2.52 Ct. Ruby from Burma (Myanmar)

This offering from The Natural Ruby Company is a fine transparent C.Dunaigre certified vivid red Pigeon s Blood ruby, weighing 2.52 carats, cut into a classic cushion shape with exact dimensions of 8.14 by 6.83 by 4.96 millimeters. The cutting style is faceted, employing a mixed brilliant approach that balances brilliance and color saturation. The length to width ratio is approximately 1.19, producing a slightly elongated cushion outline that maximizes visible surface area without compromising depth. The total depth measures 4.96 millimeters, which yields an overall depth ratio of approximately 66.3 percent when referenced to the average girdle diameter, a proportion that sits squarely within the practical range for optimal light return in corundum. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, indicating that small natural inclusions are present but do not materially interrupt the gem s transparency. The stone has been heat treated, a standard and stable enhancement for rubies, and its origin is Burma, Myanmar, which is consistent with the intense chromium rich coloration and classic fluorescence associated with the finest Burmese material.

The mixed brilliant faceting on this cushion ruby is executed to precise geometric criteria, combining a finely faceted brilliant crown with a carefully arranged pavilion that includes stepped facets for controlled light distribution. On the crown, properly proportioned star and kite facets converge to a table that frames the color while permitting strong face up brilliance. The pavilion features a series of larger pavilion mains interleaved with smaller step facets, a configuration that enhances internal light circulation and creates a dynamic interplay between broad flashes of brightness and pinpoint scintillation. The junctions of facets are rendered with tight symmetry and consistent facet junction angles, which is critical because even slight deviations in facet alignment can scatter light unpredictably and reduce overall sparkle. The girdle has been finished to a consistent thickness to facilitate secure mounting, and the overall symmetry of the cushion outline preserves evenly distributed light return across the entire face of the gem.

From an optical and physical standpoint, the cutter has tuned facet angles to the refractive index properties of corundum, which typically ranges from 1.762 to 1.770. The critical angle for total internal reflection in corundum is approximately 34.5 degrees, and achieving internal facet orientations that promote angles greater than this threshold is essential for high return of light to the viewer. The mixed brilliant configuration takes advantage of this by using crown angles that refract incoming light into the pavilion at effective angles for internal reflection, and pavilion geometry that redirects that light back through the crown for maximum perceived brilliance. The vivid red saturation noted as Pigeon s Blood is a result of strong chromium absorption bands in the visible spectrum, and the stone exhibits rich color concentration with excellent evenness of tone across the table. Slight inclusions, often rutile silk or small mineral crystals typical of Burmese rubies, can act to diffuse light subtly, enhancing the depth of color without significantly impairing transparency. Heat treatment in this specimen has been applied to improve both color uniformity and clarity, stabilizing silk distribution and reducing the visual impact of some internal features while preserving the stone s natural character.

Craftsmanship and finish reinforce the technical virtues of this ruby, with an excellent polish that yields clean facet reflections and sharp facet intersections. The surface finish minimizes light scatter at facet faces, enhancing contrast and allowing the geometric faceting to deliver crisp flashes of red light and fine scintillation under movement. For settings, a low profile bezel or a well proportioned prong mounting will best display the cushion geometry while protecting the girdle area, and custom mounting can take advantage of the stone s slightly elongated outline to create a visually larger presence on the finger or pendant. The C.Dunaigre certification included with the stone provides independent verification of weight, dimensions, color intensity, clarity grade, and origin, and The Natural Ruby Company stands behind the physical and gemological assertions in that report. This 2.52 carat Burmese cushion ruby represents a finely executed example of geometric faceting and material quality, offering both the saturated Pigeon s Blood hue prized by collectors and the engineered optical performance that allows maximum light play.