18.17 Ct. Cabochon Ruby from Burma (Myanmar)

One beautiful translucent 18.17 carat oval shape pinkish red ruby, presented by The Natural Ruby Company, captures attention with its rich tone and classic cabochon silhouette. The gem measures 15.89 x 12.72 x 8.55 mm, making it a substantial and showy example that reads as a statement piece in any jewelry design. This ruby has been heat treated to enhance and stabilize its color and clarity, a common and accepted practice for rubies, and it presents an intense color intensity with a warm pinkish red saturation that glows from within. Clarity is graded as included at eye level, which means you will see natural internal characteristics when examining the stone without magnification. The cabochon cut emphasizes the gem as a luminous dome, allowing the rich color to move and soften across the surface, and the excellent polish gives a smooth tactile finish and a deep, mirror like luster that highlights the translucence and internal character.

When viewed in hand, this Burmese ruby offers a layered visual experience, the saturated body color interplaying with areas of lighter tone where light passes through the dome. Inclusions provide context to the stone as a natural gem, contributing to its individuality and to the depth of color that is often associated with high quality rubies. The cabochon presentation masks sharp facet reflections and instead celebrates glow and color distribution, making this piece especially suitable for those who prefer a vintage or artisanal aesthetic. The origin of Burma Myanmar is significant in the gem world, as Burmese rubies are prized for their color and historical provenance. Heat treatment is disclosed, and this stable enhancement enhances the gem without disguising its natural origin. The excellent polish and well executed cabochon form show careful lapidary work, creating a smooth surface and rounded profile that is comfortable against the skin and visually harmonious from every angle.

For setting and design the dimensions and weight of this ruby make it a versatile center stone for a number of jewelry types. In a bezel set ring the smooth edges of the cabochon will sit neatly against the metal, offering protective stability for everyday wear, while a warm metal such as 18 carat yellow gold or rose gold will complement the pinkish red tones beautifully. A pendant design allows the ruby to be seen from both sides and to swing gently, revealing subtle changes in saturation with movement, and a custom brooch or statement cuff could showcase the piece as a singular collectible specimen. If you prefer to accent the cabochon, consider a delicate halo of small diamonds set to follow the oval outline, or pairs of soft colored sapphires to enhance the warmth of the center stone. Our team at The Natural Ruby Company can advise on bezel depth and seat shaping to accommodate the 8.55 mm height, ensuring the cabochon is secure and sits flush with the chosen setting. We work with skilled jewelers who can design a bespoke mount that respects the stone dimensions and preserves the natural beauty of the cabochon.

Care guidance and purchasing details are straightforward, we recommend gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinsing thoroughly and drying with a soft cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals and steam cleaning which can risk damage to stones with internal inclusions. Ultrasonic cleaners are best avoided unless the stone has been assessed by your jeweler as safe for such treatment. As with any fine gem purchase we offer additional support and documentation through The Natural Ruby Company, we can provide high resolution imagery, in hand video, and third party lab reports on request to confirm origin and treatment disclosures. We stand behind the quality and origin information we provide, and we are happy to arrange secure shipping, insured transport, and professional appraisal services for insurance or resale purposes. If you would like to explore mounting options, view more photos, or request a video showing the cabochon under different lighting, please contact our team at The Natural Ruby Company and we will guide you through design options, timelines, and pricing, helping you bring this exceptional Burmese cabochon ruby into a finished piece you will cherish.