2.38 Ct. Cabochon Ruby from Thailand

This specimen from The Natural Ruby Company is a translucent, oval cabochon ruby weighing 2.38 carats, with exact dimensions of 8.95 x 7.09 x 3.76 mm. The body color is best described as purplish red, with an intense color intensity that remains saturated across the table of the cabochon. Origin is Thailand, and the piece has been heat treated, a standard enhancement for rubies from this region aimed at improving hue uniformity and overall color saturation. Clarity is graded as included when evaluated at eye level, which indicates the presence of internal characteristics visible to the unaided eye, consistent with natural formation and common to many commercially important rubies. The polish is excellent, delivering a smooth, reflective surface that enhances color and tactile appeal, while the cabochon style optimizes the stone for jewelry that benefits from a smooth dome and luminous color glow.

From a lapidary and craftsmanship perspective, this ruby exhibits a well executed cabochon profile, with a moderate dome height that balances light diffusion and surface area. The length to width ratio of 8.95 to 7.09 produces a classic oval silhouette that is easily accommodated in traditional bezel and prong settings designed for cabochons. The depth of 3.76 mm relative to the planar dimensions yields an effective depth percentage near 47 percent, a proportion that preserves a pleasing silhouette while maintaining sufficient thickness for durability during setting. The cabochon cut was executed to retain maximum rough weight and color, with the cutter prioritizing even dome curvature and symmetry across the girdle. The excellent polish is indicative of final stages of lap polishing performed on progressively finer abrasives, resulting in a mirror like finish that minimizes surface reflections that could otherwise mask the stone body color.

Optical and clarity observations are important for assessing performance in finished jewelry. The translucency of this ruby allows for a warm, internal glow rather than the sparkle of a faceted gem, and the intense purplish red hue responds well to diffused light sources, exhibiting uniform saturation across the dome. Clarity inclusions are present at eye level, and typical internal features for included grade rubies can consist of mineral crystals, needle like rutile silk, and healed fractures, all of which can interact with light to produce internal character. Heat treatment performed on this example is consistent with industry practice for Thai rubies, commonly used to enhance color and reduce the visual impact of fine silk, while not altering the natural crystal lattice in a way that would misrepresent origin. Under standard viewing conditions, inclusions contribute to the gemological story of the stone, and they also affect light transmission in a way that supports the deep, even tone that collectors and designers often seek in cabochon rubies.

For practical use and market placement, this 2.38 carat oval cabochon is ideal for bespoke jewelry applications where color intensity and surface quality are primary considerations. Bezel settings, closed back mountings, and halo surrounds will emphasize the rich purplish red body color while providing mechanical security given the included clarity grade. The dimensions make it suitable for center stones in rings, pendants, and statement earrings, and the moderate depth supports a low profile when set in wearable designs. Prospective buyers who appreciate natural origin and lapidary technique will value the provenance from Thailand and the transparent disclosure of heat treatment. The Natural Ruby Company provides high resolution imaging and detailed measurement data to support appraisal and design decisions, and we recommend gemological verification if a formal certificate is required for insurance or resale. This ruby represents a technically interesting and visually compelling example of a traditional cabochon cut, combining intense color, thoughtful cutting proportions, and meticulous polishing to achieve a piece that performs well in both curated collections and fine jewelry commissions.