18.26 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

One beautiful transparent C Dunaigre certified intense red 18.26 carat oval shape ruby is offered by The Natural Ruby Company, a stone that combines impressive scale with a classical, wearable outline, measuring 20.94 by 14.95 by 6.14 millimeters. The gem displays a vivid color intensity and an excellent polish, its surfaces reflecting light cleanly and uniformly, while the mixed brilliant cut has been executed to balance color saturation with internal return of light. The clarity grade is included when evaluated at eye level, which means that natural internal characteristics are present and can be observed without magnification, yet they do not overshadow the overall visual impact of this ruby. The piece is heat treated, a stable and widely accepted enhancement used to improve color and clarity in rubies, and its documented origin is Mozambique, a region renowned for producing intensely colored rubies with lively red tones. The accompanying C Dunaigre certification provides independent verification of the gem's identity, weight, dimensions, treatment, and origin, giving the buyer transparent provenance and technical confirmation that supports long term value and trust.

The ruby’s extraordinary sparkle is rooted in the fundamental structure and optical properties of corundum, the mineral species to which ruby belongs, and in the thoughtful relationship between that structure and the mixed brilliant cut. Corundum crystallizes in a trigonal lattice that is dense and tightly bonded, giving the gem a high refractive index in the range of about 1.76 to 1.77, and a modest birefringence around 0.008 to 0.010. These optical constants mean that light slows markedly upon entering the stone and is bent sufficiently to produce strong internal reflection and scintillation when the facets are positioned for optimal angles. Chromium impurities replace trace amounts of aluminum in the crystal lattice, absorbing in the green and blue parts of the spectrum and allowing the red wavelengths to predominate, which is why the material shows such a saturated red hue. The mixed brilliant cut employed for this oval uses brilliant facets on the crown to maximize dispersion and sparkle, while balancing the pavilion with complementary facet geometry to promote deep color and light return. The excellent polish on each facet minimizes surface scattering and enhances mirror like reflections, so that as the stone moves it exhibits flashes of red radiance and lively scintillation that are different from the glitter of higher dispersion stones in that they emphasize saturated color and vivid internal play rather than fire. The hardness of corundum at nine on the Mohs scale preserves crisp facet junctions over time, ensuring that this sparkle remains durable for decades if set properly.

For an educated buyer, this ruby offers a compelling combination of attributes that influence both desirability and market value, starting with its size at 18.26 carats and its intense red color which is the single most important determinant of ruby value. Mozambique has become a highly regarded source for richly colored rubies, and the C Dunaigre certification reinforces the stone’s documented origin and treatment history, an important consideration for collectors and investors who value traceable provenance. The included clarity grade indicates natural internal features that are typical in stones of this size and color, features that can add character without materially reducing aesthetic appeal, particularly when the stone is set in a manner that favors the face up presentation. Heat treatment is industry standard and is stable and permanent when properly disclosed, which is why The Natural Ruby Company emphasizes full transparency on enhancements and certification. Practical recommendations include mounting this oval in a ring or pendant with a low to moderate crown height and a secure bezel or four prong setting that protects the girdle and preserves the excellent polish, while the scale of the gem lends itself to a statement design that showcases the deep color and dynamic light return. If you would like additional technical data, facet diagrams, or guidance on mounting and valuation, The Natural Ruby Company is available to assist, providing expert, factual information to help you appreciate why this intense red Mozambique ruby stands out as both a visual treasure and a considered purchase.