3.47 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

This offering from The Natural Ruby Company is a transparent, oval shape ruby weighing 3.47 carat, with precise dimensions of 9.87 x 8.35 x 4.56 mm. The stone has been cut to a mixed brilliant style, combining a faceted crown designed for light return with a pavilion that emphasizes depth and scintillation. Clarity is graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, with inclusions that are consistent with natural rubies and which do not compromise the overall transparency of the gem. Color intensity is vivid, presenting a saturated red tone that is characteristic of quality material from Mozambique. The surface finish is excellent, with polished facets that are even and free of obvious machining marks. Enhancement is by heat treatment, a standard and stable process used to improve color and clarity in natural rubies.

The proportions of this ruby contribute to its visual presence and optical performance. With a length of 9.87 mm and a width of 8.35 mm, the stone sits as a substantial face up size for an oval, and a depth of 4.56 mm yields a balanced depth to spread ratio of approximately 50 percent. These proportions allow the mixed brilliant facet arrangement to manage light efficiently, producing a pleasing combination of broad color and lively scintillation. The crown facets are cut to balance brightness with color, while the pavilion facet pattern returns light to the eye in dynamic flashes. The excellent polish enhances facet contrast and edge definition, which supports crisp reflections under direct lighting and a smooth, even wash of color under diffuse illumination.

Behavior under varied lighting conditions illustrates the ruby's versatility and optical richness. In natural daylight, particularly open shade or north facing light, the gem presents its truest vivid red, with even saturation across the table and minimal darkening towards the edges. In direct midday sun the stone intensifies, showing bright flashes and strong red fire as the mixed brilliant facets break the light into scattering highlights. Under warm incandescent lighting the stone takes on a richer, slightly warmer red, with subtle orange red overtones becoming more apparent, and the overall appearance becomes more velvety. Modern LED lighting often enhances contrast and scintillation, producing crisp pinpoint reflections and a lively play between bright facets and saturated color. In softer candlelight and other low intensity warm sources the ruby deepens, exhibiting a more subdued, velvety red that emphasizes body color over sparkle. Under halogen or other high output white light sources the stone displays increased brilliance and scintillation, with the facet junctions acting as bright mirrors that throw light back to the observer.

The clarity grade of slightly included means that inclusions are present at the eye level but are modest in size and distribution, and they do not significantly interrupt the gem s transparency or color. In this particular specimen the inclusions are principally internal and tend to be located away from the central table, which preserves visual impact when the stone is set. Heat treatment has been applied to enhance color saturation and clarity, and it is a commonly accepted and stable enhancement for rubies. Origin from Mozambique is associated with vivid saturated color and good crystallographic properties, and this specimen displays those regional characteristics in both hue and saturation. The mixed brilliant cut, combined with the stone s dimensions and clarity profile, makes the ruby suitable for a variety of settings where both color and light performance are important. Open back settings or mounts that allow light to enter from behind will maximize color and brilliance, while protective bezel styles can be used when additional security is required, without unduly muting the stone s face up presence.

Care and selection considerations are straightforward and practical. The stone s hardness and toughness are consistent with ruby, making it appropriate for daily wear in rings, as a pendant focal, or as a centerpiece in bespoke jewelry. Routine cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is recommended to maintain brilliance, and exposure to harsh chemicals or abrupt thermal shock should be avoided to preserve the integrity of the gem and its heat treatment. The Natural Ruby Company can provide further details on sourcing, treatment disclosure, and setting recommendations, and we can assist with arranging a certified gemological report if required. This ruby represents a balanced combination of vivid Mozambique color, thoughtful cutting, and professional finishing, suitable for a refined and enduring jewelry design.