natural material. The natural crystalline structure, unaltered by heat or other treatments, preserves the exact distribution of chromium and the fine-scale inclusions that define the stone’s optical identity. From a practical standpoint, corundum’s hardness and stability make this ruby a durable choice for a variety of jewelry settings, and the substantial 12.46 carat weight provides presence without sacrificing wearability when set with appropriate mounting considerations. The Natural Ruby Company presents this Burmese, AGL certified, no-enhancement cushion ruby as an example of how inherent material properties, combined with thoughtful cutting and finishing, produce a ruby whose sparkle, color, and transparency together deliver a refined and unmistakable brilliance.