2.21 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

This ruby presented by The Natural Ruby Company is a transparent, oval shape gemstone weighing 2.21 carats, with precise dimensions of 9.90 by 6.91 by 3.51 mm. The body tone rests in a pinkish red range, exhibiting vivid color intensity under standard daylight conditions, and the material has been heat treated to optimize hue and saturation. Clarity has been evaluated as included at eye level, which is typical of natural rubies and contributes to the stone character without compromising its transparency. The finish is of excellent polish, ensuring clean and crisp facet junctions and a smooth surface that maximizes light entry and exit. Origin is Mozambique, a recognized source for richly colored corundum, and the combination of weight, dimensions, and cut make this piece well suited for a center stone in fine jewelry.

The mixed brilliant cut used for this ruby is designed to harmonize the optical strengths of corundum with an oval silhouette, balancing broad color distribution with dynamic light performance. The mixed brilliant pattern typically places a modified brilliant crown over a faceted pavilion design, which encourages multiple internal reflections before light exits through the table and crown facets. In corundum, which has a relatively high refractive index around 1.76 to 1.77, properly proportioned pavilion angles direct light back through the crown rather than allowing it to leak out the pavilion. The result is enhanced brilliance, which appears as overall brightness, and scintillation, which appears as flickering highlights when the gem or the viewer moves. For this oval, the facet layout preserves even color across the table and shoulders, reducing dark windows in the center and preventing excessive contrast along the length of the gem. The mixed scheme also introduces contrast facets that create a pleasing pattern of light and dark areas, which in turn emphasizes red flashes and contributes to perceived depth and vitality.

Clarity and polish interact with cut to determine the quality of light reflection and the gem appearance. Included clarity at eye level indicates the presence of features that are visible without magnification, yet the transparency of this stone allows clean passage of light that reveals the vivid color rather than obscuring it. The mixed brilliant cut mitigates the visual impact of internal inclusions by directing viewer attention toward lively reflections and balanced color, rather than large dark areas. Excellent polish further improves the gemstone optical performance by minimizing surface scatter and preserving sharp facet reflections. The polished facet planes act as mirrors that return intense specular reflections, which enhance the perception of luster and sharpness. Heat treatment, which has been applied in this instance, serves to homogenize color zoning and can reduce the prominence of fine silk inclusions, resulting in a more uniform red appearance and stronger, more efficient light return from the modified brilliant facets.

From a setting and design perspective, the gem proportions and cut characteristics should be considered to maximize light interaction in finished jewelry. The relatively shallow pavilion depth indicated by the 3.51 mm profile rewards settings that allow light to enter unobstructed, such as open prong or semi bezel designs, while secure mounts should protect the girdle without covering the critical crown and table areas. The oval silhouette offers visual elongation on the hand when used in rings, and the mixed brilliant cut ensures both sparkle and color concentration when used as a center stone in pendants or earrings. Routine care involves gentle cleaning in warm soapy water and avoidance of harsh chemicals to retain the excellent polish. At The Natural Ruby Company we document provenance and treatment and we present material that combines natural origin with careful cutting and finishing, so clients can evaluate this 2.21 carat Mozambique ruby with clear expectations regarding its optical behavior, durability, and jewelry potential.