3.04 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

From the very first glint that caught our geologists eye in the alluvial gravels of Mozambique, to the polished cushion that rests in our display case, this ruby has been handled with purpose and expertise. This is a Bellerophon certified Red, transparent ruby weighing 3.04 carat, cut into a classic cushion shape with measurements of 9.34 by 7.53 by 4.26 mm. The cutter chose a mixed brilliant cut to balance fire and depth, yielding a play of light that reads rich and alive at every angle. Its clarity is described as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a level of clarity that allows color and brilliance to dominate without distracting inclusions. Color is where this gem most clearly speaks for itself, with a vivid color intensity that reads true red under daylight and artificial light, and an excellent polish that gives the surface a mirror finish. As with many responsibly sourced rubies on the market this stone has undergone heat treatment, a stable and widely accepted enhancement that intensifies color while preserving the stone natural character and durability. At The Natural Ruby Company we present this ruby as an object of natural beauty and careful human refinement, certified and ready for the next chapter in its life.

The story of this ruby is one of geology and skilled hands, beginning in Mozambique where fertile deposits continue to yield some of the finest rubies of the modern trade. Our team works closely with vetted local miners who follow best practices, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring traceability from the point of extraction. The rough was selected for size, hue, and potential for transparency, then transported to our trusted lapidaries. During cutting the decision to use a mixed brilliant pavilion and a carefully faceted crown was intentional. This approach maximizes internal reflection and yields vivid flashes while retaining weight and an appealing cushion outline. The stone was then carefully heat treated by a controlled process that improves the red saturation without compromising structural integrity. After treatment the gem received an expert polish to achieve the excellent finish you see. Finally the ruby was independently evaluated and issued a Bellerophon certificate, confirming the weight, dimensions, country of origin, clarity description, cut style, treatment status, and natural origin. That document accompanies the gem, so what you receive is not a promise but verified provenance and grading, a level of accountability that sets our offerings apart.

Compared to other rubies that you will encounter in the market this specimen offers a unique combination of attributes that define superior value and rarity. Many rubies in the same carat range will trade off between color and clarity, or between richness of hue and transparency. This cushion ruby presents a vivid color without the heavy veiling that can mute brilliance, and its very very slightly included clarity at eye level means it sparkles freely while remaining natural. In contrast, low priced rubies often hide heavy inclusions or evidence of fracture filling, treatments that can diminish long term value. On the other end of the market, unheated Burmese stones may command a premium for historical prestige, but they are rare and expensive, and often come with provenance and legal complications. Mozambique rubies today are recognized for offering ruby lovers the best balance of intense red color and modern supply, and when combined with thoughtful cutting and certification they deliver a level of quality often reserved for much higher price brackets. The mixed brilliant cut here is another distinguishing factor, because it draws more brilliance than the shallow commercial cuts you see in mass market pieces, and the cushion shape translates well into both classic and contemporary jewelry settings, preserving more of the original carat weight while creating a generous visual footprint on the finger or pendant.

When you consider this ruby as a piece for jewelry, investment, or a meaningful gift, the decision becomes clearer. A 3.04 carat cushion ruby with the clarity and polish observed here will sit well in a solitaire ring, surrounded halo, or as the centerpiece of an artisan pendant. Its dimensions make it comfortable for rings while offering an elegant presence on the hand, as shown in our images where the ruby reads proportionally large and vividly red against skin tones. Beyond aesthetics, the Bellerophon certification and our detailed disclosure of heat treatment create confidence in purchase, because you receive full information about what you are buying from The Natural Ruby Company. We pride ourselves on transparency, and that philosophy is reflected in the careful sourcing, the controlled enhancement, and the independent verification that accompanies this gem. For collectors who compare stones, this ruby offers an exceptional ratio of color intensity to clarity and polish, and for those who buy for beauty and emotion it is a rare natural red that will wear daily without fear of sudden alteration. If you would like more information on setting options, secure shipping, or viewing under different lighting conditions we are available to guide you, and our team will assist with mounting designs that preserve the stone proportions and showcase its vivid red color.